New Pelham Manor Fire Chief Michael Greco is as local as you can get.

He grew up in Pelham, graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1992 and is the first person to move up through all the department’s ranks from volunteer to become chief.

“I always knew I wanted to help people,” said Greco. “I actually grew up down the block from the firehouse I now work in.”

“Being a fire chief is one of the greatest responsibilities that you could ever have,” he said. “You have the safety of the neighborhood and it’s residents in your hands.”

Greco was promoted by the village board from captain to chief in June, replacing Chief Joseph Ruggiero, who retired after 30 years of service.

In his time in the department, Greco helped bring back the fire prevention program to the elementary schools and assisted in working with Seagrave Fire Apparatus to rebuild Tower Ladder 3.

“During my career, I worked as fire prevention officer,” said Greco. “I also helped with the toy drives that are held at the firehouse.”

He also wrote several grant applications, securing more than $350,000 for fire equipment, and recently worked with a consultant to revamp Pelham Manor’s communications technology, bringing in a new radio system that coordinates with Westchester County’s.

The chief holds several national training certificates, including Fire Officer 1, Fire Officer 2, Fire Instructor 1 and Fire Instructor 2. He is involved in the Boy Scouts and other volunteer organizations in town.