Thomas Derienzo, Fire Safety Manager

Tom has served as the Fire Safety Manager at NJCU since 2019. He began his career in the fire service in 1987 and has served as a Fire Chief and Fire Official. 

Tom brings extensive training to NJCU. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.  He is a NJ State certified Firefighter, Fire Official/Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Fire Instructor. He is certified as a Fire Investigation Technician through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and holds New York State Fire Investigator 1 certification.

As the Fire Safety Manager, his responsibilities include:

• Conducting fire and life safety inspections of all campus facilities for potential fire safety hazards and compliance with applicable fire codes.
• Responding to all alarms and requests for fire service on campus including fire alarms, odors of smoke, gas leaks, hazardous materials incidents, etc.
• Developing and managing all college fire safety programs including written policies/procedures and all fire safety training programs for faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinating fire safety evacuation drill for each College facility in accordance with state requirements.
• Assisting with incident/accident investigations including working with the NJ Division of Fire Safety to determine fire scene origin and cause.
• Maintaining all records to assure fire safety compliance in accordance with Federal and State requirements.
• Serving as the main contact for the NJ Division of Fire Safety and liaison for the Jersey City Fire Department during all on campus incidents.
• Acting as the subject matter expert for campus fire and life safety issues.