EMS workers stood and applauded for their former chief, Richard Serino, after he was sworn in as FEMA’s deputy administrator yesterday at Faneuil Hall.
(David L. Ryan/ Globe Staff)
Serino sworn in to the deputy post at FEMA
EMS workers stood and applauded for their former chief, Richard Serino, after he was sworn in as FEMA’s deputy administrator yesterday at Faneuil Hall.
(David L. Ryan/ Globe Staff)
Richard Serino, the longtime chief of Boston Emergency Medical Services, was officially sworn in yesterday as deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the agency’s number two post.
Serino - his wife Doreen Serino at his side holding a Bible, and a team of EMS workers standing in support - was sworn in by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in a ceremony yesterday in Boston.
“I was honored and truly humbled,’’ Serino said later in a phone interview. “It was truly a touching moment for me.’’ He spoke of the significance of having the event at historic Faneuil Hall and of the range of people who attended, including representatives from the State Police, the Boston police and fire departments, the National Guard, and businesses and philanthropic groups. Their attendance, he said, spoke to the partnerships EMS has built, which he hopes to duplicate on the federal level.
Serino, 55, was nominated to the position in July by President Obama and will serve during a critical time for the country’s homeland security operations. In his new role, he will help design emergency response plans for major cities across the country and manage responses to disasters, ranging from hurricanes to terrorist attacks.
After 36 years with EMS, he officially left his post on Oct. 8, telling staff: “This is C1, you can log me off for the last time. Thank you for the great ride. You are all the best.’’
As EMS head, Serino had overseen more than 40 Boston mass casualty incidents and coordinated emergency plans for special events, including the July Fourth festivities, the Boston marathon, and the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Jim Hooley, the EMS superintendent, has been serving as acting chief. The Boston Public Health Commission is yet to name a permanent replacement.
Milton Valencia can be reached at mvalencia@globe.com. 
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
