Field Command

Gary Ebner

Gary Ebner

Deputy Chief

Born in Philadelphia, a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School (1985) and Pennco Technical Institute. Chief Ebner began his volunteer career in emergency services as a firefighter and EMT in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. After marriage to his wife Cheryl and the birth of their daughter, they relocated to the Tansboro section of Winslow Township in 1997. After settling into their new home Gary joined the Tansboro Volunteer Fire Company (25-4). As a volunteer he has served through the ranks and in officer positions including Captain of Station 25-4 until his promotion to Battalion Chief in February 2016. He also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster to Troop 132 in Sicklerville and an Associate Advisor to the WTFD Fire Explorer Post. 

Chief Ebner continues his education through the Camden County College and Kean University. During free time he enjoys golf and traveling with his wife and their two children Allison and Anthony (A.J).

Michael Passarella III

Michael Passarella III

Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Passarella has lived in the Waterford section of Winslow Township his entire life.  He has two children Marisa and Michael Jr.  Michael is 47 years of age and has been an active volunteer member of the Winslow Township Fire Department for twenty five years.  Michael started as an apparatus engineer in the Waterford Vol. Fire Co. and worked his way through the ranks as Station Commander.  He currently serves as Battalion Chief for the Department for the last ten years.  Michael is the apparatus fleet manager where he is responsible for daily repairs and apparatus purchasing for the fleet.  Michael has proudly worked for the Township of Winslow for the past 11 years. 

Zach Van Atter

Zach Van Atter

Battalion Chief

Born in Washington Township, NJ a graduate of Winslow Township High School (2010) who has also resided in Winslow Township his entire life. Battalion Chief Van Atter began his volunteer career in emergency services as a Probationary Firefighter assigned to Sicklerville Volunteer Fire Company (25-7). As a volunteer he has served the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain of Station 25-7 until his promotion to Battalion Chief in September of 2020. Battalion Chief Van Atter will administrate stations 25-4 (Tansboro), 25-6 (Albion), 25-8 (Waterford), and 25-9 (Elm). Additionally, he will be assisting in the training division and reviewing the departments operational guidelines. Battalion Chief Van Atter currently resides in the Cedar Brook section of Winslow Township with his twins Harper and Hudson. Battalion Chief Van Atter works as a career firefighter in Howard County, Maryland for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Battalion Chief Van Atter continues his education through the National Fire Academy, Camden County College, and the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

During free time he enjoys trips/vacations to the New Jersey shores and watching his kids grow!

Steven Silcott

Steven Silcott

Career Deputy Chief

Battalion Chief Silcott joined the fire service in July of 2001 as a volunteer with the Waterford Township Fire Department. In 2006, he was hired as a part time Firefighter / EMT with the City of North Wildwood. Then in 2008, received his Associates Degree in Applied Science as well as two certificates in Fire Science Technology (Fire Administration and Fire Suppression). In 2008, Chief Silcott was hired as a Firefighter within our Department. Since his time here, Chief Silcott has held the ranks of Firefighter, Provisional Lieutenant, Captain, and Career Battalion Chief. Chief Silcott is a Fire Inspector and Emergency Services Instructor Level II as well the Training Officer for our Department. Chief Silcott is in Command of our Career Staff Personnel and is the second-highest ranking Career Officer within the Department. Chief Silcott is also the Confined Space / Technical Rescue Coordinator for the Department.

Chief Silcott resides in Franklin Township with his wife Kristy and three children.

Paul Sickler

Paul Sickler

Career Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Sickler has been a lifelong resident of Winslow Township, Joining the Sicklerville Volunteer Fire company in 1988, In 2008 he was hired as full-time career firefighter. He was made a provisional Lieutenant and then Captain serving on Squad 25 Platoon A. Following that in 2022 he was promoted to Battalion Chief overseeing the operations of the career firefighters and administering many projects and programs.

Victor Farinelli

Victor Farinelli

Career Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Farinelli joined the fire service in 2005 as a volunteer with the Winslow Township Fire Department assigned to Station 25-3. In 2006, he was hired provisionally as part of the first group of career firefighters in Winslow Township. In 2008, he was hired permanently and received his Associates Degree in Applied Science with two certificates in Fire Science Technology (Fire Administration and Fire Suppression). In 2015 he was promoted to Captain, and in 2023 promotion to Battalion Chief. Chief Farinelli is a Fire Inspector, Level II Fire Instructor and EMT. Chief Farinelli has been part of various committees within the Department including Personal Protective Equipment and Apparatus Design. Chief Farinelli currently serves as the lead for the Fire Departments Training Props and Design. In his free time Chief Farinelli serves as a fire instructor with Eckert Fire Tactics LLC.

Chief Farinelli resides in Williamstown with his wife Nicole and son.