Carl Hassett, born and raised in the Bronx, is very proud of his 20 year career with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and was stationed in South Bronx, Ladder Co. #42; one of the busiest ladder companies in New York City responding to over 6,000 runs per year.

Prior to his fire career, he acquired an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. Upon joining (FDNY) he received a Masters in Fire Science along with several Class A Medals and Citations for Life Saving.

Carl became a Rutherford resident upon marrying his wife Yvonne. Upon retiring from (FDNY), he joined the Rutherford Fire Dept with now 40 years of fire experience. He is an Upholsterer, Window Treatment Fabricator/Designer for his business, E&S Upholstery LLC, along with Yvonne Hassett owner of Meadowlands Decorating Center; both located in East Rutherford.

Carl joined the Mid-Bergen club in 2007 because Yvonne joined in 2006 but eventually didn’t have time to attend all the meetings so he decided to take her place. Already his belief in "Service Above Self" from his fire profession, Rotary became a wonderful fit for giving back to community again. He became President of Mid-Bergen in 2011-2012.

In 2011, Carl along with fellow club member DG Calisto Bertin, founded the Military Family Assistance Center (MFAC). Government funding for the Teaneck Armory food pantry was being closed so Carl and Calisto developed a food pantry and assistance program for family members of deployed active military personnel. The District 7490 Military Family Assistance Center food pantry began in the basement of Carl and Yvonne’s business. (MFAC) began in Bergen County then Paterson (MFAC) was set up the following year.

Carl became club President 2012-2013. Super Storm Sandy hit and Carl offered his time to assist with the donated food/goods that were coming in from all over the country to District 7490 Bergen County Sandy distribution center in Paramus NJ. He drove his large van back and forth delivering donations to Moonachie, Teterboro and the Rockaways.

Carl served as District Secretary 2013-2014 for DG Lenny Agrusti. Carl and Lenny, both First Responders, developed a “CPR Anytime” presentation which they taught to District clubs then to community organizations and schools which lead to getting attention by State Educators to mandate High School Seniors take “CPR Anytime” in order to graduate.

Positions held:
• Walter D. Head Foundation Trustee 2013-2015, 2018-present.
• 2014-2015-Assistant Governor Coordinator-DG Calisto Bertin.
• 2015-2016-Club President, AG of Administration-DG Peter Wells, Chair Military Family Assistance Center (MFAC) and Disaster Relief Chair.
• 2016-2017-Recipentant of New Jersey Vocational Award District 7490.
• 2017-2018- Disaster Relief Committee Chair, District Sergeant At Arms, CPR Trainer and International Convention Chair. Sergeant At Arms for Atlanta RI International Convention. 2017- Disaster Aid Response Team Leader,
• 2018-Director of Disaster Aid USA Zone 32. 2018- Sergeant At Arms RI Toronto International Convention.
• Carl is an RLI Graduate/Facilitator, Paul Harris Fellow, 3-time District 7490 Walter D. Head Fellow, RI Sustaining Member. He has served all offices for Mid-Bergen Rotary club.
• His wife Yvonne of 22 years, is also a Rotarian in Hackensack Rotary club, a Paul Harris Fellow, a Walter Head Fellow, 2 term club President, Senior AG, Chaired the District’s Youth Services, member RI World Choir and sings professionally. Yvonne is also Chain Saw Certified with Disaster Aid USA.

Carl and Yvonne are also parents to 1 wonderful rescue dog and two fluffy rescue cats.