Fire and EMS Promotions and Surprise Graduation

 

It was a day to celebrate the FDNY and its members’ dedicated service to the United States.

Twenty-two members of the Fire and EMS Command were promoted during an enthusiastic ceremony at the Fire Academy on May 8. One of the promoted members, Battalion Chief Steven P. Fitzgerald, will be deployed to Iraq with the Army National Guard in June.

Also during the ceremony, Probationary Firefighter Christopher Little received his certificate of completion from the Academy, since he is due to be deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps before his graduation ceremony in June.

“Few people understand the beauty of conquering fear better than the members of this Department,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

In all, one member was promoted to EMS division chief, four to fire battalion chief, one to EMS captain, 15 to fire lieutenant and one to provisional marine engineer.

“Your number one mission is to make sure all your members go home safely,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. “It’s not an easy job, but it can be very gratifying.”

Also among the promoted members was Battalion Chief Robert Ginley, whose brother, Lt. John Ginley, was tragically killed on September 11, 2001.

Promoted members included:

EMS Division Chief
DC Michael Fitton

Battalion Chief
Captain James G. Doherty, E-291
Captain Robert C. Ginley, E-62
Captain Kenneth M. Stefanak, D-7
Captain Steven P. Fitzgerald, D-14

EMS Captain
Lt. Nancy Gilligan

Fire Lieutenant
FF Kenneth G. Quinn, L-48
FF Ernest M. Ehlberg, Jr., L-51
FF Michael P. Brodbeck, E-210
FF Domenic Zito, E-286
FF Joseph G. Gildea, L-14
FF Philip Senra, E-297
FM Russell W. Ridky, BKBAS
FF Vincent M. Lanzante, E-165
FF William P. O’Leary, L-51
FF Thomas O’Leary, L-25
FF William N. Fanos, L-7
FF Gary D. Delaraba, Jr., L-11
FF James W. Reilly, L-37
FF Craig D. Gobbo, L-127
FF Nicholas S. Pinto, L-148

Provisional Marine Engineer
WPR Jorge Maldonado, MARDIV