Fire Promotions

Lt. Patrick Depierro (third from left) and his father, John, at his promotion ceremony with Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, Deputy Assistant Chief Raymond Goldbach.

As the packed crowd cheered and waved banners of congratulations, one battalion chief and 15 lieutenants were promoted on Sept. 24, during a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters.

“This is an important step on your career ladder, one that takes dedication and sacrifice,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “Today you are becoming part of the legacy that was bequeathed to you.”

Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano applauded the members’ hard work that earned them their promotions.

“Obviously you have dedication and commitment to this job, or you wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Lt. Robert Dereskewicz at promotions with his wife and Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.

Newly promoted Lt. Robert Dereskewicz, from Ladder 11, noted that “studying for the exam was like working a second job.”

He said he was “overwhelmed” to be promoted and “this will be a big change, but I’m anxious to get started.”

Also among the members promoted to lieutenant was Patrick Depierro of Ladder 136, who praised his fellow members for pushing him to be a better firefighter: “There are a lot of great guys in the firehouse whom I have had the honor to learn from each day.”

He added that he comes from a long line of firefighters who inspired him to join the Department – his father, John, has worked at Engine 305 for nearly 40 years and his great-grandfather also was a member of the FDNY.

“I’m honoring [my father] by being here today,” he said. “Being around the firehouse as a kid you never want to leave. I want to keep doing this for another 25 years.”

The promoted members include:

Promoted to Battalion Chief
Capt. Cornelius J. Cronin

Promoted to Lieutenant
FM Robert H. Ravert
FF Christopher E. McKlusky
FF Robert J. Dereskewicz
FF John F. Heaney
FF Michael J. McAuliffe
FF Stephen Forlenza
FF Patrick Depierro
FF Thomas A. Guarnieri
FF Matthew Getz
FF Timothy M. Murphy
FF Christopher E. Zam
FF Gregory G. Lynch
FF Emil J. Borg
FM Eric A. Torres
FF Patrick E. McNiff