EMS Promotions

At the start of EMS Week, the FDNY promoted 24 EMS officers.

It was a boisterous way to kick off EMS Week 2011.

The FDNY promoted one deputy chief, four captains and 19 lieutenants during a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters on May 16.

"Thank you for making ours the best pre-hospital care service in the world," said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.

The promoted members represented more than 300 years of experience.

The members will be assigned to units throughout the five boroughs.

"You have taken the extra step to identify yourselves as our future leaders," said Chief of Department Edward Kilduff. "We know EMS is in good hands with all of you."

Among the promoted members were Lts. William O'Neill and Natalia Polunin, who are married.

"Today is just the beginning," said EMS Chief Abdo Nahmod. "Now it's our job to help you succeed."

The promoted members included:

To Deputy Chief
Capt. Christine Mazzola

To Captain
Lt. Mark Bonilla
Lt. Joseph Gasparini
Lt. Alberto Meade
Lt. Norberto Torres

To Lieutenant
Paramedic John O'Connor
Paramedic Jeanne Pirrone
Paramedic Matthew Miller
Paramedic Richard Vazquez
Paramedic Brendan Bass
Paramedic Telina Brock
Paramedic Charles Vitale
Paramedic Natalia Polunin
Paramedic Sean Benjamin
Paramedic William O'Neill
Paramedic Michael Daddona
Paramedic Giovanna Caldarella
Paramedic Christopher D'Auria
Paramedic Daniel Napoletano
Paramedic Leonid Tverskoy
Paramedic Michael Martin
Paramedic Melissa Ovalle
Paramedic Charles McCarren
Paramedic James McCue