Fire Commissioner Nigro Presides over Promotion Ceremony for 80 Fire Officers

January 3, 2019

Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the promotion of 80 Fire Officers on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at York College in Queens.

At the ceremony, Supervising Fire Marshal Michael Durkin was promoted to Assistant Chief Fire Marshal, the second highest rank in the FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation.

“Mike came on the job in May of 2001, and has spent the majority of his career investigating the cause and origin of fires, as well as seeking and apprehending those who would use fire as a weapon to injure others,” said Commissioner Nigro.

In addition 17 Captains were promoted to Battalion Chief, four Supervising Fire Marshals were promoted to Supervising Fire Marshal Level II, 25 Lieutenants were promoted to Captain, six members were promoted to Supervising Fire Marshal, two members were promoted to Marine Engineer, and 25 Firefighters were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. They will be assigned to various units throughout the city.

Among the 80 members promoted were Firefighters recognized for acts of bravery in their career and several military veterans, including Lieutenant James Cahill, a United States Marine Corps Veteran.

“I joined the Department back in 2006 because I wanted to be the best. I wanted my job to be to help people and I knew that the Fire Department would help me achieve that,” said Lt Cahill. “I was previously in the Marine Corps and the military helped prepare me for the physical training, attention to detail, and discipline that comes with being a Firefighter. I’m looking forward to the challenges that await me in my new position.”

“Collaboration, teamwork, training – those are what make the difference for us,” said acting Chief of Department John Sudnik. “Every rank is critical – and every officer plays a key role in making sure we are always moving forward and improving our training, safety, and performance.”

The promoted officers will be assigned to units throughout the city.

For photos of the promotion ceremony, click here.