The FDNY recently held a promotion ceremony at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island, recognizing the achievements of fire operations members and marking a historic first for the department’s chaplaincy.
Members were promoted to the ranks of Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Supervising Fire Marshal, and Fire Marshal during the ceremony, which drew families, colleagues, and department leadership to celebrate the accomplishments.
In a milestone announcement, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, a longtime FDNY chaplain with more than 25 years of service, was named the department’s first Chief Chaplain, a first in the FDNY’s 160-year history.
“By now, I have done a bunch of these promotion ceremonies. Every time, I love this day even more,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see you all succeed. I look out among the companies, the banners, the signs and the audience, and I know all of you feel the same pride that I do. Today is a great day.”
Chief of Department John Esposito commended the honorees for their dedication and leadership. “Today is a proud day for you, your families and this Department,” Esposito said. “A promotion in the FDNY is never handed out; it is earned through years of studying, experience and training. Please do not forget that. Leadership in our Department is not about rank, and it is not a popularity contest. It’s about setting an example for those that look up to you and doing what is right.”
The newly promoted members will take on assignments across New York City, continuing the department’s long tradition of service and leadership.
