May 21, 1998

Contact: Cathy DelliCarpini (718/595-6600)

DEP Commisioner Miele Promoted to Rear Admiral in New York's Naval Militia

In a ceremony at City Hall this morning, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E. was sworn in as Rear Admiral in the New York Naval Militia retired list by Commanding Officer, Rear Admiral Robert A. Rosen. The ceremony was part of Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's 1998 Fleet Week Welcome. Joining Mayor Giuliani and Rear Admirals Rosen and Miele was Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton, and the commanding officers of the fleet vessels.

The promotion for Commissioner Miele is the crowning achievement in a military record that spans 32 years in the U.S. Navy, both active and reserve, as well as the New York Naval Militia. The Commissioner's responsibilities during his years of service included Naval construction projects throughout the Western Hemisphere, and command of a Navy construction battalion and a Naval construction regiment. His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation. His last primary responsibility prior to retiring from Naval service in 1988 was director of operations for the International Naval Review held in 1986.

Commissioner Miele's contributions to the City include serving more than two years as Commissioner of the Department of Buildings prior to being appointed by Mayor Giuliani to head DEP in 1996. He has also lent his expertise as a professional engineer to a myriad of civic organizations over the last 30 years, most often serving in leadership positions.

Commenting on his promotion Commissioner Miele said, "I am pleased and honored the State of New York has seen fit to select me for this promotion. I have always been convinced that some of the most gratifying experiences in life come through public service. My military service and my professional career have only served to deepen that conviction."