Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"You are now at the gateway to true leadership," Mayor Giuliani said. "From here on, you will be having greater and greater influence on the direction and future of this Fire Department and on the safety of this City. The entire City stands behind you in this effort because you are our front line leadership, the backbone of the Department. From bunker gear to improved communications to training, the City and the Department provides you with the best."
Mayor Giuliani continued, "When people hear the cry of 'FIRE' they run as fast as they can from the flames, but when firefighters hear this cry they run toward the flames, saving lives and protecting property. You have worked long and hard for this day and the people of New York City, the Fire Commissioner and I congratulate you."
"Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Giuliani the Fire Department will continue to have seasoned professionals supervising firefighters and officers during a fire's early stages," Commissioner Von Essen said. "These newly promoted chiefs, battalion chiefs, captains and lieutenants will contribute greatly to the safety of firefighters and New Yorkers. I congratulate all of those who are being promoted today."
The Mayor and Fire Commissioner congratulated the 15 firefighters who were promoted to lieutenant, the 25 lieutenants promoted to captain and the 25 captains promoted to battalion chief. Mayor Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Von Essen also recognized newly appointed Deputy Commissioner for Public Information Michael Regan; Deputy Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs Marylynn Tierney; Assistant Chief Peter J. Ganci and Deputy Assistant Chief Gerard A. Barbara.