Fire Commissioner Nigro Presides at Promotion Ceremony for 6 EMS Officers

February 28, 2018

On Wednesday, February 28th, Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the promotion ceremony for 6 EMS officers.  Altogether, the senior officers have dedicated their lives in serving the Department and New Yorkers for the past 165 years.

“It’s remarkable to think about the number of calls you’ve all responded to, the Paramedics and EMTs you’ve led and mentored, and the number of lives you have all touched throughout your careers,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “You will continue to build upon the successes of your predecessors, and you’ll make our Bureau of EMS even stronger going forward than it is today.”

Deputy Assistant Chief Frederick Villani was promoted to Assistant Chief, One Division Chief was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief, two Deputy Chiefs were promoted to Division Chief, and two Captains were promoted to Deputy Chief.

Their experiences include preparing emergency response to major events and managing mass casualty incidents across the five boroughs, ensuring the safety of millions of New Yorkers and tourists.

“I’ve been in this Department for over 37 years, I am very grateful because after all of these years, I am still excited to come into work every day,” said Assistant Chief Villani. “I am ready for this new challenge and excited for the change that will come with my promotion.”

“The 6 men and women being promoted this morning have all done it all in EMS,” said Chief of Department James E. Leonard. “There’s not a call you haven’t seen or any situation or scenario that you haven’t responded to – as you continue, each decision you make will have ramifications for stations throughout your division and across the job.”

“I joined the Department 29 years ago simply because I wanted to help people, this career has exceeded my wildest expectations,” said Deputy Chief Cheryl Middleton. “The Department trained me from my position as an EMT all the way to my new position now, I am excited for this new opportunity, it will be interesting to see the difference I can make in my new position and the positivity I can bring to the job. I want to spread the good.”

For photos of the promotion ceremony, click here.