Fire Commissioner Promotes 79 Fire Officers

February 23, 2017

On Thursday, February 23, 2017, Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over a ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn to promote 79 Fire Officers.

 “Whether you’ve served in firehouses for decades and are now reaching the rank of Deputy Chief, or you’re a young Firefighter becoming an officer for the first time like our new Lieutenants,” said Commissioner Nigro. “Each of you has demonstrated leadership to be here this morning.”

Commissioner Nigro reminded the Fire Officers how important their new leadership roles were, “Now – going forward – you must continue to lead.” 

Chief of Department James E. Leonard also emphasized leadership while recognizing the leaders who helped teach the officers being promoted, “we all learned from great leaders who came before us – those Firefighters who helped teach us and show us the way,” said Chief Leonard. “Now it’s your turn to lead – it’s your turn to pay it forward.”

Many of the promoted members highlighted leadership as a critical value to move the Department forward and keep communities safe in their new responsibilities. 

“I love working for the FDNY because this job allows me to serve the public,” said Lieutenant Shaun Cullen. “To be a Lieutenant means that when the call comes in, my responsibility is to take care of the members who are working with me that day.”

Lieutenant Cullen also currently serves as a Major in the U.S. Air Force as a Combat Rescue Pilot. He is looking forward to the challenges and responsibilities that come with being an Officer in the FDNY.

FDNY Captain Christopher Ganci, a 12-year veteran of the Department, who was promoted today at the FDNY Fire Officers Promotion Ceremony in Brooklyn, reflected on the theme of leadership as well.

“As a company commander, it’s my duty to bring them up to speed on the traditions of this Department and their responsibilities to the people of New York. This isn’t work, it’s a passion,” said Captain Ganci. “This job is all about pride. I take a lot of pride in my job and there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being an Officer. You need to be mentally and physically tough to do this job, and I hope to instill that in all the new members.”

Captain Ganci follows in the footsteps of his father, Chief of Department Peter Ganci, who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
The newly promoted Fire Officers will be stationed throughout New York City.

For photos of the promotion ceremony, click here