FDNY Promotes 26, Including 15 to Lieutenant

The Fire Department inducted a new Deputy Commissioner and promoted 25 other fire and Emergency Medical Service employees during a promotion ceremony Feb. 11.

The Chief-Leader/Eirini Vourloumis FROM FRYING PAN TO 'FIRE': Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, left, swears in new Deputy Fire Commissioner of Technology and Support Services John Benanti Feb. 11, during a promotion ceremony at the FDNY's Brooklyn headquarters. Mr. Benanti previously served at the Administration for Children's Services.

John A. Benanti became the new Deputy Commissioner of Technology and Support Services, replacing Milton Fischberger, who retired. Mr. Benanti had most recently served as Deputy Commissioner for Administration at the Administration for Children's Services. The ceremony took place at the FDNY's headquarters in downtown Brooklyn.

'Best We Have to Offer'

"You all represent the best this department has to offer, and as you move up in your careers, the whole department moves up with you," Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta told the promotees. "We owe each of you a debt of gratitude for your commitment and dedication to the job."

Abdo Nahmod became an EMS Deputy Assistant Chief. The department also promoted Stuart Belsky to EMS Deputy Chief and Marylou Aurrichio to EMS Division Chief.

The new EMS Captains are Elizabeth Ambrosino, Edward Bradley, Roberto Colon, Anthony DeGennaro, Joseph Sanders, Steven Warren and John Wieland.

The new Fire Lieutenants are Thomas C. Papaccio, Michael A. Heffernan, Craig M. Mosia, William E. Clark, Robert J. Crimmins, Victor S. Leeber, Thomas P. Napolitan, Anthony F. Cairo, Michael R. Szpyt, Patrick J. Maloney, Christopher K. Mangels, John S. Rosati, James M. Kirby, Anthony Sutera and Patrick M. Burns, whose father, Chief Donald Burns, was killed in the line of duty on 9/11.