Six FDNY EMS Veterans Promoted
The six have prepared the bureau's emergency response to major events and have managed mass casualty incidents across the five boroughs, ensuring the safety of millions of New Yorkers and tourists.
New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over a promotion ceremony on Feb. 28 for six EMS officers who have served the New York City Fire department, the nation's largest, for a combined 165 years. 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.
"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," Nigro said. "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."
The six have prepared the bureau's emergency response to major events and have managed mass casualty incidents across the five boroughs, ensuring the safety of millions of New Yorkers and tourists.
"The six men and women being promoted this morning have all done it all in EMS," Chief of Department James E. Leonard agreed. "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'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 Villani. "I am ready for this new challenge and excited for the change that will come with my promotion."
"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."