18 Others Promoted Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today presided over a City Hall promotion ceremony for 21 members of the Fire Department, including the elevation of three chiefs to the top uniformed positions in the Fire Department and the appointment of an Assistant Chief Fire Marshal. In addition, five Battalion Chiefs were promoted to Deputy Chief, and 12 Captains were promoted to Battalion Chief. Now it is our turn to recognize you for the years of outstanding service to the citizens and the City of New York.
Fire fighting is one of the most difficult and demanding jobs imaginable.
The passion firefighters feel for saving lives, for rescuing their fellow citizens, makes the members of the Department true heroes to whom all New Yorkers owe a debt of gratitude. Those of you being promoted today are the bravest of the brave and the best of the best. These veteran fire officers, and all the members of this Department, are committed to providing New York City with the best fire protection in the world. Chief Joseph Casaburi, a 34-year veteran, was promoted to Chief of Department, the highest uniformed position in the Department. His responsibilities include management of all uniformed personnel in the Fire Department, as well as members of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services following the merger of the FDNY and Emergency Medical Services in 1996.