By NY1 News
Updated Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 09:54 PM EDT
In one of the largest promotion ceremonies in years, the FDNY on Thursday bumped up several September 11th responders. NY1’s Michael Herzenberg filed the following report.
One hundred and sixteen firefighters took the oath to faithfully discharge the duties of a new rank in the FDNY.
It was an enthusiastic celebration for the new lieutenants, captains and chiefs, but it came a day shy of 15 years after a more solemn ceremony, what has come to be called the department’s battlefield promotions following September 11.
“It was not a joyous day like we celebrate today,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
Nigro was among 166 firefighters who stepped up to fill the void in leadership that came with the terrible loss of life in the terror attacks. Three hundred and forty-three FDNY members died.
“It was an important day, it was a necessary day for us, for those who had been taken from us, and for the very survival of the great department,” Nigro said.
Roger Sakowich is now an assistant chief. He was a captain back then.
“I called the families of the missing members every four hours to let them know we were still searching,” he said.
“I wish I could remember more of the intricate details of that week. But then again, maybe I’m glad maybe I can’t remember the intricate details,” said Doug Mitchell, who is now a captain. He was only on the job a few years in September 2001.
“The loss of the members of our department, and just the civilian casualties, it was just the tremendous feeling of helplessness,” Mitchell said.
They turned to each other in grief during days and the weeks that followed. Fifteen years later, they still support each other.
On this day in triumph, the commisioner says the future brings new challenges, some of which are unknown. That is why these promotions matter, first responders say, because it’s the captains and battalion chiefs who will call audibles when confronted with the unexpected.
All of the 116 firefighters promoted are men, and almost all of them are white. The FDNY says the recent diversity recruitment efforts, some of which are court-ordered, will take several years to filter up into the higher ranks.
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