STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Hundreds of family members and friends gathered in the Ocean Breeze Track and Field facility Monday morning to show their support for the 103 newly promoted members of the FDNY.
Of those moving up the ranks, one deputy chief was promoted to assistant chief, four battalion chiefs were promoted to deputy chief, six captains were promoted to battalion chief, 30 lieutenants were promoted to captain, 56 firefighters were promoted to lieutenant, one supervising fire marshal achieved the rank of fire marshal, four firefighters rose to supervising fire marshal, and one FDNY chaplain was promoted to the first-ever Chief FDNY Chaplain position at the ceremony.
Photos from the FDNY promotion ceremony for members on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility, where Commissioner Robert S. Tucker presided over the ceremony. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance
Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker delivered remarks following an invocation and the singing of the national anthem.
“Today we’re making FDNY history by doing something we haven’t done before in our 160 years,” Tucker said. “ We’re appointing our first-ever chief FDNY chaplain, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik. This is truly a landmark moment for our department.”
For Tucker, what stands out most about Rabbi Potasnik is his genuine love and passion for the department.
Photos from the FDNY promotion ceremony for members on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility, where Commissioner Robert S. Tucker presided over the ceremony. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance
“This isn’t something that can be taught — it’s become part of his DNA through decades of dedicated service,” Tucker said. “His commitment to our department runs deep.”
Tucker told the fire officers that they are the reason why he sees a bright future for the department.
“Looking at all of you, I see a bright future for our beloved department,” he said. “You’ve studied diligently, led by example through your words and actions, and you’re fully prepared to step into leadership roles. Your dedication and readiness are evident.”
Photos from the FDNY promotion ceremony for members on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility, where Commissioner Robert S. Tucker presided over the ceremony. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island AdvanceFDNY promotionsPromotion to chief FDNY chaplainPromotion to assistant chief Michael G. Woods – Bronx Borough CommanderPromotion to deputy chiefRobert P. Meuser – Battalion 8Liam J. Coleman – Battalion 10Matthew D. Borthwick – Division 15Edward J. Esposito – Battalion 44Promotion to battalion chiefKevin G. Duggan – E-218Eric C. Surbito Division – L-138Christopher M. Rooney – E-265James E. Congimi E-60Sean M. Cahill – E-319Scott M. Coyne – L-120Promotion to captainRobert C. Merkle III – L-175 Robert McGuire – L-122Kelvin Perez – E-227James P. Kasayinski – L-36 Daniel J. Quinn – L-120 Stephen E. Rhine – E-287 Thomas J. Donoghue – E-84Richard Santana – L-17Thomas J. Herrick – L-131 Michael L. Dombo – L-27 Brian P. Flanagan – L-26 John T. Plant – E-303 Leonard J. Romano – E-240 Brandon J. Weeks – L-107 Steven J. Hardwick – L-117 Matthew E. DeMatteis – L-163 Craig P. Hachemeister – E-250Peter D. Atlas – L-25Nicholas Graziano – E-219Timothy Mattison – E-218Howard J. Holmes – L-104Charles A. Carbone – E-4Joseph E. McNamara – L-159Timothy J. Mahoney – L-102Kieran Wilhelm – E-273Chad D. Stertefeldt – L-25James R. Adamo – L-144John J. Faherty – E-165Promotion to lieutenantChristopher L. Barber – L-22Jeffrey T. Martin – L-136James T. LaMacchia – L-49Brian A. Zwolinski – L-159George P. Zoldak – L-77Anthony M. Abruzzino – L-111Brian M. Carbin – L-4Steven Poncel – ADMBFIYuriy Pevzner – L-102Edgar Leon – E-258David B. Fleming III – L-56Matthew R. Farletta – SQD061Dennis Almodovar – L-46Scott J. McArthur – E-28Christopher R. Gravelle – L-102Thomas E. Wilkinson – E-246Steven DiLorenzo – E-240Michael M. Dias – L-119Daniel T. Flynn – MARDIVSalvatore M. Starace – L-150Michael C. Decker – L-32Colin D. Brennan – E-312Robert J. Brancato – L-78Luke D. Minardi – L-175Derrick A. Jesselli – L-114Kevin M. McGuigan – L-112Michael P. Egan – L-159Daniel Eberlein – L-136Matthew J. Cappola – L-175Kevin R. Kuck – L-175Bryan P. Desmond – E-156Michael C. Blatus – L-44John T. McCormack Jr. – E-264Ismail M. Williams – L-123Nicholas N. Pugliese – L-111Christopher N. Ferro – L-120Christopher A. Harney – L-118Thomas R. Miller – L-26Emmet S. Meehan – L-34Philip C. Gordon – L-32Kevin Brittan – L-129Esmir D. Purisic – L-147Brian D. Thomann – L-41Dorian A. Baldari – E-240Brian P. Smith – E-255Sean T. Becker – L-120Charles M. Guarneiri III-L-176Michael G. Garaufis Jr. – E-69Steven A. Hansen – L-86Matthew O. Suarez – L-138Jamal K. Archer – L-159David Griffin – L-39Matthew R. Buell – L-32Michael L. Leopoldi – E-219Ziyad Antabi – E-324Jose R. Valdez – L-48Fire MarshalSupervising Fire MarshalRichard C. Mundy – Office of the Fire Commissioner Jacob A. Smith – Citywide North Command Michael W. Limbert – Office of the Fire Commissioner Karl Suter – Office of the Fire Commissioner
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