The Johnston Fire Department recently held an impressive ceremony inside a packed Johnston High School auditorium, promoting 13 members while also adding a dozen new firefighters to its ranks.
But the family-oriented event, which was filled with camaraderie and special moments of love, was much more than a routine affair.
“Welcome to the best, and I do mean the best, fire department in New England,” said Mayor Joseph Polisena, who emceed the proceedings after an introduction from Fire Chief Timothy McLaughlin. “I’m very honored to perform these duties here today, and I personally want to thank you for giving us your loved ones to serve and protect the citizens of our great town.”
The mayor, who remembered his own days with the department, told those being promoted that with a higher rank comes “huge responsibility.”
“This means that you are a leader. It means that you are able to make split-second decisions that will save the lives of the citizens you serve, as well as make the right decisions so the firefighters you are leading are safe,” he said. “Being a leader is not easy. You have to be able to be strong and be able to respond in the most adverse conditions.”
To the new firefighters, Polisena said: “You are joining not just a fire department, but a family of men and women who are truly dedicated to public serve and public safety. The career you have signed up for is not a 9 to 5 job, or weekends and holidays off. It’s a unique profession that requires sacrifices and more.”
Town Council members Stephanie Manzi, Richard DelFino III, and Anthony Verardo, School Committee members Gena Bianco and Lauren Garzone, and state Sen. Frank Lombardo were also on hand to represent the town. Polisena began the day’s promotions with the Rev. Ryan Simas of Greenville, the fire department’s new chaplain.
Three veteran firefighters – John Robinson, Richard Cavalloro, and Carl Swanson – were promoted from lieutenant to captain. Salvatore Martira, Paul Livoli, David Slaimen, John Jasparro, and Paul Pontareli were promoted from private to lieutenant.
Two firefighters were promoted to the position of rescue captain – Duane Linvingston, a former private, and former R3 Captain Anthony aRusso. Former rescue privates Joshua Bloschichak, Justin Petrin, and Michael Letoile were promoted to the rank of rescue lieutenant.
The department’s newest members – all of whom have the rank of private – are Christopher Chachenian, Jessie Jacavone, Nicholas Audet, Michael Montecalvo Jr., Thomas Testa, Brendan McCarthy, John Wooley, Christopher Brandmeier, Steven Kelly, Christopher Celani, Mark Livingston, and Adam Pontbriant.
Following the proceedings, those on hand enjoyed coffee and desserts in the Johnston High cafeteria, courtesy of Johnston Firefighters Local 1950.
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