Warwick Firefighters know how to throw a party.

Promotional ceremonies, whether for police or fire personnel, have a certain protocol. Promotions are voted on by the Board of Public Safety based on the recommendations of the chief, with the exception of the chief who serves at the pleasure of the mayor with approval of the board. Promotions usually occur as vacancies are created by retirements or personnel leaving the department, hence the board could act on a couple of promotions monthly.

Yet last Wednesday night, the community recognized the promotions of 27 firefighters.

Those promoted are: Assistant Chief Brian Cobb, Deputy Chief Thomas Bradley, Superintendent Scott Iamarone, Battalion Chief Jason Fury, Battalion Chief William Wilson, Battalion Chief Erik Anderson, Capt. John Pella, Capt. Kyle Conley, Capt. Patrick Crowley, Capt. Stephen St.Pierre, Capt. Kyle French, Capt. Normand Lemay and Chief Lineman David Morse. Also, Lt. Christopher Sullivan, Lt. Brian Pettigrew, Lt. Michael Farias, Lt. Gary Lavoie, Lt. Michael Carreiro, Lt. Stephen Champagne, Lt. Michael Boynton Jr., Rescue Lt. Ehren Smith, Rescue Lt. Carl Wagner, Rescue Lt. Kyle Boulay, Rescue Lt. Nicholas Ullrich, Inspector Ethan Andrews, Inspector Michael McAllister and Inspector Michael Moretti.

How did that happen all at once? The answer is that it didn’t. Promotions were made between the last ceremony held more than two years ago and last Wednesday. There was a sense things are starting to return to normal. With few exceptions neither members of the department, including the class of recruits now working toward completing their training, wore masks. The RI Professional Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums that regularly play at the event opened the ceremony.

Chief Peter McMichael and Mayor Frank Picozzi delivered laudatory speeches and Lt. Michael Carreiro, president of Warwick Firefighters Local 2748, offered glowing remarks for the men and women of the department and their support staff.

“While it is always great to be recognized and receive this deserved promotion, we know it does not come without an impact on your families. We could not do this job if it weren’t for their support and encouragement. We thank you for your sacrifices – past and future – we thank the wives, husbands, partners and families of those who stand beside you tonight and will, in the years ahead,” he said.

“I also want to commend the administration for their strong leadership and loyalty to our members and this city. I know your integrity and work ethic will continue to lead this department for years to come, and I look forward to continuing to work with you,” he added.

The name of each officer and the date they joined the department and their promotion was read by Lt. Michael Boynton Jr. before they stepped off stage to salute the chief and then the mayor. Carreiro switched with Boynton when it came time to announce Boynton’s promotion. Those promoted were joined by a member of their family – some cases the whole family – or a friend to be pinned.

The promotions moved quickly and soon Father Robert Marciano, pastor of St. Kevin/St Benedict and chaplain for both the police and fire departments, delivered the benediction.

Socializing and dinner closed out the evening. The tab was picked up by the firefighters, not the department. It was a party long postponed by COVID-19 and welcomed as evidence that normalcy is not all that far away.