Harlem-Roscoe Fire pins new firefighters, promotes officers

HARLEM-ROSCOE FD PHOTO The Herald
Battalion Chiefs John Donovan, Kevin Briggs, and Patrick Trollop gathered for a photo.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees Bart Munger, John Donahue and Al Bach performed a pinning and recognition ceremony July 27.

Capt. John Donovan, Capt. Patrick Trollop and Kevin Briggs were promoted and pinned for a new full-time Battalion Chief Positions. Firefighters Sam McNames and Kyle Swanson were promoted and pinned to the rank of Lieutenant.

David Hutson and Dylan Lackey took the Firefighter Oath and were pinned becoming probationary firefighters and received their yellow helmets. Firefighters John Hawkins, Jalen Johann, Travis Johnson, Alyssa Nicosia, and Cecilia Ster have completed their 6-month probationary time and were recognized and received their black helmets.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin addressed all those present, “Congratulations to all. I thank my fellow Chief officers – Deputy Chief Bergeron, Division Chief Alms, and Division Chief Aaker for all their talent and time they have given and shared to this process. To my company officers and members thank you for showing the support and assisting them to where they are today.

“In a new world that is being driven in many directions due to many uncertainties, I am pleased to be able to have this ceremony while maintaining our attention to safety but wanting to carry on the tradition we have all come to know.

“A badge pinning recognizes the entry into a firefighter’s career along with marking each promotion they may achieve. The color of helmets in the fire service indicate rank. A white helmet indicates a chief officer, a red helmet indicates a company officer (Lieutenant, Captain), a black helmet indicates a firefighter and a yellow helmet indicates a probationary firefighter.

“Our members receive their badges when they become probationary firefighters. It may seem odd to mark their start with at this junction, but they have already jumped through quite a few hoops not to mention trainings to obtain their firefighter badge.

“Our new Lieutenants went through an assessment center which consisted of a written exam {which had to be passed to continue) then on to a tabletop exercise and an oral interview process. It was a process that required them to prepare.

“I have the utmost confidence in both Kyle and Sam that they will mentor our young firefighters to be the best they can along with their commitment to grow personally in their new position, and to serve under the proud tradition of this fire district. I am honored to have you both as a part of the management team.

“Our three new full-time Battalion Chiefs will have the responsibility of supervising not a crew or station, but the entire shift. They as well went through an assessment center also to reach their achievements.

“This search began in February with receiving over 40 applications, then COVID applied. We did not accept the application; however, it was very persistent. Well anyway, we worked towards narrowing that number down to 20. Oral interviews began and the count dropped to 13.

“Of the final 13, 6 were selected to move on to the assessment center, which included a written exam, administrative and practical scenario-based assignments, then final interviews. I feel we have selected three talented and experienced individuals who will fulfill the job description along with assuring we continue to be successful not only today but into the future. John, Kevin, Patrick, have earned the pins they received tonight and I look forward to all of their positive contributions to the management team.

“Beginning something new or a new position can be quite overwhelming, however recognizing the assignments that these woman and men will be taking on, and the service all of our firefighters, EMT’s and Medics continue to provide, is amazing.

“We must not forget that they see people in their worst and most vulnerable points in life and help to provide relief and comfort. I seek and will continue to do so to select the best and provide them the best training so that they can provide the best service possible to the communities we serve.”