Lynn’s fiery family tradition

LYNN – The hallowed history of the Fire Department shown brightly Tuesday when four firefighters were promoted to lieutenant – three of them sons of Lynn firefighters and two the grandsons of former Lynn jakes.The new lieutenants, sworn in by City Clerk Mary Audley during a family-packed ceremony in the mayor’s office, are Kevin Downey, Jonathan Godbout, Michael Noon and Ryan Brown.Downey’s father, Alan Downey, is a retired Lynn fire captain. His grandfather, the late William Downey, was also a Lynn firefighter.Godbout’s father, Lawrence Godbout Jr., is currently a Lynn district fire chief. His grandfather, Lawrence Godbout Sr., is a retired Lynn district chief.Noon’s father is Thomas “Bernie” Noon, a retired Lynn fire lieutenant.Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy praised the lieutenants for their devotion to the department and noted the multi-generational legacy. Fire Chief Dennis Carmody and Deputy Fire Chief James McDonald were on hand to congratulate the firefighters amid a room filled with blue class-A Fire Department uniforms.The promotions were marked by the pinning of single metal bugles on their jacket lapels – the insignia of a fire lieutenant.