Lynn Fire promotes 4 to lieutenant, 2 to captain

LYNN – Six firefighters were sworn in as captains and lieutenants Tuesday night in a promotional ceremony at City Hall.The group gathered together with their families in Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy?s office, where City Clerk Mary Audley performed the ceremony for two new captains and four lieutenants.?What a crop of lieutenants we have here,” Kennedy quipped as she congratulated the group. “I?m very proud of all of you. You have been great firefighters and will be terrific lieutenants as well.”Kennedy stressed the same congratulations for the captains following their swearing-in.Fire Chief Dennis Carmody also congratulated the group on a job well done.?It?s a very competitive process (to be promoted),” he said. “Not only do you have to be a great firefighter, but also have the dedication to put in the time and effort.”Carmody said the reason for having such a big group promoted is that a civil service exam hadn?t been administered in several years.?We didn?t have a certified list for almost two years, so we had to wait,” he said.In addition to the promotions, Carmody said 10 new firefighters will be sworn in on July 5 as part of a $1.4 million federal grant the department received in February. The grant is also being put toward improving operations and safety, filling training needs and equipment requirements.?We?re also going to get six more firefighters by the end of July,” he said. “We?re hiring as we go along and hope to have 180 firefighters by August or the end of September.”The following firefighters were promoted to lieutenant: Dave Stanley, Bill Surrette, Edward Power and John Arsenault. Michael McBride and Robert McIntosh were promoted to the rank of captain.