Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Commissioner Ford today congratulated 530 promoted firefighters and paramedics in a ceremony at Navy Pier.

“I want to congratulate and thank each and every promoted firefighter and paramedic for answering the call to make our city safer, stronger and more secure," said Mayor Emanuel. "Through this celebration, we can, in a small way, pay tribute Chicago's finest and bravest for their commitment to duty and their dedication to all residents of Chicago."

Today's promotion ceremony recognizes all 471 Command Staff, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants and Engineers within the department's Fire Suppression & Rescue Division and all 59 paramedics, Field Chiefs and Ambulance Commanders from the EMS Division who have been promoted since the summer of 2017. These new promotional classes represent the next generation of leaders in the Chicago Fire Department.

“This ceremony is a celebration of the brave men and women who have advanced to a new level within the greatest fire department in the world," said Fire Commissioner Ford. “On behalf of all Chicagoans, I would like to thank them for answering the call to serve this great city."

As the city celebrates the next generation of leaders in the Chicago Fire Department, new firefighters and paramedics continue to graduate from the Fire Academy every year. Earlier this month, City Council approved the development of a new, state-of-the-art Joint Public Safety Training Academy, which will deepen and strengthen the training capabilities of both new and current firefighters and paramedics, and allow them to train alongside police members.

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