City's Fire Department Promotes Firefighters

City's Fire Department Promotes Firefighters

Date of Record: February 9, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2006

For more information:
Jeff Barlow, Fire Chief, City of Bloomington, 332.9763
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN -- City of Bloomington Fire Department Chief Jeff Barlow announced today the recent promotion of 14 fire service personnel to the rank of Sergeant. The new Sergeants are: Steve Starnes, Matt Brinegar, Dick Garvin, Rick Knapp, Jeff Hacker, Rob Sears, Ron Bateman, Kevin Tracy, Bryan Criger, Tania Daffron, Jeremy Goad, Brandon Hudson, Jason Zeeks and Steve Hayes.

The Sergeants range in seniority from four years to more than nine years of service with the department. These new officers are part of a significant restructuring of the City of Bloomington Fire Department.

Traditionally, Sergeants' primary role was driving and operating the fire apparatus and occasionally serving as Acting Captain of the company in the Captain's absence. Now the new Sergeants and the existing four Sergeants will ride the apparatus and work closely with the Captain daily when leaving the apparatus to attend to a fire or other emergency.

"These officers are talented, energetic and are prepared for additional responsibilities," Barlow said. "The provision of high quality service to the public during and after the transition has been exceptional."

Barlow said the restructuring is a credit to everyone in the organization including the Local Firefighters' Union, which was led by a committee of very dedicated individuals who worked hard to create an effective system for everyone.

"Also key to the effort are the former Sergeants who have contributed to making a smooth transition and have been afforded an opportunity to decide the career path that best suits them and serves the public,"  Barlow said. "Finally, we thank the new officers who have stepped up to a new challenge with confidence."

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