Passaic, NJ - Well, you could tell it was another day in 2020. The fire department held a promotion ceremony on the afternoon of December 9, 2020 at Fire Headquarters, using the large apparatus bay area, due to social distancing. The COVID-19 rules were obeyed, and some bay doors open. As the ceremony began, the wind blew snow flakes into the firehouse. Well, it is the holiday season, and six members of the department received an early Christmas gift of a promotion, that they earned by their own merits.

Mayor Hector Lora, who administered the oath of office to the fire officers, mentioned that he is a movie fan and watching the make-believe heroes. In reality, he said he was proud to be mayor and see the real heroes of the Fire Department perform their duties.

Chief of Department Patrick Trentacost informed the officers that they will be taking on more responsibility. Make the most out of each day. Be a leader and a role model. Family and service come first. You are part of the past, present and future fire officers of the department.

The chief also held a moment of silence for city Firefighter/EMT Israel Tolentino, Jr., of Engine Co. 1, who succumbed to complications from COVID-19 earlier in the year.

Promoted to battalion chief were John Hayowyk and Adam Alberti. Escalated to captain were Bart Rutherford and Jorge Romero. The new fire lieutenants are Hershel Rawls IV and Jack LaPlaca.