NEW HAVEN — Reaching the rank of battalion chief in the New Haven Fire Department was no easy task for John Marquez — or for his wife and two daughters.

"He’s been studying non-stop," sighed 13-year-old Jennifer, as her sister Stephanie, 10, and mother, Maria, shook their heads vigorously in agreement.

Marquez was one of three minority members of the city’s Fire Department promoted to battalion chief Wednesday, the first time in the department’s history that people of color have attained that rank through promotion.

"It does give it a little extra. To be the first is quite an honor. I take great pride in being Hispanic and being an example to others," Marquez said.

In all, one public assembly inspector was promoted to fire marshal, eight captains were promoted to battalion chiefs, three lieutenants were promoted to captain and three firefighters were promoted to lieutenants during the Wednesday ceremony.

"Promotion within our department represents hard work and upward mobility," said Chief Dennis W. Daniels.

"They are to be commended for their ability."

Daniels, as well as Mayor John DeStefano and Fire Commission Board President Bishop Theodore Brooks, said the number of minorities promoted was part of a concerted effort the department undertook about a decade ago.

"It has been the end result of goals and objectives not just of the chief," Brooks said, "but also the mayor of this city."

Daniels urged the nine female firefighters in the department to work hard and ascend to higher ranks, saying, "Study your craft and be the last barrier in the New Haven Fire Department to fall."

Another milestone in the group promoted Wednesday was that 11 of them came from the group of 40 firefighters promoted to lieutenant just four years ago.

"The 1996 group seemed to be the spring board for growth in the department," Daniels said. "Their promotions will definitely be included in the history of the New Haven Fire Department."

DeStefano hastened the promoted firefighters to set an example and a standard in the community.

"You are caregivers of the residents of the city of New Haven. We work for them. Treat them with dignity and respect. That is indeed the reputation of this department," he said.

Joseph Cappucci was promoted from public assembly inspector to fire marshal.

Promoted to battalion chief were Ralph Black, Vincent Landisio, Thomas Holman, Anthony Calloway, Paul Sandella, John Marquez, John King and Patrick Andrews.

Promoted to captain were Julian Garay, Thomas Heins and Anthony Annunziato. And promoted to lieutenant were Ivan Perez, Abraham Colon and William Gambardella III.

©New Haven Register 2000