2 city firefighters promoted at ceremony

06/13/2006

William Kaempffer , Register Staff

NEW HAVEN — Ralph Black Jr. had just graduated from college when he floated a career idea past his mother. Fannie Black was shocked when her son mentioned the fire service, expecting him instead to pursue opportunities in business.

"I just looked at him and said, ‘Well, whatever makes you happy,’" the mother said, "and I’m so glad that I said it."

On Monday, the son, a 20-year veteran and battalion chief, was promoted to assistant fire chief in charge of operations in the department. It’s the third-highest rank in the department.

Fire Chief Michael Grant recommended Black and Firefighter Antonio Almodovar for promotion at a special meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners Monday. Mayor John DeStefano Jr. came down to the cramped office at fire headquarters to swear them in at their new rank.

Both men came in first on their civil service promotional test.

Almodovar, a nine-year veteran, was sworn in as assistant drillmaster and will be assigned to the fire training academy. He served as an adjunct instructor at the academy in 2004 and has been assigned to Engine 8 on Whitney Avenue.

After a decade of working weekends and holidays in firehouses, his new job will provide a Monday-Friday schedule, an elusive commodity in the fire department.

"That’s huge," said his wife, Jennifer, who brought their children, Victoria, 9, and Emmanuel, 13.

Black has been with the department for nearly 20 years. He has taken National Fire Academy courses in hazardous materials and incident command.

After Sept. 11, 2001, Black spent time doing peer counseling at the World Trade Center.

"Your father does a very good job," Grant said to Black’s two children, Sarah, 11, and Christian, 10. "You should be very proud."

The two promotions were the first in the department since 2004, when Charles Hewitt was promoted to drillmaster.

"It’s great for the job," said Grant of the two promotions. "It’s great for the men."