Weirton Fire Department promotes two as part of long-term realignment
MARTIN — Firefighter Phil Martin, right, receives the oath of office from Mayor Harold Miller, Wednesday, rising to the rank of lieutenant in the Weirton Fire Department. -- Craig Howell
MILLS — Adam Mills, at right, took the oath of office, Wednesday, officially being promoted from lieutenant to captain in the Weirton Fire Department. Also pictured is Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick, at left, and Mayor Harold Miller, who gave the oath of office. -- Craig Howell
MARTIN — Firefighter Phil Martin, right, receives the oath of office from Mayor Harold Miller, Wednesday, rising to the rank of lieutenant in the Weirton Fire Department. -- Craig Howell
MILLS — Adam Mills, at right, took the oath of office, Wednesday, officially being promoted from lieutenant to captain in the Weirton Fire Department. Also pictured is Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick, at left, and Mayor Harold Miller, who gave the oath of office. -- Craig Howell
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WEIRTON -- The Weirton Fire Department celebrated the advancement of two of its members Wednesday as part of continuing efforts officials say will improve the department's command structure.
Gathered in front of family and friends in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building, Adam Mills and Phil Martin received their oaths of office from Mayor Harold Miller. Mills rose from the rank of lieutenant to captain, with Martin going from firefighter to lieutenant.
"This is something two years in the making," Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick said, explaining Wednesday's ceremony was the culmination of a long-term realignment of the department's command structure.
"We're starting at the top."
Himmelrick reminded both Mills and Martin of their increased responsibilities within the department, encouraging them to listen to their fellow firefighters and to watch out for each other.
"That's my number one goal, to make sure everyone gets home safely," he said.
The promotion follows recent action by Weirton Council creating a third captain position in the department.
"I fell privileged and honored for the opportunity to continue to serve," Mills said, thanking his family for their support.
Martin also thanked his family and the rest of the department for their support in the promotion process.
"It has definitely been a long few months," Martin said. "We have a lot of great guys and I think we're going to make this department even better."
Miller reminded those gathered of the importance of the community's first responders, as they step forward each day to face potential danger in their efforts to protect others.
Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell also offered comments, saying the creation of a third captain position within the department follows a realignment of its work schedule, from two shifts to three. Connell also thanked Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone for sponsoring the ordinance establishing the new captain's post.
"She picked up the ball when I had to step aside," he said.
Connell had to recuse himself from consideration on the ordinance when the former city manager claimed there was a personal conflict of interest.