At a promotional ceremony, the Columbus Division of Fire administered oaths and presented badges to 20 firefighters promoted to battalion chief, captain and lieutenant ranks.

The promotions were marked by remarks from Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ and the administration of oaths by Deputy Director Michael Holleran, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Andrew Ginther and Public Safety Director Kate Pechati. Chaplain Joe Harbaugh delivered the benediction and families joined members on stage for the pinning and photographs.

The ceremony recognized the group’s service and new leadership responsibilities. "I have one ask of you: continue to grow and continue to lead," Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ said, addressing the newly promoted members and their families. Deputy Director Michael Holleran said, "It's my pleasure to be here today on behalf of Mayor Andrew Ginther and public safety director Kate Pechati," before administering the oath of office.

During the oath, promoted personnel repeated the pledge to support the constitutions and laws of the United States and the state of Ohio, to uphold the laws and ordinances of the City of Columbus and to follow the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire. The oath recitation also included the pledge "that I will not affiliate with a defined hate group."

Promoted ranks and several names listed during the ceremony included battalion chiefs Michael Bishop and Jack Hageman; captains Christopher Gorilli, Nicholas Coble, Andrew Maynard, Michael Neely, Kevin Radwonski and Gerald Scott; and lieutenants Mitchell Beard, Jeremy [surname not specified], Mika Burgess, Mike Gishol, Jeffrey Hodge, Mark Knight, Chad Mathias, Christopher Nyland, Christopher Stembridge, Tiffany Page, Jacob Panetta and Jeffrey Urian. Family members assisted in the traditional pinning for many of the honorees.

Assistant Chief Tracy Smith introduced the leadership onstage and guided the ceremony. Chaplain Joe Harbaugh offered a benediction asking for strength and protection for the promoted members and their families. The event concluded with badge presentations, photo opportunities and remarks thanking family and colleagues for their support.

The ceremony was ceremonial in nature and did not include votes, ordinance actions, or policy decisions; its primary outcome was the formal swearing-in and pinning of the promoted firefighters. The presentation emphasized the division’s expectation that promoted members assume broader leadership responsibilities and adapt to evolving demands in fire service.