Pittsburgh swears in new fire lieutenants, captains and a battalion chief

Pittsburgh's Department of Public Safety on Friday promoted and administered the oath of office to several members of the Bureau of Fire, including William Shaw to battalion chief and multiple officers to the ranks of lieutenant and captain.

The promotions were recognized at a public ceremony introduced by Emily Bourne, a public information officer for the Department of Public Safety, who said the event celebrated staff advancing “to ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief.” Chief of Fire Daryl Jones, Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt (introduced by Bourne) and Mayor Ed Gainey offered remarks before the officers were sworn in.

Chief Daryl Jones thanked families and told the newly promoted officers that the company officer “is the leader of that team,” emphasizing the role of frontline leaders in the quality of service the bureau delivers. Jones also urged the promotees to embrace leadership responsibilities and accountability. Mayor Ed Gainey congratulated the officers and their families and said promotions offer children role models for “what hard work looks like.” He added, “You do things that exemplify what it means to be a public servant.”

Officers called to the stage took the oath of office, repeating language to support the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the laws and ordinances of the City of Pittsburgh, and to obey orders from superior officers and the regulations governing the Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Fire.

Named in the ceremony as promoted to lieutenant were Eric Hood, Donald Henson, Eric Davis and Todd Schultz. Captains called to the stage included Michael Cohen and Richard Rider. William Shaw was sworn in as a battalion chief. Bourne told attendees there would be opportunities for group and family photographs after the ceremony.

Chief Jones and Mayor Gainey both thanked the families of the promotees and emphasized leadership by example; Jones advised new officers to “remember where you came from” and to keep their doors open to colleagues. The ceremony concluded with brief administrative remarks and a closing by Bourne.

No votes or legislative actions were recorded in the transcript; the event consisted of remarks, the administration of oaths and photo opportunities for the promoted personnel.