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Springfield Fire Department promotes 21 members, elevating three to division chief
Summary
At a city ceremony Fire Chief Nick Zumo and Mayor Misty Busher honored 21 promotees — eight driver engineers, seven captains, two deputy division chiefs, one battalion chief and three division chiefs — highlighting service, training and family support.
Fire Chief Nick Zumo and Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk presided over a Springfield Fire Department promotional ceremony that elevated 21 members across ranks from driver engineer to division chief.
"Promotions in the fire service are never simply given. They are earned," Chief Zumo said, framing the promotions as recognition of years of service, training and leadership. He said the promoted ranks include driver engineer, captain, battalion chief, deputy division chief and division chief.
Mayor Misty Busher, who said public safety was her chief campaign platform, praised the promotees and thanked families for their sacrifices. "You have all spent countless hours serving others and serving us," Busher said.
The department named the following promotees as announced at the ceremony.
Driver engineers: Cody Bledworth; Patrick English; Edgar Ewing; Daniel Gordon; Kevin Heidman; Patrick Hilderbrand; David Sarah; Nicholas Williamson.
Captains: Joshua (Josh) Banks; David Bletcher; Blake Goldman; Joseph (Joe) Sosa; Scott Startler; Michael Thompson; Michael Walter.
Battalion chief: Benjamin (Ben) Kervin.
Deputy division chiefs: Matthew (Matt) Kraton; Michael Flynn.
Division chiefs: Mark Ballinger; Jacob (Jake) Maxadon; Bryce McCormack.
The ceremony included short biographical summaries for each promotee, notes about prior military service and community involvement, and family members pinning badges. Leaders repeatedly thanked families and colleagues and invited attendees to a reception following the formal remarks.
Chief Zumo urged the promotees to "lead with integrity" and to take care of their people. The ceremony emphasized continuity of departmental tradition, such as explaining the historical significance of bugle insignia on collars.
The event was ceremonial in nature; no formal policy votes or budget approvals were taken at the ceremony. Officials indicated plans for future operational items (including the rescue apparatus announced by Assistant Chief Plunk) would be detailed later.
