Senator Praises Bloomfield Firefighters For Prestigious Accreditation

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Fire Department recently got a shout-out from a New Jersey congressman on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Sen. George Helmy praised the work of the BFD during a Senate session, noting that it is now among one of 300 fire departments in the world that’s earned accredited status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International – which is “no small feat,” he emphasized.

Watch video footage of Helmy’s speech online here.

Helmy also highlighted the BFD’s “top-class training staff, communication, decision-making and community outreach.”

“They are well-deserving of this status, and I am proud to have such a fire department in New Jersey,” the senator added.

PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS

Several BFD firefighters earned promotions during a ceremony held in the Town Council chambers on Monday evening (see above photo).

The ceremony included promotions for Captains Kevin Hilaire, Erick Stone, Derek Hernandez, and Michael Elias.

Additionally, new firefighters Addison Valencia, Charles Pierce, Nicholas Conforti, Kevin Negron, and John Algieri were formally welcomed to the department.

Mayor Jenny Mundell swore in the new firefighters and promoted captains, congratulating them and thanking their families.

“Lead by example and create an environment of safety and trust, and you will no doubt maintain the high standards of our department,” Mundell said. “In doing so, you will keep our community and each other safe.”

Fire Chief Lou Venezia also praised the promoted firefighters – and welcomed the new ones.

“The individuals promoted and appointed have demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism,” Venezia said. “They have earned these advancements through hard work and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”

“I am confident they will continue to uphold the values and traditions of this department,” the chief added.

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