PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — A Portsmouth firefighter and paramedic was promoted to the rank of lieutenant Tuesday morning in a department ceremony where his own father, a retired assistant chief, pinned on his new badge.
FF/Paramedic Elijah Garrett was administered the oath of office by City Manager Sam Sutherland, elevating him to Lt. Garrett, according to a post from Portsmouth Fire Local 9, the union representing the department’s firefighters. His badge was then pinned by his father, retired Assistant Chief Travis Garrett, who also served with the department.
The Portsmouth Fire Department has protected the city with a paid, professional force since 1871, making it one of the oldest career fire departments in southern Ohio. Its firefighters are represented by International Association of Fire Fighters Local 9, and the department currently operates three stations across the city.
As city manager, Sutherland oversees the city’s day-to-day operations and administers the oath of office for department promotions. Lieutenant is the first supervisory rank above firefighter in the department’s chain of command, typically placing an officer in charge of a shift crew and apparatus. The promotion recognizes Garrett’s service as a firefighter and paramedic with the department.
“Congratulations to Lt. Garrett on his new role,” the department said in its post announcing the promotion.
The information contained in this story was obtained from Portsmouth Fire Local 9.
