One chapter closed and another opened at the Jericho Fire Department recently as the rich history of volunteer service continued with the swearing in of three new fire chiefs.
The ceremony, held at Jericho Fire Headquarters, was attended by members, close friends and family—all of which were treated to the signing of the oath of office by each of the new chiefs.
With the close of the term for Chief of Department Carl E. Johnson, a journey of six years including his terms as Assistant Chief, he was welcomed as the newest ex-chief of the organization. The Jericho department thanks Johnson for his six years of service as chief. With 14 years of total services behind him, Johnson believes the new chiefs will continue to lead in the protection of life, property and the every day needs of the community.
The highlight of the evening was the swearing in of the new Chief of Department John E. Lottes of Engine and Ladder Company no. 1. No stranger to the residents of Jericho, Lottes has reached the pinnacle of his leadership success for a second time in his 23 years of service, with a career dating back to the 1990s.
Accepting the position of first Assistant Chief was last year’s second Assistant Chief, Steven Cohen, of Trident Engine Company no. 3. Assistant Chief Cohen has built a fire service family around his years as a volunteer, with his son, firefighter Lenny, daughter firefighter Samantha and wife, EMT Marissa, all vital components to the Jericho response team when the alarm sounds.
But the most poignant moment of the evening came when new third Assistant Chief Kerry J. Ketsoglou, also of Trident Engine Company no. 3, raised his right hand and recited the Oath of Office administered by his father, Fire Commissioner Theodore Ketsoglou. A moment in time that will always be remembered amongst family and friends.
