Among Philadelphia Fire Dept. Promotions, A Second-Generation Step-Up
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Thirty members of the Philadelphia Fire Department were promoted today.
The members marched into the ceremony at the Philadelphia Fire Academy as their loved ones looked on.
And for one family it was a moment of tremendous pride, as George Drew was promoted to batallion chief -- a post that his father, also George Drew, held until his retirement.
"It's one of the biggest thrills of my life," says the elder George Drew, who served 26 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department. "I'm very, very happy."
New chief George Drew says it's been an honor to follow in his father's footsteps:
"This is the happiest moment of my life. My father has always been my hero, and to achieve the same rank that he did, it's just unbelievable."
Fire commissioner Lloyd Ayers says the promotions come just in time, as there have been a number of retirements in the past month. He says the next generation is ready for the task.
"We're going to promote them today. They proved that, taking those tests and standing up to the challenges of leadership."
