THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 7, 1996 TAG: 9606050113
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 39 lines
Nine veteran firefighters with a total of 168 years of experience in the Chesapeake Fire Department have received promotions.
Fire Chief Michael L. Bolac, assisted by Interim City Manager Clarence V. Cuffee, presided at the promotion ceremony May 31 at the Central Library in Great Bridge.
Division Chief Robert Stephen Best Sr. was promoted to the rank of deputy chief in charge of administration.
Best, a graduate of Deep Creek High School, has served in both line and staff roles during his 22 years of service with the fire department. He moved through the ranks as line battalion chief, fire marshal, administrative services co-ordinator and assistant fire chief.
Division Chief Edmund E. Elliott Jr., who has 22 years of service, was promoted to deputy chief in charge of fire operations.
Elliott, also a Deep Creek High School graduate, rose through the ranks and commanded numerous fire operations. He has served in fire suppression, fire administration and the operations division.
The following changes also were made:
James Randolf Ferguson Jr., who has 21 years of service, was promoted from captain to battalion chief.
William K. Hibner, who has 18 years of service, was promoted from captain to battalion chief.
Mark L. Pipkin, who has 13 years of service, was promoted from lieutenant to captain.
William W. Stafford, who has 12 years of service, was promoted from lieutenant to captain.
George G. Rochevot, who has 15 years of service, was promoted from firefighter/EMT to lieutenant.
Richard B. Gayheart, who has 16 years of service, was promoted from firefighter/EMT to lieutenant.
Ronald W. Harris, who has 16 years of service, was promoted from senior firefighter to lieutenant. by CNB