EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Fire Department conducted its annual promotion ceremony Wednesday evening, Jan. 31, at City Hall when the elevation of 11 firefighters was recognized.

Formally receiving promotions were: Battalion Chief John L. Kelahan, Captain Charles E. Carr II, Captain Steven A. Mastriano, Captain Joseph S. Croshaw, EMS Director Captain John H. Potvin, Lieutenant Joseph A. Lombardi, Lieutenant Scott W. Harris, Lieutenant Carl H. Godfin, Lieutenant Jonathan R. Harris, Lieutenant James M. Lynch and Lieutenant Michael D. Curran.

“Tonight is a very special night for 11 department members who will be sworn in for a promotion that they have studied and prepared themselves for some time,” EPFD Chief Oscar Elmasian said in his prepared remarks for the evening. “The decision to prepare oneself for a promotional test not only changes the member’s life, but also affects the firefighter’s family members.”

Battalion Chief Kelahan was a graduate of the 20th EPFD training academy. He was appointed as a firefighter in March of 1987. He was promoted to battalion chief on September 13, 2017.

Captain Carr graduated the 23rd fire academy. He became an active firefighter in July of 1994. He was appointed a captain on March 4, 2017. Captains Mastriano and Croshaw each graduated the 22nd academy, became a firefighters in 1994 and were most recently promoted September 2017.

EMS Director Potvin completed the 26th training academy then became a firefighter in September of 1998. He advanced to the position of EMS director on January 1 of this year.

Battalion Chief Kelahan’s promotion gives him command of the 25 members of Group D.

Captains Carr, Crowshaw and Potvin continue their existing roles in proposing and changing of department policy. Captain Carr currently leads the Department Flammable Liquid Task Force and is Station Commander of Station 2 and is the Captain of Ladder Company No. 1. Captain Crowshaw currently leads the Operation and Maintenance of Marine 3 and also is in charge of small engine repair. He is also the captain of Engine No. 3 and assists as Station 3 Station Commander. Captain Potvin continues his roles and responsibilities as the Department Emergency Medical Services Coordinator.

Lieutenant Harris trained in the 22nd academy. He was appointed as a firefighter in 1994 and promoted to lieutenant on June 15, 2017. Lieutenants Godfron and Curran each completed training during the 27th academy and became active firefighters on November 1, 1999. Lieutenant Curran was last promoted in July of 2017 and Lieutenant Curran in September of last year.

Lieutenants Lombardi, Harris and Lynch were all trainees in the 27th academy and became firefighters on May 27, 2007. There were most recently promoted on March 4, August 21 and September 13, 2017, respectively.

Of his new lieutenants, Chief Elmasian said, “We are promoting six firefighters to the rank of lieutenant tonight. This promotion is said to be the biggest promotion to adjust to. You have gone from being one of the members of a group to that of being a company officer, a leader, a coach, a training officer and confidant. Your subordinates will be looking for your trust and guidance.”

The chief concluded his remarks in part, “As I have asked other members of the department, I ask that you challenge your subordinates for maximum job proficiency, participation for community involvement and for the future of this Department…On behalf of the East Providence Fire Department congratulations to all of the newly promoted Officers and your families. I look forward to working with you in your newly promoted positions.”