Michele Fitzsimmons Becomes Second Woman Battalion Chief in FDNY History

“I’m happy that I’ve reached this point in my career doing something that I love. I’ve learned so much from this job and it’s exciting for me to move through the ranks in a Department that has given so much to me. I’ve been given a lot of support here along the way and I feel like this new rank gives me even more of a chance to give back,” said FDNY Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons, who was promoted today at the FDNY Officers Promotion Ceremony in Manhattan. The closed ceremony was held at the Fire Academy on Randall’s Island without friends or family in attendance and social distancing was practiced throughout.

The Chief, a 19-year veteran in our Department, also made history today as the second woman ever to ascend to this fire rank. Retired FDNY Battalion Chief Rochelle “Rocky” Jones was the first. The Chief’s grandfather, the late Michael Fitzsimmons, was also a FDNY Battalion Chief.

Battalion Chief Fitzsimmons adds, “I’ve reached the rank that my grandfather achieved before he retired and that makes this even more special because I’m following in his footsteps. I’m excited to be following in ‘Rocky’s’ footsteps too because I’ve always admired her. I always believe that we can achieve our goals in life. We just need to have a strong desire to do it and we have to put the time in and work hard and we really can achieve anything.”

View more photos from today’s ceremony here.