Fire Department Promotions Celebrated in Roselle, NJ

Standing before a packed room at Roselle Borough Hall on June 24, newly promoted Deputy Chief Richard Myers looked out at the faces who came to support him. A friend had flown in from Florida just for the moment. A young man in the crowd once asked him how to become a firefighter. His wife, his family, his best friend from his own wedding, all there together.

That kind of support, Myers said, is how Union County Life readers can understand what this day meant for the Roselle Fire Department and the officers it promoted.

"The outstanding support that I've received from phone calls to texts," Myers said, "it sets the testament that you're doing the right thing."

Following in his father's footsteps as a firefighter, Myers said he always knew this was the path for him.

"I love this job," Myers said. "It's the best job in the world. The brotherhood is something you never experience in your typical nine to five. We are family."

A Road Shaped by Mentors

Newly promoted Battalion Chief Robert Stephens took the podium next, reflecting on the people who came before him, including several retired mentors who returned for the occasion.

"Thank you to my brothers and sisters in fire, to my retired guys, thank you for teaching me and mentoring me," Stephens said. "Thank you to all the African American officers that came before me that laid the groundwork."

Stephens also credited his wife with setting him on this path in the first place.

"Thank you to my wife for talking me into becoming an EMT a long time ago," Stephens said. "That started me on this road toward my purpose."

Fighting for Family

Newly promoted Fire Captain Wendell Williams grew emotional at the podium, tears in his eyes as he addressed the room.

"I'm glad I'm here today," Williams said. "I wasn't expecting this. I had a rough two years."

The room broke into applause. Williams pointed to his mother, seated in the front row, and spoke about how much his family means to him. Their encouragement, he said, is what kept him going.

Williams described the weight of the job, saying he had asked himself why, why, why, before eventually asking how, how, how. The answer, he realized, was his family, especially his wife, whom he called his backbone.

"I lost faith in the process, but God was just so amazing to me," Williams said. "My family is my motivation."

Members of the Roselle Borough Council were moved as well. 1st Ward Councilwoman Isabel Sousa said the ceremony captured something larger than any single promotion.

"This is what community is all about, I was so proud today to be in this room," Sousa said. "I don't think I ever cried on council until today. It was so beautiful and moving."

Find more Roselle events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Esther Gonzales

FAQ

Who was promoted at the Roselle Fire Department ceremony?
Richard Myers was promoted to deputy chief, Robert Stephens was promoted to battalion chief, and Wendell Williams was promoted to fire captain.

When did the promotion ceremony take place?
The ceremony was held on June 24 at Roselle Borough Hall.

Where was the ceremony held?
The ceremony took place at Roselle Borough Hall in Roselle, New Jersey.

Did any local officials attend?
Yes, members of the Roselle Borough Council attended, including 1st Ward Councilwoman Isabel Sousa, who spoke about the ceremony.