FDNY promotes Timothy Clarke to Lieutenant in Chelsea ceremony

Timothy Clarke, a 41-year-old firefighter, was promoted to Lieutenant at a ceremony held at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island. This event took place on a Friday and included approximately 70 other FDNY members receiving promotions. Clarke's promotion is particularly significant as he comes from a long line of first responders, with his family history tracing back to the Irish potato famine, which led to his ancestors emigrating to the United States. Clarke's great, great, great grandfather, Patrick Conaghan, was one of the first paid firefighters in New York City, and this legacy has been a source of pride for Clarke. He expressed that the promotion is not only a personal honor but also a responsibility to uphold the family tradition of service in the fire department. His family has a rich history of public service, with both his grandfather and father also serving in similar roles. During the ceremony, FDNY Chief Robert Tucker congratulated the newly promoted members, emphasizing their new roles as leaders within the department. In total, six individuals were promoted to Captain, three to supervising fire marshal, 32 to Lieutenant, and 29 to fire marshal. This reflects the ongoing commitment of the FDNY to develop leadership within its ranks. Clarke, who recently became a father to a 13-day-old daughter, acknowledged the challenges of parenthood while also considering the possibility of continuing the family tradition in the next generation. His promotion symbolizes not just personal achievement but also the enduring legacy of service in his family and the broader community.