The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department held a Promotion Ceremony at City Hall to honor three new captains, a new engineer and assistant fire marshal and the historic addition of 10 new firefighter/paramedics.

“Today we come together as a Fire Family to celebrate some very special promotions and the successful completion of probation for 10 of our Firefighters, the largest group to complete probation together in the history of our department,” Fire Chief Dan Stefano said. “Today highlights the extraordinary transformation we are in the midst of and the focused trajectory we are all locked in on.”

The ceremony held in a packed City Council Chambers on Thursday May 3 was attended by friends, family, co-workers, city staff and Council Members Katrina Foley and John Stephens.

In addition to the promotions, the department paid tribute to outgoing Fire Capt. Shawn Brosamer, who is retiring after 30 years with the city. Coincidentally, Brosamer’s son Kyle was one of the 10 new firefighters and Capt. Brosamer pinned his son with his badge during the ceremony.

Those promoted to captain include Jeff Bibler, Andrew Harris and Kevin Reddy. Mike Ruhl is the new engineer and Jon Neal the new assistant fire marshal.

The 10 new firefighters are Luke Anderson, Craig Bates, Kyle Brosamer, Matt Chavez, Thomas Foskarino, Jordan Kiesz, Bryan McMahon, Kyle Myszka, Angel Ordaz and Maurilio Torres.

“We have an absolutely amazing team throughout all ranks and all areas,” Chief Stefano said. “At the end of the day, it is about our people, it is about those we serve, it is about providing the highest quality of service in the most effective and efficient manner we can, and it is about making sure that every single person on our team returns home safely at the end of each shift.”