On November 4th 2010, the City of Richmond promoted Captain Robert Baumgardner, Jr, Captain John Harkness, Captain Clarence Lewis, III, Captain Orlando Morris, Captain Christine Richardson, and Captain Tina Watkins to the rank of Battalion Chief. This is the first time in the department's 152-year history that two women have been promoted to the Battalion Chief rank. "This has been a year of history making within the Richmond Fire Department," said Mayor Jones referring also to the 60th Anniversary of the first African America firefighters hired into the department and in the Commonwealth.
"The promotion of six Captains at the same time is unprecedented for our department," said Fire Chief Robert Creecy. "Honoring this group as they assume their responsibility in this mission critical role is an historic and very proud time for our organization."
