CHICOPEE, Mass. - Seven members of the Chicopee Fire Department were awarded promotions at a ceremony at city hall on Thursday.

Three firefighters were promoted to lieutenants, two lieutenants moved up to the rank of captain and two captains were promoted to deputy chiefs.

Kirsten Therrien, Jerrid Lamontagne, and Joshua Clegg were all advanced to lieutenants. Benjamin Dusza and Zachary Vozella were promoted to captain and Peter Jerusik and Douglas Sanford were promoted to Deputy Chief.

Jerusik, who was previously a captain, will take on that role after Wayne Lemay retired after 36 years serving the department. Jerusik said he wanted this position since he became a firefighter and is excited for the new opportunity.

"Its been 16 years in the making. Just trying to better myself as best I could, taking classes, finding other leadership opportunities to try to prepare myself for this role that I have wanted since I became a firefighter," Jerusik said. "It gives me the opportunity to try and take care of our firefighters the best I can. It is our number one job and being able to do that and help the citizens however we can."

All of the firefighters who were promoted had to undergo a promotional exam, participate in an assessment center and were interviewed as part of the selection process.