Firefighters and family celebrate promotions

+ Firefighters and family celebrate promotions
The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department celebrated the promotion of two of its officers Monday, Oct. 18. Tim Haas was promoted from firefighter to lieutenant, and Sandi Drake was promoted from lieutenant to deputy chief. Drake is the first woman to become deputy chief and hold such a high ranking in the history of Longboat’s Fire Rescue.

The ceremony was held at the fire station in a small room filled with family, friends and co-workers, and the celebration was supposed to be a surprise.

But, according to Tracy Haas, Tim Haas’ wife, working closely together does have its consequences.

“They’re firefighters, that’s what happened,” she says.

Although the ceremony was not a surprise, Haas and Drake were still happy to see the support of their new positions and enjoyed the kind words said by Fire Chief Paul Dezzi. Both Haas and Drake were sworn in by Town Clerk Trish Granger.