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by NICOLE RAY
A ceremony Friday in which the Fire Department posthumously promoted Firefighter John Bellew was filled with joy and sorrow for his family, friends and co-workers who gathered at the city's Fire Academy on Randalls Island.
"It was important for me to be here," said widow Eileen Bellew, of Pearl River, who held back tears as she received her husband's new badge from Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. "John worked so hard studying to pass his test, just like the other officers."
John Bellew, 37, who died on Jan. 23 after jumping from the fourth floor of a burning Bronx building, was promoted from firefighter to lieutenant. He had passed the civil service test for lieutenant in May 2002.
At the ceremony, 31 other officers from throughout the city also received promotions to various ranks within the department.
"The kids don't understand the magnitude yet. But I wanted to bring them so they have this moment for their future," said Eileen Bellew, who brought to the ceremony the couple's four children - Brielle, 6; Jack, 3; Katreana, 2; and Kieren, 7 months.
Members of Ladder Co. 27, where John Bellew was assigned, were there to support his family.
"This day was tremendously emotional," said Capt. John Sullivan, 43, who also lives in Pearl River.
John Bellew was one of six firefighters trapped in the burning four-story Bronx building. Firefighters Jeffrey Cool, Joseph DiBernardo Jr., Eugene Stolowski and Brendan Cawley escaped by climbing down with rope. Lt. Curtis Meyran was also killed after jumping from the building.
Top fire officials at the ceremony said the past few years have been difficult for the department - loss of firefighters' lives as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks, massive retirements, financial constraints and embarrassing scandals. But those promoted were congratulated and thanked for their continued dedication to the department.
The pride was reflected in the beaming faces throughout the room.
"I am ready to take on the task," said a smiling Lt. David Zdanok, 46, of Ladder Co. 80 on Staten Island, among those promoted Friday. "It's a good opportunity to teach the young guys all that I have learned over the last 20 years."
Copyright © 2003, Newsday, Inc
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