Brooklyn Supreme Court justice Bruce Balter was promoted by FDNY,
and sworn in as an Honorary Deputy Chief for the cases
involving 9/11-related injuries that he presided over during the past 16 years.
Justice Balter, who has been an honorary officer since 2012,
accepted the honor at FDNY headquarters in Downtown Brooklyn.
Captain Gerard Chipura, who led the ceremony,
introduced Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro
for remarks and to perform the ceremony.
Nigro joked about his “unique privilege” to swear in a judge.
He had high praise for Balter, stating,
“He’s been an outstanding member of our honorary ranks for five years now,”
Nigro said, then speaking directly to the Judge, continued,
“This honorary promotion is a sign of appreciation from the department
and the Honorary Fire Officers Association for all you’ve done, Judge,
and for all you continue to do for the FDNY.”
Honorary Deputy Chief Balter then took the microphone,
“When I had the opportunity to do the right thing as a judge,
which is being fair and impartial for the firefighters that were injured
in the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster—it was easy to do,” he said.
“I’m glad that I saw first responders and firefighters
receive their pensions the way they deserved.
For the sacrifices that they made, there’s no finer unit than the FDNY.”
Judge Balter promised to continue being a friend to FDNY.
Among those in attendance were Chief of the Department James Leonard,
First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh,
and NYPD Chief of Transportation Thomas Chan.
Congratulations Judge Balter.