New London – Firefighter Jeremy Hynek carried on a family tradition Friday with his promotion to the rank of lieutenant as a member of the New London Fire Department. 

Hynek, 37, was promoted at a swearing-in ceremony at department headquarters presided over by New London Fire Chief Henry Kydd and Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio. 

He follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late James Sullivan, who retired from the department at the rank of lieutenant in 1985. 

“When you’re a kid whose grandfather works at the fire department, you spend a lot of time at the fire house,” Hynek said. “Becoming a firefighter was kind of predestined.” 

Hynek has worked for 14 years at the department and is the son of Sheryl and Allen Hynek. He is married and a father of three children. Hynek’s brother, Jim Hynek, is a fire inspector with the New Haven Fire Department. All attended Friday’s ceremony. 

Hynek’s mother, Sheryl Hynek, said it was a special day and her father, James Sullivan, would be proud. 

“My dad is shining down from up above right now,” she said. 

Hynek is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Service Instructor and Fire Officer II. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science and administration from the University of New Haven. He has earned three unit citations, including two trauma incidents in which lives were saved, Kydd said. 

The department employs 12 lieutenants - three per shift to cover each of the stations. 

“He must now apply all his knowledge, skill, abilities and experience as a leader to continue to improve the New London Fire Department,” Kydd said. “He will now be in a position to recommend new equipment, institute new innovations and voice his opinions on procedures and policies which will guide the department into the future.” 

Hynek fills a vacancy left by the retirement of Lt. Thomas Chilleri, who worked at the department for 25 years. 

g.smith@theday.com 

Twitter: @SmittyDay