With the five-member Color Guard leading the way, many family members and friends of the Johnston Fire Department witnessed a new tradition Saturday morning at the town’s Senior Center.

“I am very excited to be a part of this ceremony today,” began Battalion Chief Richard Boehm on behalf of Chief Timothy McLaughlin. “It has been a very long time since this department has held a promotional ceremony.”

Mayor Joseph Polisena administered the oath of office to Lt. Kevin Racette, who was promoted to captain, and Pvt. William Fish, who now owns the rank of lieutenant.

“Lt. Racette and Firefighter Fish, you will be joining a very well-respected leadership team under the direction of Chief McLaughlin and his command staff,” Polisena told a near over-flow audience. “With your leadership skills, you will be responsible not only for the citizens you protect but the men and women … [who serve as] your subordinates.

“You will serve not only as their leaders, but their role models,” the mayor continued. “Being in a leadership position on the Johnston Fire Department does bring with it an awesome responsibility. You have been well prepared for the positions you are about to be sworn into … I have said it numerous times that the Johnston Fire Department has the best of the best who are ready for whatever emergency comes their way.”

Racette and Fish have over 35 years of combined experience. Boehm said both men “came on the department as probationary firefighters and worked their way up to their current ranks.”

Racette, 44, lives in Warwick and is a 1987 graduate of Bishop Stang High School. An 18-year veteran of the department, he attended the University of Rhode Island and Providence College.

He is an instructor in the Cardiac Division, and is also chairman of the fire department’s health and safety committees and grant committee. He has also been a member of the FEMA Search and Rescue Team for 10 years and is regarded as a K-9 search specialist.

Racette and his wife Geraldine have a son, Keegan, 5, who pinned the captain’s badge on his father.

Fish, meanwhile, is a 17-year department veteran. He’s a 1989 graduate of North Kingstown High School and has received two letters of commendation during his career. Fish, 42, also holds a Cardiac License and NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 status.

Fish and his wife Kimberly live in North Kingstown and have a daughter, Lauren, 11, and son, Liam, 8. His wife pinned the lieutenant’s badge on her husband.