Eleven South King Fire & Rescue members were recognized for recent department promotions at last Tuesday night’s commissioner meeting.

Fire Chief Vic Pennington, who took over the position on Jan. 1 following the retirement of former chief Dr. Allen Church, was recognized as top command for the department.

Promoted to drive engineer included Ann Hoag, Dean Bastin and Brian Jack.

Moving up in the ranks to lieutenant are Walter Hanks and Andrew Lowen. Lowen is working in the department’s Community Affairs Office with focus on public education, after the retirement of Capt. Jeff Bellinghausen last month.

Four were promoted to captain: Anthony John, Tom Thorson, Brad Chaney and Roy Smith. Smith is the new leader of the South King Fire CARES (Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services), which aims to provide service to low-acuity, high-frequency callers of the 911 system.

Brittany Padjen, a CARES social service coordinator, also received new hire recognition at the commissioner meeting as the third social worker hired for the CARES program.

Top row, L-R: Brittany Padjen, Driver Engineer Ann Hoag, Captain Roy Smith. Bottom row, L-R: Lieutenant Andrew Lowen, Captain Brad Chaney, Lieutenant Walter Hanks, Driver Engineer Dean Bastin, Captain Anthony John.