Springfield firefighter is promoted to department's first Hispanic District Chief

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Wednesday was a historic day for a Springfield firefighter.

At a ceremony held at the Raymond Sullivan Safety Complex, Captain David Colon was promoted to the rank of District Chief. He is the first Hispanic American to achieve that distinguished rank within the Springfield Fire Department.

Colon said it is an honor, and the culmination of years of hard work.

"It was a long road, 17 years. I always push it," Colon said. "I enjoy being a firefighter in Springfield."

Colon rose through the ranks following his appointment to the fire department in July of 1995.