WASHINGTON, D.C. – While he is well-known as a leader passionate about education and making the fire service safer, what many may not know is that Dr. Denis Onieal never pumped an ounce of water during his firefighting career in Jersey City.
The National Fire Academy Superintendent -- honored with the Mason Lankford Leadership award at the annual CFSI event – said he was overwhelmed and proud to be selected.
“It is over the top, something I never, ever expected,” Onieal said.
He admitted that when he got out of U.S. Army becoming a firefighter wasn’t on his radar screen.
“My dad filled out my application, and I signed it,” he recalled with a laugh during an interview with Firehouse.com.
There was a reason firefighting wasn’t at the top of his career choices – he was afraid of heights.
“I wouldn’t go up any ladder, period. But, I got really good training… So, where did I get sent after graduation – a ladder company. If you were over six feet tall, you were assigned to a ladder…”
Even though he never used a pump, he rose through the ranks to acting chief, and at the urging of retired Md. Deputy Fire Marshal Bob Thomas, applied for the job as superintendent of the National Fire Academy.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams, I’d get it. But, I did. My mom had passed away six months before, and I thought it was her message…”
He will celebrate his 20th year in July.
“…The NFA has been transformed into an elite training institution…Under Dr. Onieal’s leadership, (it) continues to find new ways to deliver important programs to ensure that our first responders are properly trained for whatever challenges they may face,” said Robert Hoffman, Motorola Solutions corporate vice-president.
Motorola is a a co-sponsor of the Lankford award.
Hoffman went on to tell the crowd: “Whether encountering a single firefighter at a trade show or delivering a speech at a conference or just wandering the hallways or classrooms in Emmitsburg, he’s always eager to listen first and speak second the men and women…”
Onieal said he was humbled to receive the honor, adding that he appreciated the guidance of the countless people who helped him along the way. He mentioned his colleagues in the Jersey City Fire Department as well as the USFA.
“To tell you the truth, working with all of them, I always felt like the rookie bat boy at the All Star Game in Yankee Stadium. I was in awe of every player, every day.”
Onieal said he was accepting the award on their behalf.
“Just like our flag is the symbol of our country, this award is a symbol for the work of the men and women of the USFA and the NFA…”
He said Teddy Roosevelt said it best: “Far and away, the best prize life has to offer is a chance to work hard – at work worth doing.”
Onieal added candidly: “I don’t understand how people can go to work every day without that critical mission push. I can’t wait to get to work every morning.”
The superintendent said he is proud of the caliber of students, current and future fire service leaders, who attend the NFA. And, they are held to high standards. Anyone who doesn’t abide by the Code of Ethics is dismissed.
“We don’t have time for cheaters. It’s rare, but it still happens. We’ve sent people home, and their transcripts are marked accordingly. We let their chief know about it, and we also go after them to pay the money back to the government because it’s fraud…”
Onieal urged the audience to take the time to be mentors, adding that they need to be part of the team.
