Mike Syska of Birmingham has been promoted from lieutenant to captain of Longwood Fire Company.

“Mike has provided excellent service to the fire company during the decade he has been a volunteer,” said Chief A. J. McCarthy. “He has earned his promotion. Syska has been an officer at Longwood seven of his 10 years at the fire company.

Syska, who has helped with multiple vehicle and water rescues during flooding, said volunteering is an opportunity to give back to the community. He became interested in the fire company during high school.

“I went to Penn State for information technology but I discovered what I liked was the fire company and being an EMT,” he said. “I then took nursing classes.”

Longwood Fire Company has served the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships since 1921. The company provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information see www.longwoodfireco.com.