Congratulations to Dr. Denis Onieal on his appointment to Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator. He replaces Glenn Gaines who died last month of a heart attack while mowing his lawn.

“Denis has been a loyal and steadfast supporter of the Foundation’s mission to provide the survivors of our nation’s fallen firefighters with the assistance, comfort and hope they need,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “Through his role as the superintendent of the National Fire Academy, Denis has also championed the Foundation’s efforts to encourage firefighters to adopt a more proactive approach toward a higher commitment to safety and reducing line-of-duty deaths and injuries.”

Dr. Denis Onieal served as the superintendent of the National Fire Academy since 1995. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Onieal began his career as a firefighter in 1971 for the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become deputy chief in 1991, and acting chief of over 600 firefighters.

Dr. Onieal earned a doctorate of education from New York University, a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Jersey City State College. He was professor in the master and doctorate degree programs in education at New York University prior to his appointment. He has authored over 30 fire service publications.