Iraq Vets, Paramedics Fight FDNY -- Get Promoted

January 20, 2006 -- Two city paramedics called up for military service in Iraq will be promoted to FDNY lieutenants today, but only after one of them went to the feds complaining they were passed over because they were overseas.

Patricia Foley, still working in a medical unit west of Baghdad, and Michael Glenn, who served six months north of the Iraqi capital, will finally get their silver bars after the U.S. Labor Department determined the FDNY was in violation of federal regulations.

Glenn's frustrating saga began last June 29, when the father of six returned from Iraq and checked in with his Manhattan EMS station. He was told that while he was away, he missed the deadline to accept the promotion.

It was a huge letdown for the 11-year EMS veteran, but his disappointment quickly turned to anger when he read about firefighter Gregg Magi, who was promoted to lieutenant while on an Iraqi battlefield on Aug. 18.

After Glenn complained to the Labor Department, the FDNY relented and is finally promoting him and Foley.

Foley will be sworn in this morning via satellite from the combat-support hospital where she is stationed.