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by FERNANDA SANTOS
The FDNY'S oldest probie is now a firehouse boss.
David Sharp, who joined the Fire Department five years ago at the age of 44, was one of 30 firefighters promoted to the rank of lieutenant at a loud, cheery ceremony at the Fire Academy in Randalls Island yesterday.
"I don't care if I ever hit the Lotto," said Sharp, who turns 49 today. "I've got a great wife, great friends - and I've got this job."
Sharp of West Babylon, L.I., first tried to become a fireman three decades ago, but went on to make a living as a plumber after being turned down because of poor eyesight. In 1995, before doctors perfected laser eye surgery technique, he braved the scalpel and underwent a corrective operation to cure his hyperopia.
Because Sharp had applied to take the test before his 29th birthday, .FDNY rules allowed him to try out once his vision had been corrected. Since joining, he has been assigned to Ladder 145 in Washington Heights.
"This," Sharp said, pointing at his dress blue firefighter's uniform, "is all I ever wanted to be."
Another of the new lieutenants is John Feehan of Squad 252 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. He is the son of Deputy Commissioner William Feehan, an FDNY legend killed in the World Trade Center collapse and the highest-ranking city firefighter ever to die in the line of duty.
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