FDNY- More about New FF's

Published: December 29, 2014

FDNY Swears-In New Class of Probationary Firefighters

The new Probationary Firefighters take the Oath of Office.

A new class of 320 FDNY Probationary Firefighters was sworn in at the Fire Academy on Dec. 29, marking the start of their rigorous 18 weeks of training.

“The Department you are joining not only best in world - but it keeps getting better,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during the ceremony on Randall’s Island. “What is our secret? Why is FDNY so good? Answer right here today: enormous talent, unrelenting work ethic and remarkable backgrounds entering classes bring us every year.”

Women and people of color comprise nearly half the class, with 17 percent identifying as Black, 24 percent as Hispanic and four percent as Asian. The class also includes three women. 

This past decade, the Fire Department has doubled the number of firefighters from minority backgrounds serving in New York City.

The new class will train for 18 weeks at the Fire Academy on Randall's Island. 

“When you leave this Academy, you must be ready to safely respond, fight a fire - and quite possibly - save a life,” Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said. “That’s the sacred mission you’re accepting today when you raise your right hand in just a few moments.”

At the Academy, classes are extensively trained in all aspects of their job, including fire suppression and medical response, hazardous materials, collapse and confined space rescue training, and auto extrication, as well as building inspections and procedures for engine and ladder operations.