FDNY- 280 New Probationary FF's Graduate

	[Share]Published: November 18, 2014 FDNY Graduates 280 Probationary Firefighters The 280 Probationary Firefighters during their graduation ceremony. View More The FDNY welcomed 280 new Probationary Firefighters to its ranks on Nov. 18, during an exuberant ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. “Only the best become a part of this Department,“ Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “You represent everything that is great about New York City. You make us all proud.“ Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro added, “I promise you - you will look back one day at this moment and wonder where the time went. But when you do, you will look back fondly on a career greater than you could have ever imagined.“ The group completed a challenging 18-week training program at the Academy, where they learned about everything from fire suppression to confined space rescues. Thirty-seven percent of the Probationary Firefighters are minorities, including 15 percent black, 20 percent Hispanic and four women. Now the total number of female firefighters serving in the FDNY is 44, more than any other time in history. There were also 51 military veterans in the class. “We are certainly proud of you and are confident that you are ready for the challenges ahead,“ Chief of Department James Leonard said. “Stay focused and with each response you will become a better firefighter.“ The new Probationary Firefighters during their graduation from the 18-week training program. Probationary Firefighter Brandon Reilly was named the class Valedictorian, Probationary Firefighter Joseph Seelig was Salutatorian and Probationary Firefighter Steven Ramhold received the Physical Fitness Award. “Today is a very personal day for all of us, we came together [at the Fire Academy] as strangers and we leave as a big family,“ Probationary Firefighter Reilly said. “I'm excited to begin the best job in the world.“ Among the graduates was Probationary Firefighter Josephine Smith, whose father, Firefighter Kevin Smith, HazMat 1, who was killed on Sept. 11, 2001. She noted that she keeps her father's memory close by always having a photo of him in her cap, wearing a bracelet with his name on it and carrying a piece of World Trade Center steel in her pocket. “Today I'm proud, happy, excited and sad that my father couldn't be here,“ Probationary Firefighter Smith said. “I have wanted to do this for as long as I can remember - I always told my father I'd work with him one day.“ Probationary Firefighter Albert Abebreseh also was among the 280 graduates. He said he saw firefighting as the perfect opportunity for him to serve and support the community. “I'm happy about all the bonds I made at the Academy,“ he said. “I'm ecstatic [to be graduating]. I'm ready to get to the field.“ Many of the graduates spoke of the strong relationships they forged with their classmates. The group even raised more than $3,000 to help Probationary Firefighter Thomas Vaughan's brother, Kevin. Corporal Kevin Vaughan followed his firefighter brother into the U.S. Marine Corps and was serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device and he lost his leg. The Probationary Firefighters learned of his story and raised funds for Building Homes for Heroes, which is constructing a house for the hero on Long Island. “Three-hundred people I barely knew raised $3,000 … it's unbelievable,“ Probationary Firefighter Vaughan said. He noted that his brother's strength and will constantly motivate him, “He's my hero, I couldn't be happier to have him here today.“

Copyright 2014 The City of New York

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use