FDNY- 305 New Probies

Published: May 5, 2015

FDNY Graduates 305 Probationary Firefighters

Graduating Class Observes Moment of Silence in Honor of PO Brian Moore

On May 5, FDNY graduated 305 Probationary Firefighters during a ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence in memory of Police Officer Brian Moore, who was fatally shot on Saturday, May 2.

In his speech, Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro recognized the Lucena family who came to cheer-on Probationary Firefighter Jason Pinero. Jason’s girlfriend and her family lost everything in a 4th-alarm fire earlier this year in Queens. When this class learned what happened, they rallied around the Lucenas, raising money to help them rebuild.

The family wrote a letter in gratitude to the class, saying that “We couldn’t be more grateful to know that this is the new, beautiful and thoughtful family that Jason is becoming a part of.”  

Chief of Department James E. Leonard lauded the 58 graduates who are veterans of the Unite States Armed Forces, including Probationary Firefighter Frank Minieri who was not able to attend graduation because he is taking part in a training exercise with the U.S. Army.

Probationary Firefighter Graduation in Brooklyn

This graduating class of Probationary Firefighters represents the growing diversity of the Department with 43 percent of graduates identifying as of minority background – 16 percent as Black, 23 percent as Hispanic and 3 percent as Asian.

Probationary Firefighter Daniel C. Clifford was named the class Valedictorian, Probationary Firefighter James T. MacKay Jr. was Salutatorian and also received the Physical Fitness Award. 

Over their 18 weeks at the FDNY Training Academy, this class was extensively trained in all aspects of their job as Firefighters: fire suppression and medical response, hazardous materials, collapse and confined space rescue training, and auto extrication, building inspections and procedures for engine and ladder operations. These probationary firefighters will be assigned to firehouses throughout the city, where they will gain field experience under the guidance of senior firefighters and officers.