FDNY- "Probies" Reunite with Flag They Signed as Marines

Published: May 25, 2015 PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS REUNITE WITH FLAG THEY SIGNED AS MARINES Probationary Firefighters Washington Sarmiento (left) and Jose Salas (right) Many Marines signed Lance Corporal Jorge Pena's United States flag as his first tour in Iraq was ending. Beginning civilian life as a firefighter with FDNY, he donated that flag to the Bureau of Training.  Firefighter Pena was in Probationary Firefighter School when he was called up to serve in Iraq. "They gave me a great send-off," Pena, who is now assigned to Engine Company 92 in the Bronx, said. "The job has always been great to veterans." He decided to give the flag to the Bureau of Training as a "token of appreciation for the support that they had given." It has been showcased at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island ever since. In 2014, Jose Salas and Washington Sarmiento began training at FDNY Probationary Firefighter School. "I didn't know when I signed the flag that day that it would end up at the Fire Academy or that I would become a New York City Firefighter," explained Sarmiento who joined FDNY after serving in the United States Marine Corps for a decade. "It’s pretty amazing how life works sometimes."  Salas, who is now also serving in the US Marine Corps Reserves, added that "it's special to see the flag each time I visit the Fire Academy."  Both graduated on May 2, 2015, as part of a class that included 58 veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  Probationary Firefighter Salas is now assigned to Ladder Company 135 in Queens. "As a Marine, I learned about helping my country, helping those in need, and showing initiative – the FDNY has since reinforced those life lessons," Salas said. "I’m very happy to be working here and to be wearing the FDNY uniform."  "I chose to work for the FDNY because it has that family work environment like the military and we get to help people each day," Sarmiento added. "I grew up in the Bronx and to be able to give back to the community by working for this Department is really important to me." After finishing Probationary Firefighter School. Sarmiento was assigned to Engine Company 64 in the Bronx.