SI Advance – November 19, 2014
by Kiawana Rich
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Hundreds of men and women joined the ranks of New York’s Bravest as FDNY probationary firefighters during a graduation ceremony held Tuesday in the Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn.
The class of 280 new firefighters is unique in having four female graduates, raising the department’s total of female firefighters to 44 and surpassing the previous record. It also reflects growing diversity within the FDNY, with 37 percent of graduates identified as being of minority background, including 15 percent African-American and 20 percent Hispanic.
Mayor Bill De Blasio and Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided at the ceremony.
“It takes a special kind of person to be a New York City firefighter — you have to be able to think clearly and quickly under extreme pressure and be ready to respond to any emergency at any time. Yet what makes this job so challenging also makes it exceptionally rewarding. Each of you has proven your ability at the Academy, and I know you will succeed in the field,” said de Blasio. “Day in and day out, New York’s Bravest face the most extreme challenges to protect their fellow New Yorkers. I congratulate today’s graduates and am confident that they will put their training to good use and serve this City with bravery and dedication.”
Joining the graduates and their proud and smiling families and friends were First Deputy Commissioner Robert R. Turner II; Chief of Department James E. Leonard; Acting Chief of Fire Operations John Sudnik, Acting Chief of Training Stephen S. Raynis, and other city fire officials.
“I am so proud of the four women graduating today, and for the United Women Firefighters to reach this important milestone. Each of the women who made it to this rank has worked extremely hard to achieve their goals and deserves accolades for taking part of making history,” said Sarinya Sarisrakul, UWF president. Calling those who now serve as firefighters role models for young girls and women citywide, she added, “We look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and the FDNY in breaking barriers with each successive graduation and increasing the number of women on the job.”
During their 18 weeks at the FDNY Training Academy, the “probies” were extensively trained in all aspects of firefighting: Fire suppression and medical response, hazardous materials, collapse and confined space rescue training; auto extrication, and building inspections and procedures for engine and ladder operations.
Among the graduates is Firefighter Josephine Smith, daughter of Kevin Smith, a member of HAZMAT 1 who died in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001.
The class also includes 51 veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as 26 probies who passed a promotional exam to the rank of firefighter after previously serving as paramedics and emergency medical technicians with the FDNY Bureau of the Emergency Medical Service.
The graduates will be assigned to firehouses throughout the city, where they will gain field experience under the guidance of senior firefighters and officers.
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