Latest FDNY graduating class represents increasing diversity in department
EAST NEW YORK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A promotion ceremony for nearly 300 firefighters was held in Brooklyn on Wednesday as the newest members of New York's Bravest take their next steps in their professional journey.
Their families and friends packed inside the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn as the firefighters filed in with pride. It was an inspiring sea of blue as the first responders committed to keeping New Yorkers safe.
The 298 probationary firefighters are now off to work in fire companies across the city, and in a year will drop their "probie" titles.
As their commissioner told them, some of their best and toughest days are ahead.
"You will learn lessons from these days, you will find the strength to move on, even when it seems impossible, because this is the most resilient organization in the world, and we will be there for you," said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.
Many were children on 9/11 who are now following the path of their heroes.
Two of the men graduating are honoring the legacies of their late FDNY lieutenant dads who served that day.
Brian Sullivan is the son of Lt. Christopher Sullivan, who died on 9/11. Henry Hinton is a third generation FDNY firefighter. His grandfather and father, both also named Henry, served in the FDNY. His father died of 9/11-related cancer.
Jerome Nedd is the son of a chef who died in the World Trade Center where he worked in Windows of The World restaurant -- and he was inspired by those who sacrificed their lives to try to save his dad.
"Obviously I wish he was here to help me through this process, but he gives me strength every day so I just channel that," Nedd said.
There are also 10 women in the class.
"We always checked in on each other, making sure that were all pushing, not only pushing ourselves, but pushing each other to make it through together," said probationary firefighter Amber Villegas.
The diverse group also includes 34 military veterans, one of whom served in Iraq with two FDNY firefighters who died in a helicopter crash there, six years ago this week.
"Lt. Chris Raguso and Fire Marshal Christopher 'Tripp' Zanetis, that was my moment that I decided that I needed to carry their name on, and that tradition of rescue, and helping those that need our help," said probationary firefighter Patrick J. Williamson.
At the same time, they are building a new generation's legacy: a department more reflective of the city it serves.
"Representation is important, you go out and you see people like you, and you feel more comfortable," Nedd said.
The newest graduates represent increasing diversity in the department with 30% identifying as Hispanic, 16% as Black, 3% as Asian and 1.5% as Native American.
"It's super important, because we are the future of the FDNY," Williamson said. "And this is where the world should be going."
Wednesday's ceremony comes after last week's promotion ceremony garnered attention when Attorney General Letitia James was booed as she took the podium to speak.
No firefighters will be disciplined, but top leaders of the department have since apologized to James who served as the special guest.
Wednesday's ceremony did not include any special guests and the department has said it is having ongoing conversations with their members about decorum during department events.
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