CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Lightfoot and Fire Commissioner Richard Ford presided over a largely virtual fire academy graduation ceremony at what both officials say is a challenging time.
The Chicago fire academy graduates were there to take their oaths, socially distanced; but family and other loved ones had to watch the proceedings online.
Retiring Fire Commissioner Richard Ford said this is his last such ceremony.
"You have joined a profession that is calling, that is difficult at-best under circumstances, now we ask you to carry out your duties during a pandemic," he said.
"Your graduating class joined the fire academy in the middle of a pandemic. Your class has navigated training and learning in a way that was unheard of just a few years ago."
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Mayor Lightfoot told the graduates they are following in a long tradition of first responders at a time when they’re needed most.
"When COVID-19 did hit our city, our firefighters dug in their heels and remained at the frontlines to join the fight against a new, invisible threat and handled the growing needs of our residents; and they have never let us down, not one moment," she said.
"For many of you that work starts tomorrow, as you answer calls from residents who are sick or frightened and in dire need of your help. I would be remised if I didn't say you are starting your job when we are recovering from one of the most historic snowstorms that we have seen in quite a time, so the needs will be many."
Commissioner Ford said more than a dozen of the new firefighters are former police officers and 27 are former military. All are celebrated.
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