NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The FDNY on Wednesday held a graduation ceremony for 133 probationary firefighters, including two 9/11 legacies and the child of a firefighter who died in the line of duty.
After 18 weeks of training, the 133 newbies graduated from the FDNY Training Academy to join firehouses throughout the city, where they will gain field experience along side senior firefighters and officials.
“With the completion of their rigorous training at the Fire Academy, these probationary Firefighters are now ready to serve our city,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “Starting on day one in their new firehouses, each of our new members will be called upon to respond to fires and medical emergencies, protecting life and property.”
Among those graduating on Wednesday was Jonathon Otten, whose father died on 9/11 when he was just 8-years-old. He joined the FDNY in the hopes of honoring his father’s legacy.
“Just to follow in his footsteps and try to be half the man that he used to be, you know that's definitely what I want to live up to, what I want to be a part of,” Otten told WCBS 880.
Gary Watson is also a 9/11 legacy. His father also died in the World Trade Center when he was 8-years-old.
Like Otten, Watson said he became a firefighter to feel closer to his dad.
“Everything I do is for my dad, hoping that he's proud of everything I've done,” he said. “He was always a guy everyone loved.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Goruma – whose father died in the line of duty when he was 2-years-old – said it was only natural that he become a firefighter.
“Gowning up, I was always running in the fire house and that's what inspired me to become a firefighter,” he said.
All three new recruits said they viewed the fire department as their family.
According to the FDNY, the graduating class of 133 probationary firefighters represents increasing diversity within the department, with roughly 41% identifying as people of color.
In addition to the three FDNY legacies, the class also included two women and 36 veterans from all branches of the U.S. military.