FDNY Welcomes 171 EMTs

February 8, 2017

On Wednesday, February 8th FDNY welcomed 171 new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to the Department at a graduation ceremony at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.

Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the graduation and underscored the critical care that EMTs provide to New Yorkers and the city’s visitors. “A sick call, a fire, a patient in cardiac arrest, an injured child or a woman in labor – no matter the situation, FDNY members work together, side by side to care for their patients,” said Commissioner Nigro.

He also recognized that graduations are no easy feat in this Department as Members must complete rigorous training and studies.

Chief of Department James E. Leonard commended the graduates for their hard-earned work. “This is an important day for all of you; it’s a time to celebrate your hard-earned achievement and to remember all of the studying, training and difficult work it took to reach this moment,” said Chief Leonard. “As new EMTs, you are critical to the Department’s life-saving mission, day in and day out.”

He acknowledged seven Veterans from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

FDNY Probationary EMT Jessica Byers is one of the seven Veterans that graduated. She recognized the values of the U.S. Marine Corps parallel the values of the FDNY.

“The United States Marine Corps taught me a lot about discipline, responsibility and accountability which the FDNY also engrains in us,” said Probationary EMT Byers. “There’s a lot of emphasis to work as a team, which made the Academy a lot easier because I understand the psychology behind what is taught here. For me, there is no better Department to be a part of. I enlisted and proudly served my country to make a difference and now I’m here hoping to keeps that trend going.”

For FDNY Probationary EMT Aric Tegtmeier, the Department has been a family affair. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Firefighter Paul Tegtmeier, one of the 343 FDNY Members killed on September 11, 2001.

“It has always been my childhood dream to be here today and to have the chance to follow in the footsteps of my father,” said Probationary EMT Tegtmeier. “I am carrying on the legacy he set and he left big shoes to fill. I look forward to providing the best care I can to the people of this great city and advancing my training and skillset with all that the FDNY has to offer.”

Probationary EMT David Franco was recognized by the Department as Valedictorian of his class. He highlighted the Department’s emphasis on providing the best training possible. “With the best training available, we are held to the highest standard here. I enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself and hope to be a Rescue Paramedic with the Department.”

For photos of the graduation, click here.