Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release #037-00
Thursday, February 2, 2000

Release #037-00

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins 212-788-2958
  Michael Regan, FDNY (718) 999-2025

MAYOR GIULIANI JOINS FIRE COMMISSIONER THOMAS VON ESSEN AT
GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 146 PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen at a graduation ceremony for 146 Probationary Firefighters. The newly anointed Firefighters -- or "Probys" as they are often called -- have successfully completed a rigorous 13-week training program that has prepared them for the many challenges they will face in their new careers.

"Today, 146 young people committed themselves to a dangerous but noble cause and gain membership in an elite group that has earned, and continues to earn, the most profound respect of all New Yorkers," the Mayor said. "I have no doubt that this new class of highly skilled firefighters will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and quickly demonstrate their dedication to saving lives and protecting property. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I congratulate them as they embark on their new careers, and express our deep gratitude for their willingness to risk their lives everyday."

Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "Today we welcome 146 members to the ranks of the Bravest - the New York City Fire Department. As a firefighter myself, I believe they have chosen a career they will soon discover to be among the most admirable and rewarding professions. They join a Department that is rich in history and tradition and whose members demonstrate everyday tremendous dedication and selflessness - as a Department, as a team, and as individuals."

Also included in the ceremony was the presentation of several awards for excellence, including:

In keeping with tradition, Firefighter Michael E. Schroeder presented a check, in the name of the graduating class, to hero Firefighter Brian Baiker. The check will be donated to the New York Firefighters Burn Center.

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