Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958, Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972 or Michael Regan (718) 694-2056 (FDNY)
The Mayor also presented a very special certificate to 36 year-old Thomas Tripptree, making him an honorary member of the Fire Department. Thomas, a Downs Syndrome adult, is the son of a retired battalion chief and the brother of five New York City Firefighters. Thomas also received an official FDNY bomber jacket and an official dress uniform cap.
"This is a very proud day for all New Yorkers because firefighters represent the very best in all of us," Mayor Giuliani said. "Their commitment and personal sacrifice meet the highest standards of public service. With professionalism, courage and calm, firefighters rise to challenges that most others would shrink away from in fear. They do one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in public service, and they do it everyday. Commissioner Von Essen has made sure these firefighters received the best, most practical training and now they are going to work with the world's best fire department. New York City and the entire Fire Department stands behind these firefighters and we will always look for better equipment and technology to make their jobs safer."
"As a firefighter, I can personally attest to the arduous training regimen that these probationary firefighters have just completed," Commissioner Von Essen said. "They have successfully concluded 13 weeks of training in firematics, fire suppression techniques and the life saving skills of the Department's Certified First Responder Defibrillation Program. As Fire Commissioner, I promise each of these new probationary firefighters that the Department will do everything in its power to ensure their safety as they place their lives on the line to protect the life and property of New Yorkers."
Following their remarks, the Mayor and Fire Commissioner, joined by Chief of Department Joseph Casaburi, presented awards to the Academy's top graduates. The Valedictorian Certificate was awarded to Firefighter Thomas V. Mooney, the Salutatorian Certificate was awarded to Firefighter Paul A. Miller and the Physical Fitness Award went to Firefighter David W. Donatelli.
Before presenting Mr. Tripptree with his certificate and administering the oath of office, the Mayor told the gathering, "Thomas Tripptree is loved and appreciated by his family and friends in the Department. From an early age, he expressed an interest in the traditions of fire service, the welfare of firefighters and the principles of fire prevention. Because of his devotion to the Department, it is an honor to bestow upon him the honorary title of New York City Firefighter."
Immediately following today's graduation, the probationary firefighters will be assigned to engine and ladder companies throughout the City. They will then rotate assignments annually for the next three years to ensure that they are exposed to a variety of firefighting experiences. At the end of their probationary period, they will be permanently assigned.