New Probationary EMT Reunited with EMS Members Who Saved His Life in Serious Motor Vehicle Accident 5 Years Ago

May 15, 2018

On Tuesday, May 15th, Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the graduation ceremony for 180 Probationary EMTs at ChristianCultural Center in Brooklyn.

“Our Probationary EMTs have made a commitment to providing emergency medical care to every New Yorker, no matter the situation or the dangers they may face,” said Fire Commissioner Nigro. “You will each find that very quickly, right on your first tours in fact, you’ll be making an immediate impact in every community you serve.”

Jonathan Cano-Gomez is one of the graduates who experienced the first-hand impact of the FDNY. In August 2013, Probationary EMT Gomez was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He lost consciousness and suffered serious injuries.  After this traumatic accident, Probationary EMT Gomez was inspired to join the FDNY as an EMT, and hoped to one day reunite with his rescuers.

“The FDNY EMTs and Paramedics were the ones that kept me alive that day and got me safety to the hospital. They gave me a second chance at life,” said Probationary EMT Gomez. “I was inspired to make a difference just like them. I want to help people. It never occurred to me that I was walking past them in the academy every day.”
At the graduation ceremony, Probationary EMT Gomez was reunited with Lieutenant Suchingh Singh and Paramedics Roland Guirand Dean Russell.

Unbeknownst to him, Probationary EMT Gomez had been crossing paths with two of the FDNY members who saved him during his training at the EMS Academy, Lieutenant Suchingh Singh and Paramedic Roland Guirand. Additionally, he will now be assigned to Station 39, the same station of one of his rescuers, Paramedic Dean Russell.

“I feel so honored, it is amazing that I was able to help him and now, today he has a family,” said Paramedic Guirand. “I hope he can do the same for someone else now, and inspire them too.”

“It is nice to know that he will be working with me at my station in Brooklyn. He’ll see me around,” said Paramedic Russell of Station 39. “I had no idea that I made this kind of impact on someone else’s life, It’s nice to know I made a difference, that is why I come to work every day.”

“You never know what that next call will bring, how you will be tested, or the tremendous impact you will make in someone’s life,” said Chief of Department James E. Leonard. “That’s why you have all worked so hard to reach this moment.”

Included in this graduating class are 9 members who served in several branches of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as a representation of 17 foreign languages. 

For photos of the graduation ceremony, click here.