Fire Commissioner Presides over Graduation Ceremony for FDNY High School

June 22, 2018

On Friday, June 22, 2018, Fire Commissioner Nigro presided over the commencement ceremony for the 11th graduating class from the Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire & Life Safety.

58 students successfully completed a rigorous academic program that emphasizes leadership and strength as core values along with the academic and physical skills necessary for emergency responders.

“You’re surrounded by teachers, instructors, your family and friend, and every single one of them is incredibly proud of all you’ve done to reach this moment this morning,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “We want all of you to join the FDNY and take advantage of the outstanding training and education you have received these last four years.”

The FDNY High School, located at 400 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn, strives to introduce its students to future careers with the FDNY, as Firefighters, Paramedics, or Emergency Medical Technicians. Students learn fire safety, CPR, and first aid as they complete their customary high school classes.

“Being a firefighter is something I’ve been passionate about since I was little” said Valedictorian Jada Martin, who will be attending the FDNY Youth Summer EMS Academy (SEMSA). “Being Valedictorian is something I’ve been working towards for a really long time and I am excited to have earned the title,” added Martin.

From the previous ten FDNY High School classes, 60 graduates are currently working for the Department with four graduates currently serving as Firefighters and 56 as EMTs. To date, 145 FDNY High School graduates are State certified EMTs.

The FDNY High School is largely funded by the FDNY Foundation, to learn more about their generous support, click here.

For photos of the graduation ceremony, click here.