FDNY Foundation Celebrates 10th Graduating Class of the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

FDNY Foundation Celebrates 10th Graduating Class of the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

The FDNY Foundation is proud to celebrate the graduation of 34 students from the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety. The students received their diplomas on Thurs., June 22 at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island.

“You have your opportunity to make your mark in the world, and hopefully, just as Captain Richard did, you will never stop learning and you will join us in the world’s greatest Fire Department,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “One of the things I enjoy most as Fire Commissioner is seeing our high school graduates go on to have successful careers in the FDNY. But no matter where life takes you – always remember you have a home in this Department.”

“Today you receive a key: a high school diploma,” said Principal James Anderson. “A high school diploma is what provides you options for the rest of your life. This will allow you to have options for the way you live, what jobs you choose and who you like to be around. With this key, you will open many doors.”

This is the tenth graduating class of the school, which was renamed last year in honor of FDNY Captain Vernon Richard, who made the Supreme Sacrifice on Sept. 11. The school’s curriculum strives to introduce students to future careers with the FDNY, as Firefighters, Paramedics, or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

From the previous nine FDNY High School classes, 53 graduates have joined the Department with two graduates currently serving as Firefighters and 51 as EMTs. To date, 145 FDNY High School graduates are State certified EMTs.

The High School is largely funded by the FDNY Foundation. The school aims to reach talented, dedicated young men and women, many of whom are looking for a career with the FDNY.

“These students are an inspiration to us all,” said FDNY Foundation Board Chairman Stephen Ruzow. “The school has provided them with the opportunity to begin down the path toward reaching their fullest potential and they have seized that opportunity. We offer them our sincere congratulations on this extraordinary achievement and look forward to watching what the future holds for each one of them.”

To see more photos of the ceremony, click here.