FDNY Foundation-Funded FDNY High School Renamed to Honor Firefighter Killed on September 11th

FDNY Foundation-Funded FDNY High School Renamed to Honor Firefighter Killed on September 11th

It has been almost 15 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and now, the FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety has been renamed to honor a firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.

“In a few months, a new group of boys and girls will arrive here, to start their journey and when they do, they will see the name Captain Vernon A. Richard on their school; a child from Brooklyn just like them, who went on to do extraordinary things,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “The students here this fall, and for generations to come, will be inspired by his leadership, his compassion and most of all, his bravery. Captain Vernon A. Richard exemplified bravery and selfless sacrifice, and now, with the school that bears his name, his memory will live on and inspire generations of future FDNY members.”

The high school has been renamed in honor of FDNY Captain Vernon Richard, who was in charge of Ladder Company 7 on Sept. 11. The school officially became Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety on Thurs., June 30.

“There are a handful of schools in our city named for FDNY members who made the supreme sacrifice,” said FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard. “That is just one way their memories live on, but it’s such an important one because every single day, young people will see his name and they will learn what service is all about. They’ll learn what it means to be brave, to show courage and to help others. This school in particular is really special because from these hallways, we have so many FDNY members actively serving today.”

Captain Richard was one of 343 FDNY members killed during the attacks. He was posthumously promoted to Captain.

“We are proud to have schools across the City named after inspirational leaders and local heroes like FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “This tribute recognizes his bravery and dedication to serving the City over the course of his lifetime as well as the enormous impact he had on the community. We are grateful to the Fire Department for their continued partnership to support schools Citywide and the students at this school.”

The 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.

The High School recently celebrated its 9th annual commencement ceremony. 40 young men and women from the Class of 2016 celebrated commencement at the FDNY Training Academy on Randalls Island on June 23.

Click here to see more photos from the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety renaming.