Newest Class Graduates from FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety

Newest Class Graduates from FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety

The FDNY Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of 45 students from the FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety. The graduates received their diplomas on Thurs., June 25.

“No matter where life takes you – always remember you have a home in this Department,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “And there’s truly nothing like coming home to the FDNY.”

This is the eighth graduating class of the school, which is housed in the Thomas Jefferson Educational Campus in Brooklyn. Its curriculum includes special emphasis on the academic, physical and moral requirements of emergency response.

“I want you [graduates] to know, special people like you, with talents and gifts, this society, this city and this world need you,” said Principal James Anderson. “We need you to act on it, we need you to fulfill it and find your destiny.”

In its ten-year history, 106 of the FDNY High School graduates have become state certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), many serving as EMTs with hospitals in the New York City region. To date, 28 graduates are FDNY members, including two who serve as FDNY Firefighters and 16 more as FDNY EMTs, with more graduates entering the academy each year.

“I know many of you will become firefighters and EMTs, and I know that some of you will take different paths. Some will become lawyers or business people, teachers or technicians, politicians or entrepreneurs, but whatever path you take, please be bold,” said Keynote Speaker Deputy Mayor Richard Buery. “Be bold in your commitment to our City.”

“Let us be willing to do everything we can to follow our dreams. We will need to work harder than we have ever worked, and we will have to make sacrifices,” said Graduate Iyana Curtis in her Valedictorian speech.  “Success is not given, it is earned.”

“Our time here was challenging, but it’s worth it,” said Salutatorian India Glover. “Regardless of whatever you choose to do, don’t give up.”

The 45 students who graduated Thursday made up the FDNY Prep Class of the FDNY High School. Prep is offered to FDNY High School seniors who have successfully completed the first three years of FDNY Curriculum and are on track for graduation. They have also participated in the FDNY Summer Leadership Academy, and have expressed interest in pursuing careers in emergency medicine or with the FDNY.

The FDNY 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.

“The FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety provides an important and meaningful opportunity for youngsters in our community to start down a path toward reaching their fullest potential,” said FDNY Foundation Chairman Stephen Ruzow. “We are so proud to support this school and so proud of these students for reaching this incredible milestone. We look forward to watching them continue to grow well into the future.”

“We could not be prouder of these students,” said FDNY Foundation Executive Director Jean O’Shea. “They truly are an inspiration to all of us, showing what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. It is a great privilege to support this critical program and hope the school has opened a world of opportunity for these students. We offer them our heartfelt congratulations on this extraordinary achievement.”

For more information about the FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety, click here.