FDNY EMS Promotions and Graduation Ceremony

The new promoted members and graduates will be assigned to units throughout the five boroughs.

Cheers echoed through the halls of the FDNY Academy on Randall’s Island as 111 EMS members were recognized in a joint promotions and graduation ceremony on Dec. 19.

"Make no mistake about it, the work that all of you do, and the decisions you will make are critical and they save lives," said First Deputy Commissioner Don Shacknai. "Knowing how you have all supported each other these past few months, I know you will proudly serve this Department in your new roles."

The promoted members and graduates included two EMS division chiefs, six EMS deputy chiefs, 21 EMS lieutenants and 82 paramedics.

"This is a great holiday present for our families," said Chief of Department Edward Kilduff. "You bring a world of experience, and because of that, our Department is stronger."

Chief of EMS Abdo Nahmod added, "You all are paving the way for the future. Go forward, prosper and make a difference in someone’s life."

Among the graduating paramedics was Brian Wilson, who soon will be deployed to Afghanistan with the Army Reserves.

Paramedic Brian Wilson, who soon will be deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Army.

He was called for pre-deployment training at Fort Dix in New Jersey several months ago, and was told it could not be deferred. As a result, he would be forced to miss many of the scheduled classes and training required to become an FDNY paramedic.

Once the Academy’s training staff learned this news, they worked with the New York State Department of Health to set up a special schedule for Paramedic Wilson.

Then the rest of the class agreed to hold graduation until Dec. 19, allowing Paramedic Wilson time to finish his training and take his certification exams. They said they wanted to graduate as one group.

Paramedic Wilson was joined at the ceremony by his non-commissioned officer, FDNY Paramedic Robert Berrios, who will be deployed with him.

"It was stressful," Paramedic Wilson said of his schedule over the past few months. "But everyone really helped me out."