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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2002
PR-015-02
www.nyc.gov

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND FIRE COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA SWEAR IN 304 NEW FIREFIGHTERS


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today presided at the swearing-in ceremony for 304 probationary firefighters at the Fire Training Academy on Randalls Island. The new firefighters (or "probies") are the second class of firefighters to join the FDNY since the September 11 attacks, which took the lives of 343 members of the Fire Department. In November, 309 new firefighters joined the ranks of the FDNY.

"On behalf of the people of this great City, I congratulate and thank you for accepting the enormously challenging and demanding career of a New York City firefighter," Mayor Bloomberg said. "September 11th challenged us not only to rebuild our City and our economy but also to rebuild the ranks of New York's Bravest, in body as well as in spirit. This is another step in that process and we will support you as you move forward into the next phase of your training. Firefighters are public servants in the truest sense of the word and their energy, courage, and sense of duty instills both confidence and pride in all of us."

"Today you join a tremendous group of people whose commitment and dedication is unparalleled," Commissioner Scoppetta said. "You will learn the basics of firefighting here on Randalls Island, and the techniques and skills needed to go out and perform a difficult and dangerous job. Take your training seriously, do your job well, and be safe."

The new class of firefighters will spend the next ten weeks at the Fire Academy training and preparing for the rigors of firefighting. The firefighters will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Afterwards, the firefighters will be assigned to firehouses throughout the City, where they will work alongside veteran firefighters and respond to fires and emergencies. The recruits will then return to the Fire Academy for three additional weeks of classroom instruction before being permanently assigned to field operations.

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958
Francis X. Gribbon, FDNY
(718) 999-2056