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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2002
PR-263-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND FIRE COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA PRESIDE AT FDNY GRADUATION CEREMONY

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today presided over a graduation ceremony for 288 Probationary Firefighters. The new Firefighters, or "Probies," have successfully completed a rigorous 11-week training program that will prepare them for the many challenges that await them in their new career and comprise the fourth class to graduate since the attacks of September 11th. Newly promoted Chief of Department Frank P. Cruthers and other high-ranking officials of the Fire Department, as well as several hundreds of family members and friends of the graduating class, joined the Mayor and Commissioner at the ceremony at Brooklyn College.

"Over a year after September 11th, we continue to rebuild the ranks of our great Fire Department," Mayor Bloomberg said. "These Probationary Firefighters will continue a tradition of service and valor at the FDNY, risking their lives to protect the safety of others. On this important day, I thank these new members of the FDNY and wish them continued success in the future."

"Today we welcome 288 new members to the New York City Fire Department family," said Commissioner Scoppetta. "Your presence here alone proves that you have already demonstrated your commitment to the City of New York and to your chosen profession. Your hard work and the dedication you've demonstrated over the last 11 weeks are what will help the Fire Department to rebuild and to continue doing what it does best, protecting the lives and property of all New Yorkers."

In keeping with tradition, Firefighter Philip A. Leto presented a check to be donated in the name of the class to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Thomas Elsasser Fund, which benefits the families of firefighters who suffer non-line-of-duty deaths. The class Valedictorian was Firefighter Lee M. Nolan; the Salutatorian was Firefighter Ronald A. Saikowski. The Physical Fitness award was presented to Firefighter Stephen Abruzzo.

www.nyc.gov

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