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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2002
PR-195-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND FIRE COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA ATTEND GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS


MMayor Michael Bloomberg joined Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today at a graduation ceremony for 292 Probationary Firefighters. In January this class of new firefighters were sworn-in as recruits by the Mayor and the Commissioner and they have now successfully completed the rigorous 25-week training program. This is the second class of firefighters to graduate since September 11, 2001.

"I congratulate today's 292 graduates who have accepted an enormously challenging and demanding career as a New York City firefighter," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Our Fire Department has suffered tremendous loss but we are committed to rebuilding its ranks both in body and in spirit. These new recruits represent the courage and sense of purpose that define New York's Bravest."

"The Probationary Firefighters graduating today have embarked on one of the most rewarding and challenging careers imaginable, one that is rich in tradition and pride and, at the same time, one that is very demanding and often dangerous," said Fire Commissioner Scoppetta. "They have proven their determination and commitment during the often-grueling training over the last 25 weeks. I am confident that the skills they have learned will keep them safe and help the Department do what it does best: save lives."

The class Valedictorian was Firefighter Robert D. Pettinger, the Salutatorian was Firefighter Mark A. Grillo and the Physical Fitness award was presented to Firefighters Darren M. Coursey and Gregory S. McGuinness. Other graduates today include relatives of firefighters who were lost on September 11: Brian Stack, son of Battalion Chief Lawrence Stack; Joseph Cammarata whose brother Firefighter Michael Cammarata was lost; Joseph Pansini who lost his brother Firefighter Paul Pansini; and Timothy Riches who lost his brother Firefighter Jimmy Riches. Also, one female in the class, Francesca Smith, is a former New York City Police Officer.

The class of Probationary Firefighters spent the first eight weeks of training at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall's Island where they learned basic firefighting techniques such as fire suppression and containment and basic engine and truck operations. They were then assigned to a firehouse where they worked for an additional 14 weeks under the guidance of other experienced fire officers and firefighters. Prior to graduating from the Academy, the class returned to Randall's Island for three more weeks of training. Upon graduation, the new firefighters will be assigned to a firehouse during their one-year probationary period.

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Megan Sheekey
(212) 788-2958
Francis X. Gribbon (FDNY)
(718) 999-2056