Firefighter Tristen Echols Celebrates 20 Years of the FDNY High School

For 20 years, Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety has been inspiring, educating, and preparing the next generation of EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters. To celebrate its legacy, JoinFDNY is spotlighting alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in the FDNY.

Tristen Echols always knew he wanted to wear a uniform, but it wasn’t until the events of September 11 that he realized it would be the bunker gear of an FDNY firefighter. Witnessing the selfless acts of bravery on that day inspired him to become part of something larger than himself. He chose to attend the newly established Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety—formerly known as FDNY High School—believing it would set him on the right course to become a firefighter.

“No one in my family has ever joined the Fire Department,” said Echols. “I would be the first one to do so. Just joining the FDNY High School, I figured that would be a great way to guide me into the right direction to become a firefighter.”

Echols graduated with the school’s inaugural class in 2008. He went on to serve as an FDNY EMT for nearly four years before entering the FDNY Fire Academy in 2014. After graduating, he was assigned to Engine 231, where he has proudly served for the past decade. He credits the high school program with helping him stay focused on his goals. “What I loved about the school was all the opportunities—visiting the Rock, touring the EMS Academy, examining the equipment, trying on the gear. It all motivated me even more to pursue this career.”

A key moment in Echols’ journey came when he met then-FDNY Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. Encouraged by a firefighter to introduce himself, Echols finally worked up the courage. Chief Cassano took him under his wing, offering guidance and support throughout his career. “Every time I had a question, he was always there to lend me his hear and he definitely gave me some guidance and advice,” recalled Echols. “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m not doing it by myself. I feel like everybody needs a mentor in their life to just make sure that they are still going the right way, in the right path.”

Echols takes great pride in mentoring the Probationary Firefighters who join his firehouse and looks forward to seeing graduates from his alma mater follow in his footsteps.