Fire Cadets Receive Merit Pins for Achieving Important Milestones

The Fire Cadet Academy marked significant milestones from its first year by awarding merit pins to Fire Cadets for their accomplishments in fitness, character, and academics. Throughout this immersive two-year program which began in June 2023, Cadets engage in extensive classroom instruction, field training, and fitness conditioning to prepare for entry into and graduation from FDNY Probationary Firefighter School.

“The Fire Cadet Academy is designed to cultivate well-rounded firefighters through a comprehensive approach,” said Battalion Chief Steven Lee, Uniformed Director of the Fire Cadet Academy. “We focus on fitness and academics, but equally important is character development. By involving Cadets in activities beyond the firehouse, we help them understand what it truly means to be part of the FDNY, making their transition to the firehouse easier because they know what to expect.”

Currently, 86 Fire Cadets are enrolled, with over half meeting the demanding physical fitness standards required for graduation from Probationary Firefighter School. For their efforts, 45 Cadets received merit pins for fitness, 10 earned merit pins for character through their volunteer work at various FDNY and community service events, and 15 were recognized for academic excellence by maintaining a GPA of 96 or higher. In May 2024, all Fire Cadets took the Promotion to Firefighter civil service exam.

“Over this past year, I’ve really enjoyed being a Cadet. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to become a firefighter. This program has taught me so much and I’ve grown so much since the start of the program,” said Kevin Russo Jr., the only recipient of all three merit pins. “The things I love about the FDNY is that it’s known for its uniformity and respect, and I’m very attracted to a career where I’m always learning something new.”

For many of the Fire Cadets, the FCA has provided valuable insight and guidance into their future profession.

“We take great pride in the progress the Fire Cadets are making. We have 17 Fire Cadets who came through the Captain Vernon A. Richard High School or other FDNY Youth Programs but many of them do not have family or friends in the FDNY and initially, don’t know what it takes to succeed physically, academically, or mentally,” said Michele J. Maglione, Assistant Commissioner of Youth Workforce and Youth Programs. “The Fire Cadet Academy provides a solid foundation, and it’s inspiring to see the Cadets striving to meet those high standards.”

“I don’t have anyone in the fire department, so I didn’t know anything about it. I know I have struggled with the academic parts but being a Cadet has been great because I get to learn so much before going into Proby School,” said Fire Cadet Andrew Gonzalez who received merit pins for fitness and academics.

In addition to their physical training and classroom instruction, Fire Cadets receive mentoring from uniformed firefighters. At the end of their first year, they have completed three out of six work rotations at the 50 different units and bureaus, providing a deeper understanding of how all the different parts of the FDNY work together to support its life saving mission.

“I get to make a lot of connections and network within the Department that I don’t think I would make otherwise between both civilians and uniformed members,” said Fire Cadet Tahmida Taher who earned a merit pin for academics. “What stands out the most about this program is the leadership. There are a lot of supportive people who build you up. That’s what I really liked about this program.”

“The Fire Cadets are dedicated to progress and are constantly working on improving,” said Lieutenant Joann Diaz, Deputy Uniformed Director of the Fire Cadet Academy. “It is gratifying to see how far they have come from the beginning of the program to where they are now. With several months to go before graduation, our goal is to help them advance further.”