Firefighter Constantino Zepeda Celebrates 20 Years of the FDNY High School

It’s the 20th anniversary of the opening of Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety, formerly FDNY High School. To mark this milestone, JoinFDNY is highlighting some of its remarkable alumni.

You never forget where you come from. Recently, Firefighter Constantino Zepeda, now assigned to Ten House in Manhattan, was back at his alma mater—Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety—in a new role: helping out with “Firefighter for a Day.” It marks the first time since his graduation in 2016 that he’s returned to the school, and the experience has been meaningful.

“It feels amazing to be back and see the new opportunities available to these students, as well as the ones I had when I was here,” Zepeda shared.

From a young age, Zepeda knew firefighting was his calling. Growing up in Astoria, Queens, he’d see the fire trucks racing through his neighborhood, their sirens blaring. So, when the time came to choose a high school, there was no doubt in his mind.

“It said FDNY on it, and that was it for me,” recalls Zepeda. “The big thing was the program they have. They have a good EMS program, taught by EMTs who gave us the entire rundown, just how they do in the EMS Academy, so it was a great head start.”

Zepeda graduated as valedictorian of his high school class and went on to the FDNY Winter EMS Academy (WEMSA), earning his New York State EMT Basic Certification. He was valedictorian of his class at the FDNY EMS Academy. After about four years as an FDNY EMT, he entered FDNY Probationary Firefighter School, graduating in August 2023.

 When I think back, the school has had such a significant impact on my life,” said Zepeda. “I’ve thought about it, and I was like, ‘Man, I could have been anywhere.’ But thankfully, I made it here. Followed the path and made my dream come true.”