On this Flashback Friday, we are catching up with former Proby of the Month Ladder 108 Firefighter Joseph Andres, who was also the valedictorian of his Proby Class in June 2014. Since being featured on Join FDNY seven years ago, he has become a FDNY Medal Day recipient, chauffeur and a husband.
“I’ve loved this job since the first day I joined and I think you grow to love the job more as you continue to work here,” he explained. “At first, you’re looking on and seeing how great this job can be and you’re happy to be welcomed into it. Now after some years, I’ve become a part of something bigger than myself. I’ve grown to love the people I work with as my family and it’s just an amazing experience.”
In 2016, Andres was awarded the Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal at FDNY Medal Day for his determination and courage during a lifesaving roof rope rescue in 2015. Today, he uses his experience to help guide Firefighter Candidates in the Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program.
“It’s a great program and although it’s tough going through the challenges with this pandemic, it’s nice to still be available to my mentees and encourage them to keep going. I always try to check in with them, see how they are doing, answer any questions they have, and help keep them motivated,” he added.
If you missed it, you can read about his heroic rescue here. Learn more about our members today here.
