E MS Academy Instructor Ono Frio “Sal” Troisi has been a member of the FDNY for 27 years. He leads part of the Probationary EMT School at our EMS Academy at Fort Totten. When he isn’t dedicating his time to lectures or setting up extra tutoring for his students at the Academy, he also serves as the person his colleagues can turn to for passionately unique wisdom.
Join FDNY: What drives you to come teach our Probys daily at our Bureau of Training?
Instructor Troisi: I believe it’s because I can help our students become better rescuers out here in the city streets. As an Instructor, I get my students to improve their performance by really helping them to learn the material. Also, I teach my students from my experiences as a first responder and they become even better as time progresses.
JF: What pointers would you give to someone who is preparing to train at our EMS Academy?
IT: Start studying before you get here. If you start studying on the outside and you have your core knowledge, it will help greatly and we can guide you through the rest. Also, know what your goals are before you get here because there are many ways to move up the ranks here and advance your career. This Department has great career opportunities.
JF: What’s your greatest accomplishment as an Instructor?
IT: Every time a class graduates and I watch my students become what they want to be here, it’s a great feeling. Watching my students become great at their careers, reading about their accomplishments in the paper and things like that really help to make my career a special one. Every great instructor is meant to have a student that goes beyond them, which I learned in Bruce Lee’s ‘Tao of Jeet Kune Do.’
JF: What’s some advice that you give to your Probys on Day One?
IT: Always dedicate time to studying when you enter these Academy doors. We have instructors here who are willing to help you get through this training and they will always do what they can to help you succeed. Don’t let yourself down by not taking advantage of the information and the resources that are offered to you during this training. Study sessions and study groups are here for you and they are very useful. Also, it’s important that you learn as much as you can when you’re here, because it translates to life saving work when you start serving in the field.
