O n Wednesday, June 26, 2019, Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the commencement ceremony for the 12th graduating class from the Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety.
Forty students successfully completed a rigorous academic program that emphasizes leadership and strength as core values along with the academic and physical skills necessary for emergency responders.
“You’re surrounded by teachers, instructors, your family and friend, and every single one of them is incredibly proud of all you’ve done to reach this moment this morning,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “We want all of you to join the FDNY and take advantage of the outstanding training and education you have received these last four years.”
FDNY High School senior Irma Diaz served as the valedictorian for the Class of 2019. She will also be training in our Youth Summer EMS Academy (SEMSA) next month.
The FDNY High School, located in the Thomas Jefferson High School Campus in East New York, strives to introduce its students to future careers with the FDNY, as Firefighters, Paramedics, or Emergency Medical Technicians. Students learn fire safety, CPR, and first aid as they complete their customary high school classes.
“The greatest thing I’ve learned is that the FDNY is not just a Department, we’re actually a family. People work together and there is strong support whenever you need each other,” said Irma Diaz, who will be attending the FDNY Youth Summer EMS Academy (SEMSA). “My parents were my greatest inspiration, they were there for me through thick and thin and I know they are proud of me, so I strive for the moments where I make them proud.”
From the previous eleven FDNY High School classes, 66 graduates are currently working for the Department with 11 graduates currently serving as Firefighters, one serving as a Paramedic, and 54 as Emergency Medical Technicians. To date, 164 FDNY High School graduates have become New York State certified EMTs.
The FDNY High School is largely funded by the FDNY Foundation, the official not-for-profit organization for the New York City Fire Department. To learn more about their generous support, click here. To view more photos from the graduation ceremony, click here. Read more about our Youth Workforce Development here.
