"I was then told I would never be 100 percent back to normal again. Well, I am," Devane told his classmates."While I was home recovering I was told I would never be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a New York City Firefighter. Today, I get to say I am."
Robert Tilearico Jr, another graduate, was following the legacy of his firefighter dad, Robert Sr., who survived the World Trade Center terror attack, but succumbed to 9/11-related cancer years later.told WPIX 11This class of probationary firefighters is among the academy's most diverse, with 37 percent identifying as people of color—including 12 percent as black, 20 percent as Hispanic, and 5 percent as Asian—and 16 female graduates.
"It's empowering to see and be surrounded by so many females with the same goals as me," said Kristen DeRop."I'm really happy that there are so many powerful, strong women on the job." This year's graduating class included 16 female firefighters, among the largest number the academy has ever seen.In addition to their rigorous training, the probationary firefighters donated 276 pints of blood and donated more than $11,240 to various charities and to the family of Steven Pollard, a recent graduate who wasEarlier this month, the FDNY added 22 more names to the 9/11 memorial wall at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn.
"This solemn wall is a poignant and permanent reminder of the sacrifice of all that responded on September 11th and toiled for weeks and months at the World Trade Center searching for the innocent lives taken that day," said Fire Commissioner Nigro."Because of their dedication and bravery, each year the already staggering loss suffered by the FDNY continues to grow as illnesses claimed the lives of those who so bravely served our city.
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