Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh Presides at Graduation Ceremony for 284 Probationary Firefighters

July 25, 2024

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh will preside at the graduation ceremony of 284 probationary Firefighters on Friday, July 26th at 10 a.m. at the Christian Cultural Center, 12020 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn. The ceremony can be viewed live on the Department's website at www.nyc.gov/FDNY or HERE.

This graduating class of probationary Firefighters includes eight women - bringing the total amount of women in the Department to 169. People of color comprise 46% of the class, with 29% identifying as Hispanic, 15% as Black, and 2% as Asian American. There are also 28 veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Among the graduates are Kenneth Phelan, son of Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan Sr., Engine 217, who died in the September 11 attacks, and Jessica Chiodo, daughter of Firefighter Peter A. Chiodo, Engine 226, Raymond Gormley, son of William J. Gormley, Ladder 174, and Luke Kirchner, son of Ronald Kirchner, Ladder 154 who died of World Trade Center illnesses after aiding in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Over their 18 weeks at the FDNY Training Academy, the probies trained in all aspects of Firefighting: fire suppression and medical response, hazardous materials, collapse and confined space rescue training, auto extrication, building inspections and procedures for engine and ladder operations. They will be assigned to firehouses throughout the city.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Acting Chief of Department John Esposito, FDNY Officials

WHERE: Christian Cultural Center, 12020 Flatlands Ave - Brooklyn, NY 11207

WHEN: Friday, July 26 - 10:00 a.m.

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