21 children of fallen firefighters among 301 probationary firefighters to graduate

The FDNY just got bigger, with 301 probationary firefighters graduating before family and friends Tuesday.
The ceremony was held at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn and was particularly special for the 120 veterans, 16 women and 21 children of FDNY and NYPD members who died in the line of duty.
"Today 21 legacies are no longer children dreaming of the careers their fathers loved and have served in the world's greatest fire department, today they fully achieve their dreams," says FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
Commissioner Nigro says there are now more than 100 women serving with the FDNY.
The brave men and women began the academy in May and spent the last few months learning the skills they need to answer the calls for help across the city.
Among them, Tobert Tilearico Jr., whose father worked with the department for 35 years. His father passed away from 9/11-related illnesses from his time working on rescue and recovery efforts. His mother says she is proud today to see her son honoring her late husband.
"I knew it from the beginning when he was one, we bought him a little fire truck that he rode around in, so he's got it in his blood just like his dad and his grandfather. I'm very proud that you're continuing on, especially that he got my husband’s badge number that makes me very, very proud," says Tine Tilearico.
From here they'll be assigned to firehouses across the city, where they'll continue to gain experience and learn from their new brothers and sisters.