The FDNY held a graduation ceremony for 156 EMTs who have finished their 13-week long training at the FDNY EMS Academy.  

The training included learning CPR, patient medical, emergency childbirth and trauma assessments, among other skills. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh says that the EMT training is the foundation to their careers. 

“This really is a family,” said Kavanagh. “We really like to emphasize that at graduation, that we’re welcoming them into the family.  

Graduate Theodore David is following in the footsteps of his mother and father who have both worked in the EMS field. His father, Lt. Roy David, is still in service and hopes to see his son rise in the ranks of the FDNY.  

“It’s wonderful to see him continue on the legacy that I’ve had and his mother’s had for now 49 years,” said Roy David.  

Graduates will be assigned to various units citywide, and Kavanagh says there’s no time to waste, as they’ll be starting their service right away.