194 Probationary Firefighters Graduate from the Academy

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta presided over the graduation ceremony for 194 probationary firefighters on February 22 at Brooklyn College.

“We’re grateful that each of you is willing to step up and make New York City a better place to live,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

Among the graduates were 23 veterans of the armed services, including 11 who have served in the Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, Probationary Firefighters Stephen Marley, Jr. and Eric D. Mussinan both earned the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

“I commend all of you for getting this far, for choosing to serve your fellow New Yorkers, for accepting the risks and hardships that come with the job, because you know in your heart that the rewards are great, and what you do is critically important,” Commissioner Scoppetta said.

The class also included a number of Department legacies, including Probationary Firefighter Maura Fitzsimmons, whose firefighter sister, Michele, was promoted to lieutenant on February 16.

Additionally, Probationary Firefighter Steven Hay, who is the son of FDNY Assistant Chief Allen Hay of the Safety Command, also graduated in the ceremony.

And two probationary firefighters - Luke Allen and Raymond Murphy - had family members who were among the 343 FDNY members who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

“This job attracts a unique group of people,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. “Someone who is willing to put his or her life on the line for a stranger. Firefighting isn’t in your blood, it’s in your heart.”

The class valedictorian was Probationary Firefighter Kevin McCabe. The salutatorian was Probationary Firefighter James DeVito and the Physical Fitness Award was presented to Probationary Firefighter Thomas Bradley.