Paramedics and EMTs Graduate from Academy

Seventy eight standout paramedics and EMTs graduated from the EMS Academy on March 13 to a standing ovation.

“You are about to embark upon the most exciting and challenging period of your careers,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta during the ceremony at LaGuardia Community College. “You are joining a great group of men and women who not only work hard, but are great at what they do.”

The 12 paramedics and 66 EMTs were commended for already saving lives on the job. During ambulance rotations, they saved two cardiac arrest victims and delivered a baby.

And they all come from diverse backgrounds, speaking more than 16 languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Creole, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Lao, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Thai.

“The Department is proud of your accomplishments,” Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano said. “We look forward to seeing you in the field.”

Two are following in their family members’ footsteps by joining the FDNY. EMT Linda Ubiles’ father, EMT James Ubiles, works out of Battalion 32 and EMT Tristan Tricarico’s father is Captain Anthony Tricarico of Squad 252.

“We’re the best EMS Command on the planet and it will stay that way because all of you are joining us today,” said Chief of EMS John Peruggia. “Thank you for joining our team.”

Seven of the graduates are veterans of the armed forces, including three who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

Paramedic Robert Persaud, an eight year Navy veteran, was deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and will be deployed again this spring. Paramedic Allen Schildgen, the class valedictorian, is a retired Navy veteran with 20 years of service.

EMT Alexander Bustamante also was named valedictorian.