85 New EMTs Join EMS Command

Eighty-five new EMTs were sworn in on Oct. 15.

It was a happy day for 85 new members of the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Service on Oct. 15, as they were sworn in as new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

“Being an EMT is not an easy job,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta during the ceremony at the Fire Academy. “Every day you see people in pain, you are not in an air conditioned office, you work is on the streets. No matter what the call is, when a New Yorker calls, you answer it. And in this job, the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

He noted that during ambulance rotations required for training, EMT Christopher Savino helped save someone who went into cardiac arrest and two others delivered babies.

“Your efforts make a difference to every patient you encounter, no matter how big or how small the emergency,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.

The new members will be assigned to units throughout the city.

EMTs Treyvia McNeary and Andrew Wasniewski were named class valedictorians.

The members of this diverse class speak five different languages, including Romanian, French, Creole and Spanish. Eight of the graduates have family members in the Department.

EMT Santino Degregorio is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and EMT Mike Pivetz served with the U.S. National Guard.

“You have chosen a noble profession, in an organization with a profound history of heroism and greatness,” said Chief of EMS John Peruggia. “Sometimes it’s stressful, and it’s always challenging, but the greatest benefit of being an emergency medical professional is that it’s rewarding.”

The new members will be assigned to various EMS stations throughout the city.