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FDNY Insider 7/21/09
Every seat in the auditorium at the Fire Academy was filled with cheering family and friends as 75 new emergency medical technicians (EMTs) walked across the stage to accept their diplomas on July 21. “It takes a special person to be an EMT,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “This is not an easy profession, you deal with tragedy and stress every day of the week, but it is a rewarding profession. There is honor in what you do.” EMTs Alexander Kuc and Daniel Mitchell were named class valedictorians. The diverse graduates speak eight languages, ranging from Creole to Sinhala. One of the new members, EMT William Hunt, is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. “Your efforts make a difference to everyone you encounter, no matter how big or small the emergency,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.
Last year the members of the FDNY’s EMS Command responded to more than 1.2 million calls with an average response time of 6 minutes, 38 seconds. “You have chosen a noble profession in an organization with a profound history of heroism and greatness in fulfilling its mission,” said Chief of EMS John Peruggia. One of the happy graduates, EMT Netta Bedassie, said she has always been interested in the medical profession and joined the Command after her husband suggested the idea. As her classmates hugged and congratulated one another following the ceremony, she said, “I’m excited to start, this feels wonderful.” The graduates included:
Jamilah M.
Abdul-Hakeem |
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