24 Paramedics Graduate from EMS Academy

Twenty-four paramedics graduated from the EMS Academy on Sept. 23.

Applause and smiles filled the auditorium at the Fire Academy on Sept. 23, as 24 paramedics joined the EMS Command.

“Being a paramedic isn’t an easy job - especially in New York City - but the city is a safer and better place because of you,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

The new paramedic class includes FDNY EMTs who received additional training and were promoted to the rank of paramedic, as well as EMTs from local hospitals and as far away as Australia, who are joining the FDNY for the first time.

“We are all proud of the hard work it took for you to get through the rigorous training at the EMS Academy,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. “Your efforts will make a difference to every patient you encounter.”

Several of the new graduates speak multiple languages, including Russian, Mandarin, French, Sintana, Cantonese and Creole.

Several of the new graduates speak multiple languages, including Russian, Mandarin, French, Sintana, Cantonese and Creole.

Paramedics John Files-Aime and John Vives are veterans of the U.S. military, having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in UN Peacekeeping Missions in Macedonia and Bosnia.

“Last year the EMS Command’s workload increased to more than 1.2 million calls, yet we continued to arrive as quickly as ever,” said Chief of EMS John Peruggia. “We do this through the efforts of the dedicated and professional men and women, like those graduating today, who give of themselves not to be come rich and famous, but to make a difference.”