Graduation Today Culminates Intensive Training Program

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for new members of the Emergency Service Unit, culminating a 27-week training program conducted by the Unit’s Specialized Training School.

A total of 50 Lieutenants, Sergeants, Detectives and Police Officers will be assigned to various ESU trucks that are dispersed throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Police Commissioner Kelly said:
“The members of the highly specialized Emergency Services Unit represent the nation’s best first responders. They are trained to handle all manner of emergency situations, from building collapses and heavy weapons tactics to deadly live-agent chemical release scenarios.”

In addition to special rescue training and HAZMAT preparedness and response courses, all ESU members must qualify in Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs. They also undergo training to deal with emotionally disturbed persons, provided in conjunction with John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Today’s graduating class commenced their training last October. The New York City Police Department employs nearly 500 ESU officers.