FDNY - New York City Fire Department
12/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2025 17:17
FDNY's newest class of paramedics graduate at ceremony in Queens
December 18, 2025
The FDNY held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of paramedics on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at St. John's University in Queens.
"Today is the culmination of months of intense training, long hours of study and unwavering commitment. You have earned your place among the very best in emergency medical care," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "Choosing to become an FDNY paramedic is choosing a life of service. You have committed yourself to answering the call at any hour, in any condition, at the most difficult moments in a person's life. You will meet New Yorkers on their worst day-and your calm, skill and professionalism will make all the difference. Your training has prepared you for the challenge, but it is your character, your empathy, your professionalism, and your teamwork that will define you."
Chief of Department John Esposito said: "You should all be very proud of what you have accomplished today. The road to becoming an FDNY paramedic is not an easy one, and I know each of you has made tremendous effort and commitment to study and become the best paramedic you could possibly be. You chose a profession built on service and compassion. You show up ready to care for New Yorkers and provide lifesaving medical care when it matters most. This job isn't just a career. It's a calling."
Assistant Chief of EMS Operations Cesar Escobar added: "Today, we celebrate 74 members of the FDNY who stepped away from the comfort of what you knew as emergency medical technicians and took on greater responsibility-enduring over 11 months of high-pressure medical training. You didn't just take a course. You underwent a clinical and professional transformation."
The graduates trained for 11 months at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten, at hospitals on clinical internships, and in field rotations. Paramedics have extensive training in anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as many critical lifesaving skills.
The newly promoted members will be assigned to units throughout New York City.
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