FDNY Foundation Celebrates 11th Graduating Class of the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

FDNY Foundation Celebrates 11th Graduating Class of the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

The FDNY Foundation is proud to celebrate the 2018 Graduating Class of the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety. The 58 students received their diplomas on Fri., June 22 at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island.

“One of the things I enjoy most as Fire Commissioner is this day, and seeing our high school graduates go on to have successful careers in the FDNY,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “Seeing young men and women grow to become FDNY members, watching you find your true calling in this Department, just as I did as a young man is exhilarating. I look forward to seeing you at future graduation ceremonies, and seeing you begin to bravely serve our city. But no matter where life takes you – always remember you have a home in this Department.”

“Being a firefighter is something I’ve been passionate about since I was little,” said Valedictorian Jada Martin, who will be attending the FDNY Youth Summer EMS Academy (SEMSA). “Being Valedictorian is something I’ve been working toward for a really long time and I am excited to have earned the title,” added Martin.

This is the 11th graduating class of the school, which was renamed in 2016 in honor of FDNY Captain Vernon Richard, who made the Supreme Sacrifice on Sept. 11. The school’s curriculum strives to introduce students to future careers with the FDNY, as Firefighters, Paramedics, or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

From the previous ten FDNY High School classes, 60 graduates are currently working for the Department with four graduates currently serving as Firefighters and 56 as EMTs. To date, 145 FDNY High School graduates are State certified EMTs.

24 of the 2018 graduates will be taking part in the FDNY’s Summer and Winter Youth EMS Academies.

The High School is largely funded by the FDNY Foundation. The school aims to reach talented, dedicated young men and women, many of whom are looking for a career with the FDNY.

To see more photos of the ceremony, click here.