The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) held a joint graduation and promotion ceremony for the third class of 2025 probationary emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and the promotion of EMS officers.
The ceremony was held on Thursday 19 March 2026 and it was held at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.
The FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore spoke at the event, saying: “You are now part of something bigger than yourself. You are part of a Department built on service, sacrifice and teamwork.
“And, you are part of the FDNY family. Together, you will rely on one another, support one another and stand together through the challenges and triumphs of this job.
“To our newly promoted officers and our newest EMTs: today marks the beginning of a new chapter. The work ahead will not be easy, but it will always be meaningful.
“The people of this city depend on you and the FDNY is behind you every step of the way.”
Chief of EMS Operations Paul Miano explained: “You are joining profession built on something sacred. A profession built on trust. When someone calls 911, they are calling for help.
“They are calling for someone who will show up without judgement and treat them with the dignity and compassion that everyone deserves. That someone is now you.”
The probationary EMT class trained for 16 weeks at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten.
Training skills include CPR; patient medical and trauma assessments; oxygen and ventilation skills; management of hypotension and fractures; spinal immobilization and emergency childbirth; and emergency vehicle operation.
At the ceremony, the FDNY promoted the first woman in FDNY history as the Assistant Chief of EMS Operations.
Kathleen Knuth, a 22-year member of the Department, will work with Chief Miano in overseeing the more than 4,000 EMTs, paramedics, EMS officers and civilian employees in the Bureau of EMS Operations.
The probationary EMTs and EMS officers will be assigned to units throughout New York City.
