Nearly 300 soon-to-be firefighters graduate as embattled FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh gives likely final speech
Hundreds of probationary firefighters were honored at a graduation ceremony Friday in Brooklyn, where embattled FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh spoke in what will likely be her last address before leaving the department.
“You will impact our city by saving lives and inspiring others,” Kavanagh said, before choking up with emotion. “You will face difficult days when you will wish for a better outcome and you will have really great days when you make the save and you know you changed someone’s life.”
Of the 284 gradates, eight were women and 46% were people of color, according to an FDNY press release.
The soon-to-be firefighters included Jessica Chiodo, the daughter of Firefighter Peter Chiodo, who served in Engine 226 and died of a 9/11-related illness.
Also among the grads was Kenneth Phelan, son of Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan Sr. of Engine 217, who died of an illness tied to the terror attacks.
Grads, who were dressed in crisp black uniforms and white gloves, got a booming applause at the Christian Cultural Center in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn.
The so-called “probie” smoke-eaters now be assigned to firehouses citywide.
Kavanaugh resigned from her $243,171-a-year position earlier this month as controversies swirled, with some members of Mayor Adams’ administration questioning her ability to lead the country’s largest fire department.
After the graduation ceremony Kavanagh, told The Post, “I feel very proud of my legacy,” adding the department’s technology and EMS salaries improved under her leadership.
“I am sad to go. It was the right time. It will never be easy,” she said.
