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NYC Swears In Most Diverse Class Of Probationary Firefighters In FDNY History

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City has sworn in 318 probationary firefighters -- the first class since 2008.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano swore in the "probies'' at a ceremony at the FDNY Fire Academy on Tuesday.

"This new class is the most diverse in FDNY history and demonstrates the Department's tremendous efforts to achieve our long-standing goal of diversifying our ranks and better representing the city we serve," Cassano stated.

FDNY Swears-In New Class Of Firefighters

More than 42 percent of the recruits are minority.

"Each of you understands the sacrifice the Department requires – after all, you have almost 1,500 years of combined service as emergency medical technicians and paramedics with the FDNY and you are now stepping forward to keep our city safe in new ways," Bloomberg stated.

All members of the class have previously served as emergency medical technicians and paramedics with the FDNY Bureau of EMS.

Over the next 18 weeks they will be tested and trained in fire suppression and medical response at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island.

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