FDNY probationary firefighters head for ‘The Rock’
De Blasio: '323 heroic people'
Mayor Bill de Blasio called the newest class of FDNY probationary firefighters “heroic” at their swearing-in ceremony at the Fire Academy on Monday. The event marks the start of their rugged 18-week training period on Randalls Island, otherwise known as “The Rock.”
“Here at this swearing in, we have 323 heroic people – because you made a heroic choice,” de Blasio said. “You made the choice to serve others – people you don’t even know, but whose humanity you are here to protect.”
De Deblasio told the recruits, “They call this place The Rock for a reason. Life here, over the next 18 weeks, will not be easy.” He described days filled with pushups, staircase climbs, fire simulations and late nights of studying.