FDNY Graduates 285 Probationary Firefighters

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Are all the probies are first being assigned to Engine companies now after the academy?

The crowd roared as 285 probationary firefighters graduated from the FDNY Academy on May 17 during a ceremony at Brooklyn College – the first firefighter graduation since 2008

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/events/2013/051713a.shtml

[lt411 145]

Yes, all the probies will be assigned to engine companies. For many years this was the routine, as the thought was that you should learn engine company operations before being assigned to truck company. As all engine co. members (other than the MPO) stay with their officer, its safer to have "all the ducks with the mama". When probies work in the truck, they are usually assigned " the can" (2-1/2 gal water ext.) and 6ft. hook so they will be with the officer. Still, the officer may lose their probie during the search operation. I remember when the probie from Lad.24 was lost during a search for the seat of the fire at Macy's Dept. store in Herald Square (34st and Bdwy). Macy's has high ceilings, and the heat and smoke were building up "on high",while the co's were searching. All of a sudden the smoke and heat dropped like a stage curtain, and the scramble to escape began. The probie got caught behind a sales counter, which only has a small way out- like a mouse in a maze. Fire never would have happened if the auto sprinkler system had been turned back on by the plumber when the repairs were finished. Unfortunately it was Prob. Firefighter Walter Smith's last fire.

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Thanks for the solid info and background, lt411! Much appreciated!