Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Chicago Mayor Rahm EManuel Congratulates New Firefighter Graduates

149 Firefighter EMTs Graduate from Fire Academy and Will Soon Serve Chicago Communities

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago and officials from the Chicago Fire
Department (CFD) today at a graduation ceremony honoring the 149 men and women who
graduated from the Fire Academy in 2014.

“The Chicago Fire Department serves and protects the residents of our city with distinction,” said
Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I am proud to join Commissioner Santiago and the entire Chicago Fire
Department in congratulating the new class of firefighters and wish them well as they continue to
promote safety and provide emergency care across the City of Chicago.”

First Deputy Fire Commissioner Charles Stewart III, Chicago Firefighter’s Union Local 2 President
Tom Ryan, 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer and other Chicago Fire Department officials joined
Mayor Emanuel and Commissioner Santiago at Navy Pier for today’s event.

“It is an honor and a calling to serve as a firefighter,” said Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago. “I
welcome these firefighters to the Chicago Fire Department and look forward to their continued
service to the City of Chicago.”

This year’s 149 Chicago Fire Department cadets join a fire department that continues to aid the City
of Chicago through fire prevention and emergency medical services. After entering the Fire
Academy in November 2013, these graduated cadets now carry the rank of Firefighter/Paramedic.
Cadets will now be assigned to firehouses throughout the City of Chicago, determined by the
department’s needs.