City of Chicago issued the following announcement on Sept. 23.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Commissioner Richard C. Ford II today announced 131 Firefighter EMTs and Fire Paramedics are graduating from the Fire Academy in a ceremony at Navy Pier.
"Hailing from different backgrounds and walks of life, today’s graduating class of new firefighters and paramedics is drawn from all corners of our city, but are all united in the call to protect their fellow residents in the city we call home," said Mayor Lightfoot. "Chicago's firefighters and paramedics are nothing short of superheroes — from running into burning buildings to coming to our rescue in our time of need — we are all grateful for your sacrifice and your dedicated service to our city."
Today's graduating class includes 112 new firefighters, 42% who come from minority backgrounds and six who are females. In addition, this graduation ceremony also recognizes 19 new paramedics who will begin their district assignments with CFD Emergency Medical Services this month.
"I am proud to welcome these newest members to the greatest fire department in the world," said Commissioner Ford II. "They have been trained to the highest standards and eagerly await their assignments to serve the residents and visitors to our city."
Candidates graduating today completed a rigorous six-month training course at the Robert Quinn Fire Academy that includes courses for certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and Illinois Firefighter or Fire Paramedic. Training includes not only basic firefighting skills, but also operation in confined space and specific rescue techniques for search, rescue and extrication as well as coordinating medical services with hospitals, mental health clinicians and dispatchers.
Paramedics are licensed by an accredited institution before joining the Fire Department, and new members will begin their district assignments with CFD Emergency Medical Services this month.
Following graduation, the new members will be assigned to various firehouses based on department needs and lottery selection.
Original source can be found here.
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