The New York Fire Department welcomed 21 legacies as part of its 301-person class Tuesday, including 13 children of firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
“Many of their fathers were killed on September 11th, several others died of World Trade Center illnesses, and others lost their lives in the course of their duty, bravely working to save and protect others,” said Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “Today, these 21 legacies are no longer children dreaming of their careers their fathers loved, and of serving in the world’s greatest fire department – today, they have fully achieved their dreams.”
Two members of the class were brother-sister duo Rebecca Asaro and Marc Asaro, their father was one of the 343 FDNY members killed on September 11th.
“Every day that I came to the academy, I was grateful to be there and to follow in the footsteps of my father, brothers, uncle, and all those who came before. This is exactly where I want to be,” Rebecca said.
Rebecca and Marc have two other siblings who are FDNY members.
“It is an amazing experience, to be able to do the same thing that my father had done, and had given his life for. It’s more incredible that my sister and I are doing it together,” Marc added. “It’s a proud feeling. My sister and I push each other to be better every day.”