Philadelphia Fire Department welcomes 61 new EMTs

The Philadelphia Fire Department celebrated the graduation of 61 new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on September 10, at Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School. The cadets completed a demanding 12-week training program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy, equipping them to serve in one of the busiest Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems in the United States. Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson praised their commitment to public service, emphasizing their role in responding to citizens during emergencies. The PFD manages between 800 and 1,000 emergency incidents daily, with approximately 80 percent related to EMS. During the ceremony, outstanding cadets were recognized with awards for their achievements, including EMT Hayley Dunaway for academic excellence and EMT Ayala Quintana for leadership.

EMT Marcella Pringle, who received the Spirit Award, expressed the importance of their training in preparing them to handle chaotic situations with empathy and trust. The ceremony underscored the dedication required to wear the PFD patch, which symbolizes "Dedication + Service. " As the new EMTs embark on their careers, they aim to positively impact the lives of Philadelphia residents.