Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Fire Department Commissioner Jose Santiago recognized 70 new graduates of the Fire Academy during a ceremony today at Navy Pier.

Under the Emanuel Administration, the city has graduated nearly 800 individuals through the Fire Academy, and 120 candidates are being trained at the Academy today. Today’s graduating class includes 10 military veterans and 12 previous police officers.

“The men and women who serve in the CFD put their duty above danger, and in doing so, represent the very highest values of the city of Chicago,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Today, we welcome the next wave of graduates joining the storied Fire Department and remind the entire CFD that that it will always have the support and gratitude of a grateful city.”

Also at today’s ceremony, the Fire Commissioner presented firefighter Eric Washington of Truck 38 with the Chicago Fire Department’s Public Service Award for raising over $20,000 to purchase 21,000 cases of fresh water for the residents of Flint, Michigan. The Fire Commissioner also presented Cameron Howland, age 7, with the Chicago Fire Department’s Civilian Recognition Award, for calling 9-1-1 for his mother, who was in distress.

"The brave men and women who serve in the Chicago Fire Department work tirelessly to keep our communities safe," said Fire Commissioner Santiago. “Today, we not only salute the arrival of our new graduates, but we also salute their families too. As Fire Commissioner, I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every resident feels safe knowing that CFD is always ready to serve and protect them."

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