Nearly two decades after the events of Sept. 11, the FDNY will see a record number of probationary firefighters who are the children of first responders whose deaths are linked to the 2001 terrorist attacks.
In Tuesday's graduating class of 301 trainees,there are 12 sons and a daughter of firefighters who were killed on 9/11, along with six sons of firefighters or police officers who died of illnesses related to working at Ground Zero, The New York Times reports. Overall, 21 of Tuesday's probationary firefighters are the children of first responders who died in the line of duty—what the fire department called "legacies."
"It is an amazing experience, to be able to do the same thing that my father had done, and had given his life for," said probationary firefighter Marc Asaro, whose father—Carl Asaro of Engine 54—died on 9/11. Marc Asaro's brothers, Matthew and Carl Jr., also are FDNY firefighters, and he's joined by his sister, Rebecca, in Tuesday's graduating class.
"It’s more incredible that my sister and I are doing it together," he added. "It’s a proud feeling. My sister and I push each other to be better every day.”
Probationary firefighter Robert Tilearcio Jr. was a fixture at the firehouse where his father—Robert Tilearcio of Engine 266—worked for 35 years. Tilearico Jr. took the civil service test the same month his dad died of a disease connected to his rescue and recovery work at the World Trade Center.
"I wish he could be here when I graduate, but I know I am making him proud. … I knew this is what I wanted to do. I’ll be thinking about him when I get to my first fire."
