On July 16, the latest class of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Probationary Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) gathered on the Memorial to honor the individuals killed on 9/11, including the 343 members of the FDNY. Among those killed were FDNY Battalion Chief Orio Joseph Palmer and firefighter Henry Alfred Miller. Jr., whose nephews are in this class along with the family members of first responders who died from 9/11-related health issues - highlighting the service commitment passed on through the generations. The 170 "probies" surrounded the South Pool and placed a wreath there while bagpipes played; they later visited the Museum.
FDNY EMTs are New York City's primary provider of pre-hospital care. On 9/11, there were 24 EMT supervisors on site initially, along with the crews from 29 Advanced Life Support (ALS) and 58 BLS (Basic Life Support) units. In all, roughly 200 EMTs and paramedics were there when the towers fell; by evening, an estimated 400 additional EMS personnel had made their way to the site.
By Nate Crystal, Government and Community Affairs Intern, 9/11 Memorial & Museum