The FDNY’s incoming class includes a department first: a woman whose firefighter dad was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Josephine Smith, 34, whose father, Kevin, died when the north tower collapsed, has been dreaming about this day for years, officials said.
“We’ve had 9/11 sons and brothers, but this is our first daughter,” said FDNY spokesman Jim Long.
“Josephine Smith comes from an absolutely extraordinary family,” said Mayor de Blasio, as he introduced the 321 probationary firefighters during a ceremony at the FDNY’s training center on Randalls Island. “She’s following in her father’s footsteps. Now Josephine steps forward.”
Kevin Smith, 47, of Long Island, was stationed with Hazmat Company 1 in Manhattan.
He was, ironically, involved with planning anti-terrorism and biological-warfare response programs for the city. On Sept. 11, 2001, the father of eight made his last call to his wife, phoning her while on his way to the attack site.
The diverse class includes 50 military veterans, five women, two Native Americans, 46 African-Americans and 63 Hispanics.