I just wanted to share with all of you a piece I wrote on the recent graduations of firefighter classes 183 and 184 (the piece ran as an op-ed in the Daily News Monday). I think all police and firefighter graduates deserve a huge thanks for their undertaking, so I gave it a shot.

- I recently had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremonies of Philadelphia Firefighter classes 183 and 184. It was refreshing to see that amid the tragedies of youth in Philadelphia these days, a group of intelligent, committed, impressive young people have chosen to embark on selfless careers as firefighters. Our city has presented us with many challenges for the future, and I feel that our firefighters are ready to do the job. It was obvious from their demeanor and bearing that the training they received at our fire academy is top-notch, preparing them both mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. Philadelphians should feel assured that their safety is in the hands of very capable and motivated public servants.

The graduates were diverse as the city itself. Men and women of all races were present, and all appeared equally proud to become the city’s newest batch of lifesavers. However difficult the life of a firefighter may seem to some, the city’s fire department continually hires the best and the brightest. They are able to convince applicants and graduates of the reward of their work, and do not take the need for proper encouragement and praise for granted. We should take a lesson from their practices and strive for similarities in our school district and in other city departments.

The media constantly publicizes the murders and deaths in the city, and justifiably so. But we also need to consistently and loudly publicize the hard-working individuals who prevent many more deaths. Let me start by offering Class 183 and 184 my deepest cheers of congratulations. I hope that everybody will be able to make their mark on the city, not only by doing their job as firefighters, but as role models for youth and everyone in Philadelphia. What you’ve accomplished in your training is a big deal. I thank you wholeheartedly for making the choice to serve Philadelphia and hope you all will continue to protect and inspire us all. -

I truncated the op-ed so if you want to read the whole thing -

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/opinion/20070604_Letters___Bravo_to_new_...