By Peter Cox and Neil Graves
The New York Post
Copyright 2007 N.Y.P. Holdings, Inc.
NEW YORK — When 151 emergency medical technicians and paramedics — the largest class in city history — graduated yesterday, fewer families were prouder than the Calhouns.
That’s because Tracey Calhoun, 21, of Valley Stream, LI, an EMT specialist, is joining her father and brother, Kevin Sr. and Jr., firemen both, in service to the city.
“It’s been in my family my whole life,” Tracey said after the ceremony on the New York Technical College campus in Downtown Brooklyn. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid.” Kevin Sr., 50, is the FDNY’s administrative captain for hazmat operations.
Kevin Jr., 22, is a two-year firefighter assigned to Engine 107 in East New York, Brooklyn.
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta told yesterday’s class of 71 EMTs and 80 paramedics: “You’re the best-trained, best-equipped and bestprepared EMS in the world.”
Tracey already knows her first assignment: Battalion 16 in Harlem.
Said her mom, Jeanne, 48, of her daughter’s new line of work: “I’m proud, but I think it’s scary.”
And her dad admits that he initially tried to talk her out of it.
“What father wouldn’t?” he asked. “But it’s something she strove for - and I am very proud of her.”
“It’s an honor they have both taken after me,” said the 25-year FDNY veteran, whose other child, a daughter named, Kim is a New York schoolteacher.