NEW YORK– When 151 emergency medical technicians and paramedics — the largest class in New York 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.
