FDNY academy graduation includes 6 women

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Hundreds of New York's Bravest have now taken their heroism to the next level with the FDNY. It was graduation day for more than 300 probationary firefighters in East New York, Brooklyn. In this class is a diverse group of graduates from all races and backgrounds, including six women.

This is not the largest number of females in a graduating class, but these ladies do bring the total number of female firefighters to 64, the highest total in FDNY history.

These women and their fellow probies spent 18 weeks at the FDNY Training Academy, where they learned how to respond to fire and medical emergencies. They also got training on how to deal with hazardous materials and how to do building inspections.

This is one of a few FDNY graduations held throughout the year. The graduates will be assigned to firehouses throughout the city, based primarily on department needs and then on specific requests. The probation period ends after 18 months.