JERSEY CITY -- As a kid growing up in the city's Salem-Lafayette housing complex, Lonnie Henderson had a dream of one day becoming a firefighter and serving his city.

Henderson achieved that life-long goal Monday morning, joining 18 other members of the Jersey City Fire Department's 634th class.

"This is everything," the 34-year-old said after an 11 a.m. swearing-in ceremony at City Hall.

The graduating class in especially unique in two ways: all 19 men have served in the military and are fully certified emergency medical technicians. The group, comprised entirely of Jersey City residents, completed 10 weeks of training at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy and an additional two weeks of training in Jersey City.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop applauded the men for their service. While most people would run from danger, he thanked the class for its commitment for running into dangerous situations to keep Jersey City residents safe.

"As we welcome this new class of firefighters, we recognize them for their commitment to service and for choosing a career that ensures the safety of their fellow neighbors," Fulop said.

The city now has 568 firefighters, 99 of whom have been added to the department in the past three years with help from a $6.9 million federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.

John Palmer, a 24-year-old Army veteran, said his training in the military definitely prepared him for his career as a firefighter.

"I'm expecting everything and anything," the Heights resident said.

The 19 new members are: Kevin Davis, Patrick Ducey, Adalberto Arroyo, Matthew Spinella, Lonnie Henderson, Carlos Drouet, Mathew Bertolini, Nicholas Debiasse, Kenneth Rutmayer, Daniel Delaney Jr., Michael Leonard, Julio Milla, John Palmer, Christian Baierwalter, Matthew Nierstedt, Dylan Walsh, Jason Daniels, Nolanray Perlas, and Joseph Costante.

The class is also the first to be fully EMT-certified, as the firefighters underwent EMT training as part of their fire academy courses. The EMT training was covered through a $62,500 federal SAFER grant that was awarded to the department. The Fulop administration plans to expand EMT training to all new firefighters.

Henderson, who served in the Navy, said his four children are excited to see their father complete the fire academy. His 6-year-old son is already anticipating following in his dad's footsteps in becoming a firefighter. Henderson hopes to not only inspire his children, but his community as well.

"Hopefully I can be somebody they're proud of," he said.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.