A record number of children whose firefighter fathers were killed on 9/11 or from related diseases in the years following the attack joined the New York City fire department on Tuesday.

The largest group of 'legacies' in department history were given a standing ovation at the graduation ceremony in Brooklyn.

Out of the 301 trainees graduating a record 21 are the children of fallen firefighters, with 12 the sons and daughters of those killed on September 11 2001.

Six are the children of FDNY or police officers who died from diseases linked to the attack. Three more are the sons emergency crew who died while in service.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said: 'This class includes the largest group of legacies in Department history, with twenty-one of our Probies continuing the brave legacies of their fathers who gave their lives protecting our city.'

The largest group of legacies in department history were given a standing ovation at the graduation ceremony in Brooklyn. Out of the 301 trainees graduating a record 21, pictured, are the children of fallen firefighters with 12 the children of those killed on September 11

Leonard Ragaglia Jr., as a child, with his firefighter father Leonard, right, who died on 9/11

Brothers Leonard Jr. and Anthony Ragaglia graduated Tuesday after their father Leonard died in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil 18 years ago this month.

Leonard Jr. calls his new role 'a dream come true', adding: 'I've always wanted to be a Firefighter. I've always wanted to be like my dad and follow in his footsteps. I always hung around the firehouse as a kid and put his gear on.

'As the years went on, joining FDNY became something that I wanted to do more and more. I'm ready for this. It means so much, words can't describe it.'

Robert Tilearcio Jr's dad Robert died of an illness related to his work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center.

Robert Jr said: 'I wish he could be here when I graduate, but I know I am making him proud. I took the civil service test the same month my father died.

'I knew he was happy to know I was heading in the right direction. He worked with the Department for 35 years. I was always at his firehouse and from a young age, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I'll be thinking about him when I get to my first fire.'

Siblings Rebecca and Marc Asaro are following in the footsteps of their firefighter father Carl, who was one of the 2,977 people were killed when Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four planes in 2001.

Rebecca said: 'Every day that I came to the academy, I was grateful to be there and to follow in the footsteps of my father, brothers, uncle, and all those who came before. This is exactly where I want to be.'

Leonard J. Ragaglia died in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil 18 years ago

Brothers Anthony Ragaglia, 25, and Leonard J. Ragaglia Jr., 28 graduated Tuesday

Robert Tilearcio Jr's dad Robert died of an illness related to his work in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Robert Jr said: 'I'll be thinking about him when I get to my first fire'

Carl F. Asaro was one of the 2,977 people were killed when terrorists hijacked four planes

Siblings Rebecca Asaro, 27, and Marc Asaro, 25 are following in the footsteps of their firefighter father Carl. Rebecca said: 'Every day that I came to the academy, I was grateful to be there and to follow in the footsteps of my father, brothers, uncle, and all those who came before. This is exactly where I want to be'

FDNY firefighters carry fellow firefighter, Al Fuentes, who was injured in the collapse on 9/11

Firefighters search for survivors after the collapse of the World Trade Center

Her brother probationary Firefighter Marc Asaro added: 'It is an amazing experience, to be able to do the same thing that my father had done, and had given his life for.

'It's more incredible that my sister and I are doing it together. It's a proud feeling. My sister and I push each other to be better every day.'

Scott B. Larsen was just four-years-old when his dad Scott A. Larsen, died responding to the attacks and is one of the youngest trainees to graduate.

He told The New York Times: 'We don't talk about it much. But everybody in the neighborhood knows. It's all I wanted to do all my life. To help other people.'

Manny Mojica, whose dad Manuel Mojica Jr. also died called his graduation 'a dream come true', adding: 'It's all I've ever wanted.'