Twelve people whose fathers died as heroes following the 9/11 terror attack have graduated into the New York Fire Department.

The group includes a brother and sister who already had two siblings in the service.

Image: The ceremony included 12 people whose fathers died in 9/11. Pic: NYFD

A total of 343 firefighters were among almost 3,000 people who died during the terror attacks that brought down the World Trade Center in New York 18 years ago.

Speaking at the ceremony, fire commissioner Daniel Nigro said: "Many of their fathers were killed on 11 September, several others died of World Trade Centre illnesses, and others lost their lives in the course of their duty, bravely working to save and protect others.

"Today, these... legacies are no longer children dreaming of their careers their fathers loved, and of serving in the world's greatest fire department - today, they have fully achieved their dreams."


Rebecca and Marc Asaro's father was killed in 9/11 and they join their two other siblings in the service.

Ms Asaro said after the ceremony: "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."

Image: Rebecca and Marc Asaro join two other siblings in the fire service. Pic: NYFD

Her brother 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."

Robert Tilearcio Jr's father died as a result of brain cancer, linked to his recovery work at ground zero - the site of the attacks.

He 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.

Image: 301 people graduated into the service. Pic: NYFD

"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."