Probationary FDNY EMTs in Queens, New York, marked the conclusion of their EMS Academy training on July 23, 2026, taking part in the department’s traditional Spirit Run before moving on to the next stage of their careers.

The class ran together carrying 343 American flags, honoring the FDNY members killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The run served both as a remembrance and as one of the class’s final activities together following their academy training.

The Spirit Run has long been incorporated into FDNY training programs. Previous probationary EMT classes have participated in similar runs at the department’s EMS Academy at Fort Totten in Queens, with FDNY describing the event as an opportunity for members to run together while recognizing service and sacrifice.