From high school dropout to FDNY hero: Jonathan Rivera’s promotion to captain marks an extraordinary journey of courage, dedication, and two medal-worthy rescues, including saving a sinking police officer and a critically injured train victim.
Key Takeaways
- The FDNY celebrated 84 EMS members at a ceremony at St. John’s University, promoting personnel to various ranks, including deputy chief, captain, lieutenant, and paramedic.
- Captain Jonathan Rivera, a standout honoree, overcame leaving high school at 16 to become a decorated FDNY hero with multiple medals for daring rescues.
- Rivera’s heroism includes creating a makeshift bridge to rescue a police officer sinking in marsh mud and saving a severely injured train accident.
- The promotion ceremony continues the FDNY’s tradition of honoring bravery and commitment dating back to 1869.
- Beyond field rescues, Rivera now serves as a Special Operations instructor and leads the department’s competitive EMS team.
FDNY Honors Heroes at St. John’s University Ceremony
The Fire Department of New York recently recognized 84 Emergency Medical Service members in a stirring ceremony at St. John’s University. The event showcased the department’s finest, celebrating both promotions and extraordinary acts of heroism that exemplify the dedication of first responders. This ceremony is part of a proud FDNY tradition that has honored bravery for over 150 years, upholding standards established in 1869 when the department began formally recognizing exceptional service and sacrifice through Medal Day ceremonies.
“The Fire Department’s Medal Day Book is published annually to honor the courage, commitment, and compassion of all FDNY members. Medal Day is one of the Department’s most time-honored traditions, dating back to 1869,” FDNY,
The ceremony included promotions across multiple ranks within the Emergency Medical Services division. One new deputy chief received a promotion, along with three lieutenants advancing to the captain rank. Additionally, 17 paramedics were elevated to lieutenant positions, and 63 Emergency Medical Technicians completed the Paramedic Basic Program, marking significant career advancement for these dedicated professionals. These promotions reflect the department’s commitment to developing leadership within its ranks.
Captain Rivera: From Dropout to Decorated Hero
Among the most compelling stories from the ceremony was that of Jonathan Rivera, who was promoted to captain. Rivera’s path to this achievement was anything but conventional. After dropping out of high school at 16, he later returned to education, eventually earning a college degree. His journey demonstrates remarkable perseverance and shows that early setbacks don’t define one’s ultimate potential. Rivera’s promotion celebrates not just his heroic actions but his commitment to personal growth and professional excellence.
Rivera’s heroism has earned him multiple medals, most notably for two extraordinary rescues. In one incident, he saved a police officer who became trapped in marsh mud while fishing. The situation quickly became life-threatening as the officer sank deeper into the treacherous terrain. Acting decisively, Rivera and his partner engineered an improvised rescue system to reach the imperiled officer.
“On his lunch break, he decided to go fishing with a new rod that he had. Didn’t realize that it rained the night before he started sinking in the marsh,” Rivera.
“So between my partner and me, we built a kind of bridge system with long boards and some ropes and everything. We were able to get him out before he completely submerged. He was in the past his chest when we got there, but was able to access his cellphone,” Rivera.
Extraordinary Train Rescue and Continuing Service
Rivera’s second medal-worthy rescue involved a man severely injured in a freight train accident. The rescue required Rivera and his team to navigate hazardous conditions, climbing over an already docked train to reach the victim. The situation demanded both technical skill and medical expertise as the victim had suffered catastrophic injuries. Rivera’s quick action and medical intervention were crucial in saving the victim’s life, despite the man ultimately losing his leg from the accident.
“He received multiple tourniquets and IVs, and fluids, and he lost his leg. To get to him, the firefighters had to cut the fences, and then we had to use harnesses and everything to climb over the train that was already docked there to get to the patient,” Rivera.
Rivera’s contributions to the FDNY extend far beyond his field rescues. Now serving as an instructor with the Special Operations Command, he shares his experience and expertise with the next generation of emergency responders. His leadership role extends to heading the department’s EMS competition team, where he helps maintain the high standards of emergency response for which the FDNY is known. Rivera’s evolution from frontline hero to mentor demonstrates the department’s commitment to developing leadership within its ranks.
FDNY’s Ongoing Commitment to Excellence
The promotion ceremony at St. John’s University represents just one facet of the FDNY’s broader commitment to excellence and community service. Recently, the department celebrated the graduation of students from the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety, furthering their mission of education and preparedness. The FDNY Foundation has also been active in community engagement, hosting events like the 3rd Annual FDNY Foundation Climb to Summit and launching the 2026 Calendar of Heroes to recognize outstanding service.
“FDNY FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES 84 FDNY EMS MEMBERS ON THEIR PROMOTIONS,” FDNY Foundation.
The ceremony honoring these 84 EMS members represents the values that make America’s first responders exemplary public servants. From Rivera’s remarkable journey to the dedication shown by every promoted member, the FDNY continues to demonstrate why it’s considered among the finest emergency services in the nation. These promotions ensure that the department’s tradition of excellence will continue under capable leadership committed to protecting the people of New York City through courage, innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service.
