FDNY EMS hero Jonathan Rivera, who ingeniously saved an officer sinking in mud and a freight train victim, receives a prestigious promotion to captain after overcoming early life challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The FDNY held an EMS promotion ceremony at St. John’s University, celebrating 84 members, including decorated hero Jonathan Rivera’s advancement from lieutenant to captain.
- Rivera, a father of three who left high school early but later earned a college degree, received two medals for heroic rescues, including creating an innovative bridge system to save an officer stuck in mud.
- The ceremony included promotions for one deputy chief, three captains, 17 lieutenants, and 63 EMTs graduating from the Paramedic Basic Program.
- Rivera now serves as an instructor with the Special Operations Command and leads the EMS competition team, training the next generation of first responders.
Hero’s Journey: From Dropout to Captain
The Fire Department of New York recently honored 84 Emergency Medical Service members in a promotion ceremony at St. John’s University, showcasing the department’s dedication to recognizing service excellence. The highlight of the event was Lieutenant Jonathan Rivera’s promotion to captain, a testament to his extraordinary service record and personal determination. Rivera’s path to success is particularly inspiring as he overcame significant early life challenges, having left high school before completion, later returning to education to earn his college degree while balancing his responsibilities as a father of three.
Rivera’s promotion follows a distinguished career marked by extraordinary acts of bravery that earned him two prestigious medals. His dedication to the citizens of New York demonstrates the best qualities of our first responders, who put their lives on the line daily while receiving far less recognition than many other public servants. This promotion ceremony represents a proper acknowledgment of the crucial role EMS personnel play in public safety, especially at a time when many American cities struggle with crime and public disorder issues that President Trump has repeatedly addressed in his policies.
Remarkable Rescues That Earned Recognition
Rivera’s promotion comes after two particularly notable rescues that showcased both his quick thinking and technical expertise. In one incident, Rivera encountered an NYPD officer who had become trapped in marsh mud while off duty fishing. “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 explained about the officer’s predicament, demonstrating the unexpected dangers first responders must navigate.
“So between my partner and I, 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 explained, EMS lieutenant.
In another incident, Rivera responded to a man who had been struck by a freight train, requiring an elaborate rescue operation. The victim suffered catastrophic injuries, and reaching him presented significant challenges that required Rivera and his team to employ specialized equipment and techniques. This type of high-stakes emergency response exemplifies the critical skills that our EMS personnel must master to save lives in America’s largest city, skills that are developed through rigorous training and real-world experience that Rivera now passes on to others.
From Frontline Hero to Mentor and Leader
Beyond his heroic field work, Rivera has taken on leadership responsibilities that multiply his impact throughout the department. He currently serves as an instructor with the FDNY’s Special Operations Command, training future EMS professionals in advanced rescue techniques. Additionally, Rivera leads the department’s EMS competition team, fostering excellence and readiness among his colleagues. These leadership roles showcase how experienced first responders can leverage their skills to strengthen entire departments, creating a more robust emergency response system for all New Yorkers.
“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, FDNY Medal Day Book.
The ceremony at St. John’s University recognized not only Rivera but also included promotions for one new deputy chief, two other lieutenants advancing to captain, 17 paramedics promoted to lieutenant, and 63 EMTs graduating from the Paramedic Basic Program. This substantial class of promotions reflects the FDNY’s ongoing commitment to developing professional leadership within its ranks while maintaining the highest standards of emergency medical service. Such investments in personnel advancement ultimately benefit the city’s residents who depend on these services during their most vulnerable moments.
Building a Legacy of Excellence in Emergency Services
Rivera’s story exemplifies the American dream of overcoming obstacles through hard work and dedication. Starting as someone who left high school early, he transformed himself into a decorated hero and is now a captain in one of the world’s most prestigious emergency services departments. His journey reflects the opportunities available to those who pursue excellence with determination, regardless of their starting point. This promotion ceremony stands as a reminder of the value of merit-based advancement and recognition of public servants who demonstrate exceptional capability and courage.
“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, EMS lieutenant, New York Post
The FDNY continues to build on its storied tradition of honoring excellence through ceremonies like this one. With Medal Day dating back to 1869, the department maintains customs that recognize the extraordinary sacrifices and accomplishments of its members. This institutional commitment to acknowledging merit provides essential motivation for EMS personnel who routinely face challenging and dangerous situations. As Rivera assumes his new role as captain, his example will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue similar paths of service, excellence, and leadership in protecting the citizens of New York.
