The FDNY welcomed a class of 298 academy graduates Wednesday morning, including a 9/11 legacy from Brooklyn.

Hundreds of people filled the Christian Cultural Center in East New York to celebrate the special day that came after 18 weeks of rigorous training.

The FDNY says the class represents its mission of prioritizing diversity. Fifty percent of the graduates are people of color, 10 are women and 34 are veterans.

Two of the graduates are also children of people who died either at ground zero or from 9/11-related illnesses.

Jerome Nedd, from Brooklyn, says he was just 5 years old when he lost his father on 9/11. He says the tragic day inspired his new career.

"It was a decision for me, because firefighters went into that building to try and get him out. And those brave heroes who went into that building ... I wanted to be like one of them," Nedd said.

The 298 graduates will now all go on to serve at station houses around the city.