At a recent Family Day event held at the FDNY Randall’s Island Fire Academy, probationary firefighter Jayson Ralph surprised his girlfriend, Dasia Moore, with a marriage proposal during a staged rescue demonstration. The event, which took place on Saturday, showcased the skills and training of rookie firefighters before they graduate from the academy.

Ralph, still in his training gear, rappelled down the side of a building as part of the drill while Moore watched from a window ledge, believing she was taking part in a simulated rescue exercise. Instead, Ralph unexpectedly dropped to one knee, lifted Moore away from the “danger,” and proposed amid cheers from fellow firefighters. Several colleagues held signs spelling out “Marry me” to complete the surprise.

The FDNY shared the moment on the social media platform X, noting the teamwork involved in orchestrating the proposal and congratulating Ralph on his engagement. Family Day serves as an opportunity for probationary firefighters to demonstrate the emergency response techniques they have been developing, including mock rescues and hose-handling drills, in front of their families and friends.

The proposal was met with broad acclaim online, with many praising the heartfelt gesture and the ability of probationary firefighters, or “Probies,” to balance their rigorous training with moments of personal celebration.

This engagement took place shortly after the graduation of students from a Brooklyn high school dedicated to FDNY careers, a number of whom are expected to continue their training at the Randall’s Island academy. The event highlighted not only the professional commitment of the city’s newest firefighters but also the personal milestones occurring alongside their demanding development.