Twelve people, including a brother and sister whose fathers died as heroes following the 9/11 terror attack have graduated into the New York Fire Department.

A total of 343 firefighters were among almost 3,000 people who died during the terror attacks which brought down the World Trade Center in New York 18 years ago.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, Fire Commissioner, Faniel Nigro said: “Many of their fathers were killed on 11 September, several others died of World Trade Centre illnesses and others lost their lives in the course of their duty, bravely working to save and protect others.

“Today, these legacies are no longer children dreaming of the careers their fathers loved and of serving in the world’s greatest fire department. Today, they have fully achieved their dreams.”

Rebecca and Marc Asaro’s father was killed in 9/11 and they join their two other siblings in the service.

“Every day that I came to the academy, I was grateful to be there and to follow in the footsteps of my father, brothers, uncle and all those who came before. This is exactly where I want to be,” Rebecca said after the ceremony.

Her brother added: “It is an amazing experience, to be able to do the same thing that my father had done and had given his life for. It’s more incredible that my sister and I are doing it together. It’s a proud feeling. My sister and I push each other to be better every day.”