Over 300 recruits are ready to start their training at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island.

A swearing in ceremony was held for the probationary firefighters, who are starting their training to join New York's bravest on Monday. The firefighters were sworn in by Mayor Bill de Blasio earlier today.

The group of men and women will train for 18 weeks in fire rescue, medical response, hazardous materials, building inspections and other fields of operations. 

Thirty-seven percent of the class is made up of women and minorities, including two Native Americans. The FDNY says this current class is one of its most diverse in recent years. 

Officials say this is the eighth year in a row that fewer than 100 fire deaths have occurred in the city. The FDNY says the improvement can be attributed to the dedicated fire recruits over the years who have helped to keep that number down.