Mayor Martin J. Walsh pledged to continue upgrading firefighting equipment and services as he welcomed 25 new members to the Boston Fire Department Friday at a graduation ceremony.

“The city is proud of you and proud of all you do,’’ Walsh told the new firefighters at Florian Hall in Dorchester. One member of the Chelsea Fire Department also graduated from the firefighting academy.

This year, every Boston Fire Department graduate is also a US military veteran, and Walsh lauded their commitment to public service.

“They selflessly defended our country and our people, and when you think about America and you think about why we can celebrate today, it’s because of our veterans,’’ Walsh said. “We’re fortunate to have all of you continue to protect us every single day and night in our city.’’

Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said the new firefighters should approach their jobs as they approached their military service. “It’s that level of dedication and commitment I want you to bring to work every day in the city of Boston,’’ he said.

A lot more is asked of firefighters now, compared to two decades ago, Finn said.

“Our world is a very different place after 9/11,’’ he said, invoking the string of terrorist attacks the country has faced since — especially in Boston. “Our profession is truly changing.’’

Walsh highlighted City Hall’s commitment to Boston’s firefighters. “You are the future of the city of Boston,’’ he told the graduates.

His administration plans to give the department nine new ladder trucks this year, which would replace nearly 50 percent of the entire fleet, Walsh said.

The city is also planning to build the department’s first new firehouses in 30 years, he said, in Roxbury and Dorchester. Those will be completed in the next couple of years, Walsh said.

Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said there will also be a “top to bottom’’ renovation of two of the oldest firehouses in the city, including the Engine 50 firehouse in Charlestown, which dates back to 1853, and the Engine 33 firehouse in the Back Bay.

“You get out of this job what you put into it,’’ Finn said. “So come to work every day with the attitude that you’re going to make a positive difference in someone’s life who really needs your help.’’

Reis Thebault can be reached at reis.thebault@globe.com.