New York City Fire Department

On Monday, #FDNY members joined graduates, educators and facilitators to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class of New York City EMS paramedics. The group held a reunion at HHC/Jacobi Medical Center, shared memories and told stories about the origin of the program, which started as a pilot in 1974.

National #FirePreventionWeek kicks off today and runs through Oct. 12. This year’s campaign is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Your chance of dying in a fire is reduced by nearly half if you have a working smoke alarm in your home, so make sure yours is working and is up to date. For more life-saving tips and safety information, go to FDNYSmart.org.

The #FDNY has launched an email newsletter! Stay connected to the latest news from the New York City Fire Department by signing up to receive MyFDNY News in your inbox: https://on.nyc.gov/47DbS2z. Be safe!

Meet Division Chief Mark Bonilla, of the #FDNY's EMS Special Operations. He joined the Department in 1997 and currently oversees the daily operations of the Department's specialty units, including Haz-Tac and rescue paramedics. "I haven't forgotten where I came from," Chief Bonilla said. "I grew up in Washington Heights, and I remember my mother, who passed away, telling me: 'Just keep working at it. It's going to happen. You just got to stay focused.' So, that's what I try to tell the young people—men and women who come through: Just stay focused. You'll get it. Work hard and stay humble." We're proud to highlight and celebrate Chief Bonilla's story for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Did you know? The #FDNY is using renewable diesel in more than 240 firehouses and EMS stations citywide! NYC Citywide Administrative Services announced the full transition of our city's fleet to renewable diesel, making New York City the first large-scale implementer of this clean fuel on the East Coast.

Within city limits, or in disaster zones far from home, the #FDNY and its members are proud to assist anyone who might need our help. Last Thursday, following the devastating effects of #HurricaneHelene, members of New York-Task Force 1, an urban search and rescue team composed of FDNY firefighters and EMTs, New York City Police Department officers, and New York City Emergency Management Department personnel, was deployed to North Carolina to aid and assist with rescue and recovery. On Friday night, a second USAR team was deployed to provide additional assistance.   NY-TF1 has been conducting extensive searches of impacted areas, wellness checks on residents, searching hundreds of damaged structures, clearing blocked roads, and providing medical treatment- all in dangerous areas that have suffered heavy flooding, downed trees, and mudslides.   The #FDNY also activated our Incident Management Team on Wednesday, which consists of members from all ranks in the Department with specialized training in incident command, rescue operations, logistics and planning. #FDNY IMT has overseen dozens of large-scale long-duration incidents and emergencies, including forest fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.   No matter where or when, New York’s Bravest and the City of New York are happy to lend our resources to municipalities in need.

The FDNY honored dispatchers who played critical roles in the response to three separate incidents during a ceremony on Wednesday inside the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Auditorium. The incidents include the deadly Twin Parks high-rise fire in the Bronx in January 2022, an active shooter in the subway in Brooklyn in April 2022 and five children stuck in a sewer tunnel on Staten Island in March 2023. On all three calls, dozens of FDNY fire dispatchers handled complicated and fluid situations with composure. "As dispatchers, you're the first link in the chain of survival for New Yorkers in need," Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "You're also the voice to help our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs get out the door and provide key information as they respond. Your help allows our units to get to the emergency quickly and safely. ... Without your help, it can be very difficult to get the job done." Read more: on.nyc.gov/3Nb582g

As we approach the Jewish high holidays, many observances include traditional cooking and candle rituals. Without safety precautions, these customary religious observances may increase the risk of fires and fire-related injuries. Be sure to take extra precautions during this time and follow safety tips to keep you and your loved ones #FDNYSmart. Shanah Tovah שנה טובה

Wednesday morning, 34 members of the #FDNY Incident Management Team were deployed to western North Carolina to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts following #HurricaneHelene. The IMT has responded to numerous national emergencies and have specialized training in incident command, rescue operations, logistics, and planning. The #FDNY is proud to assist the people of North Carolina who have been impacted by this disaster.

On Tuesday, Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, members from the #FDNY, New York City Police Department and New York City Emergency Management Department participated in a multiagency simulated response to a major storm like Hurricane Sandy. The drill included search-and-rescue components, as well as a victim identification and a water recovery, using multiple drones simultaneously across several missions. “This simulation was a six-month undertaking and included collaboration from our other public safety agencies. With the impacts that Hurricane Helene has had on several states over the last week and the uptick in frequency in these catastrophic storms, it’s crucial we stay prepared and ready for anything that comes our way,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said. “We thank our partners for their leadership, and we look forward to what we can learn from this drill and implement new skills in the future.” A reminder that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.