FDNY Foundation

On October 17, 1966, the FDNY suffered the greatest loss of life in its history prior to September 11, 2001. The ground floor of the Wonder Drug Store located on the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway, in Manhattan, collapsed during a 5-alarm fire. On Friday, Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, FDNY members, family and friends gathered for a wreath-laying ceremony at 23rd Street, commemorating the 59th Anniversary of that tragic day. Twelve members of nearly every rank made the Supreme Sacrifice that day. We will Never Forget: Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly, Division 3 Firefighter William F. McCarron, Division 3 Battalion Chief Walter J. Higgins, Battalion 7 Lieutenant Joseph Priore, Engine Company 18 Firefighter James V. Galanaugh, Engine Company 18 Firefighter Joseph Kelly, Engine Company 18 Firefighter Daniel L. Rey, Engine Company 18 Firefighter Bernard A. Tepper, Engine Company 18 Lieutenant John J. Finley, Ladder Company 7 Firefighter John G. Berry, Ladder Company 7 Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky, Ladder Company 7 Firefighter Carl Lee, Ladder Company 7

On Tuesday, our newest class of Fire Alarm Dispatchers graduated from the FDNY Fire Academy at Randall’s Island. Our Dispatchers play an invaluable role in saving lives and are often the first line of communication in an emergency. Congratulations!

On this World Mental Health Day, we recognize the FDNY Counseling Service Unit. Lifesaving work can be difficult, both physically and mentally for our members. CSU is there for our EMTs, Firefighters and Paramedics who put their lives on the line every day to help others. This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we remind New Yorkers help is there if needed and to please reach out when times are tough.

On Wednesday, the FDNY held its 118th Memorial Day Service to honor eight active-duty members who died over the past year.    Captain Thomas LaBarbiera  Firefighter Patrick Sheridan EMT Christopher Respol EMS Lieutenant Emilio Gonzalez EMS Lieutenant Nelson Seto Captain Gregory Schmidt EMT Christina Jo McKeen Firefighter Matthew Goicochea   We will never forget them and their service to our City. 

During this National Fire Prevention Week, we are reminding New Yorkers that lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous     •    Where possible, charge and store these devices outside.      •    NEVER charge these batteries near exit points including doors or windows.     •    When purchasing these devices, look for certification from a nationally accredited safety lab like UL.  For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit FDNYSmart.org

Don’t have a working smoke alarm? The FDNY urges you to get one NOW! On Monday, FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker joined the FDNY Foundation and the American Red Cross to announce the relaunch of the #GetAlarmedNYC Campaign. The program first launched in 2015, and since then the partnership has helped to give away and install more than 309,000 smoke alarms throughout the City. The FDNY, the FDNY Foundation and the American Red Cross have been installing free smoke alarms in homes across the five boroughs since August 2025, with the goal of installing 15,000 alarms within the year. For more information, visit FDNYSmart.org.