New York City Fire Department

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 Thursday, members of the GyeongSangBuk-do Fire Department of South Korea visited the EMS Academy at Fort Totten. FDNY EMTs and Paramedics gave them insight into our training programs and showed them around the facility. Thanks for visiting!

Quinian Johanson is the Valedictorian of our current class of Probationary EMTs. Johanson has a background in the medical field but says becoming an EMT allows him to be hands-on, helping his community. He is one of 154 Probationary EMTs set to graduate on Tuesday. 

Meet EMT Yudilky Melendez! She has been with the Department for three years and works at EMS Station 18 in the South Bronx. Melendez says the best part of this job is being able to connect with her community. This #hispanicheritagemonth we thank her for her service! 

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.

💥Calling all heroes! 💥 The FDNY Recruitment Team will be at New York Comic Con 2025 all weekend long at the Javits Center in Manhattan! Swing by our table near the main entrance to learn more about how YOU can become one of New York City’s real-life heroes. 🚒🔥 Whether it’s on the page or in real life, every hero has the same mission — protecting our city. 🦸♂️🚒

Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker attended the 2025 Excellence in Customer Service Awards held at 1 Police Plaza Wednesday, recognizing outstanding City employees who exemplify respect, timeliness, and quality in their work. Among this year’s honorees were Aja Cox of the Bureau of Fire Prevention’s Public Certification Unit and members of the Bureau of Fire Prevention Special Inspection Unit (SIU), both recognized for representing the very best in customer service from their respective FDNY divisions.

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. 

On Tuesday, the FDNY kicked off the 100th year of National Fire Prevention Week at Rockefeller Center with students from across the five boroughs! Public outreach is crucial in saving lives and events like these help us to expand our fire and life safety messaging to all ages.