Join FDNY Podcast

“I knew this is what I wanted to do,” said Fire Cadet Jonas Montero to guest host, Program Manager of FDNY Youth, EMT Anthony Gadison, and fellow Fire Cadet Shanique Reynolds during this month’s “Youth Takeover” of the JoinFDNY Podcast. The two members joined EMT Gadison to discuss their experience so far with the Fire Cadet Academy, and how FDNY Youth Programs helped them into the positions they...

"We want to ensure that the opportunities that we have had, continue for people who come after us," said Squad 8 Firefighter Lacy Higgins when she sat down with Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons and fellow Squad 8 Firefighter Melissa Bennett. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the two charter members of Squad 8 recall their respective journeys from EMS to Fire, what makes the Special Opera...

“You just continue to try and give back,” explained FDNY Firefighter Kievon Harper while discussing with Captain Andrew Brown what keeps him going throughout his career in the Fire Department, City of New York. Firefighter Harper, along with retired Firefighter Andrew Beard and retired Lieutenant Bobby Smith, joined us for a conversation about Black History Month and the importance of the FDNY Vul...

“I can’t imagine where I’d be in my career, if not for my mentor,” FDNY Firefighter Shamaree Graham said to Captain Andrew Brown as he expressed his appreciation for and dedication to the Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program. Firefighter Graham, along with Lieutenant Mike Ryan, Firefighter John Moncayo, and Captain Brown, all serve as mentors within the program and share some tidbits on what t...

Join hosts FDNY Captains Randy Li and Andrew Brown as they look back at some of their favorite Join FDNY Podcast conversations from 2023, including with Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Kwame Cooper, and many more.

"It's more than just a job; it's a family," explained Engine 320 Firefighter Christopher during a conversation with host Captain Andrew Brown. Join us as he reflects on his time in the United States Marine Corps and shares insights into his journey from the military to the FDNY. In our ongoing tribute to Veterans this month, EMS Division Chief Charles Morgan joins the conversation. Chief Morgan, i...

“Everything we do in the New York City Fire Department, we do as a team,” Captain Doug Mitchell said to host Captain Andrew Brown as he and EMT Instructor Manny Melendez spoke on their experiences being Instructors for both Probationary Firefighters and EMTs, and the habits that candidates can adopt to become successful members within the Department. Focusing on academics this month, former Academ...

“Don't let anything or anyone stand in your way from this career,” Director of EMS Recruitment Brandon Mahon said to host Captain Randy Li as he explains the requirements needed in order to apply to become an EMT or EMS Trainee as the filing period approaches. Plus, with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, the father-son duo of Firefighters Ulises Pena and Justin Pena stop by to talk about their...

“I was getting ready for the Fire Department from the beginning,” FDNY Firefighter Tyrin Torres said to host Captain Randy Li and guest host Captain Robert Cefoli as he recalled the steps he took in order to become the Fitness Award Winner for his graduating class in 2022. Returning to the podcast as a guest host, Captain Robert Cefoli and the Health & Fitness Unit down at the Fire Academy hel...

"The best decision I ever made," Firefighter Stefon Douglas said to host Captain Randy Li and guest host Lieutenant Jonathan Logan as he recalled the steps he took to become a first-generation Firefighter. Joining Douglas at the table is fellow first-generation Firefighter Belvon Koranteng. The two first responders recap the heroic rescues that resulted in them being 2023 FDNY Medal Day recipients...

"That's my dream job, that's what I really want," FDNY Chaplain Reverend Ann Kansfield said to host Captain Randy Li as she recalled how a sequence of events led her to working for our Department. As we celebrate Pride Month, the Chaplain, Captain Brendan Ryan and Firefighter Tom Incorvaia also discuss how the FDNY FireFlag/EMS supports members of the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, history-making officer...

On this month’s episode of the #JoinFDNYPodcast, we’re talking fitness.   “I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” FDNY Director of Health and Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli said to host Captain Andrew Brown about his career choice. The nearly 19-year FDNY veteran also shares info to help our Firefighter Candidates prepare for the Academy.   Plus, EMS Academy Health and Fitness Unit members EMT...

On this episode, the FDNY Youth alums takeover. "This is what I've always wanted to do," Program Manager EMT Anthony Gadison recalled about what his former students say to him and fellow Program Manager EMT Christabelle Chin after they join our ranks. The two young achievers also discuss with host Captain Randy Li how they are giving back to the programs that helped to pave the way for them to bec...

“Set yourself up for success,” Rescue 1 Lieutenant Adrienne Walsh said to host Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons as part of her career advice to current and future women Firefighters. Walsh, the first woman in FDNY history to be assigned to a Rescue Company, retired today after 26 years of dedicated service. Also on this episode, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, Division Chief Dinorah Clau...

"It's not really a job... it's a way of life," explained FDNY Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper while discussing careers in the fire and emergency medical services to host Captain Andrew Brown. "It's like a way of contributing to people in the community, oftentimes, on the worst day of their life." Also this month, a discussion with Chief of EMS Michael Fields, the first Black...

"This is a really special place," explained Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to hosts Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons and Captains Andrew Brown and Randy Li. "That's not just a talking point. It's not just something we say. It is in every way shape and form a family, and a real community." Also this month, a look at how FDNY members keep the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive by promot...