FDNY Pro

Over the past several years, lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly common. Most people are now familiar with the fire risks associated with the batteries used in e-bikes and scooters, devices that have tragically contributed to 34 fire related deaths in New York City since 2021, as of the date of publication. But, the presence of lithium-ion batteries goes far beyond micromobility. They're found in everything from electric vehicles to large grid-scale energy storage systems, some of which are being installed in urban environments within the five boroughs. In this episode, Battalion Chief Jason Cascone hosts a comprehensive discussion with FDNY Chief of Safety James Canty, and Hazmat Battalion Chiefs Ray Coyle and Matt Quinn about why lithium-ion batteries can be volatile, how to safely operate at fires involving them, and mitigating them on the fireground.

FDNY Deputy Chief Inspector Kingsley Eze, a civilian manager in the Bureau of Fire Prevention found a civilian employee in cardiac arrest in the basement parking garage of the Department's headquarters on August 1, 2024. After calling 9-1-1 he was directed to begin compressions-only CPR, activating the first two steps in the chain of survival. Once first responders arrived on scene, paramedics Alexis Gonzalez and Youssef Al Hammami of Station 31 treated, stabilized and transported the patient to the hospital. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Captain Randy Li invites all three members to the studio to discuss how providing advanced care quickly and efficiently helped save a life.

On May 1, 2024, FDNY members in Brooklyn responded to a fire that would challenge even the department's most experienced fire ground commanders. What would initially appear to be a minor roof fire involving an awning in front of a supermarket, quickly escalated into a serious multiple-alarm fire, ultimately involving five structures and requiring the equivalent of an eight-alarm assignment to bring under control. Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Duggan and FDNY Chief of Special Operations Malcolm Moore join host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone for a conversation. 

In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, we welcome Captain Bevonia Harrison of Station 38 in Brooklyn. With a nearly 20-year career with FDNY EMS and time in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Captain Harrison discusses her lifelong commitment to service and her passion for giving back in some of the busiest neighborhoods in the city. She explains how important it is to her to make an impact in a community that's not far from her childhood home, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fires occurring in duct systems require specific considerations, especially in high-rise buildings. They can spread throughout the duct system to the structure itself, which can lead to a tactically complex operation. These fires can be difficult to extinguish, depending on the extent of the system and the occupancy of the building. FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello returns to the FDNY Pro Podcast to discuss best practices at these type fires.

Season 10 of the FDNY Pro Podcast starts with Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker discussing issues facing the Department, including a new push for federal legislation to regulate lithium-ion batteries, the formation of the City's brush fire task force, EMS call volume, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public safety. Battalion Chief Jason Cascone and Associate Commissioner Amanda Farinacci host.

We revisit conversations from our ninth season, including marking our 100th episode, of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. During the 2024 season, pride and professionalism remains ever-present in FDNY training and operations, and continues to be reflected in the stories and lessons shared here on our podcast. We thank all the members who contributed this season as well as and reaffirm our commitment to offer resources to our peers in public safety and help save lives.

On January 16, 2024, FDNY members experienced an extreme fire event while operating at a residential building fire at 2162 Valentine Avenue in the Bronx. A fire in an apartment on the third floor of a six-story H-type New Law tenement extended into the public hallway, up the interior public stairwell, and blew fifteen feet out the roof bulkhead door.   In this episode, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone discusses this fascinating operation with Lt. Brian Currid and FF Rob Camaj from Ladder 33–the first due truck– and special guest Dr. Dan Madrzykowski, Senior Director of Research for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes.  An analysis of the fire concluded that the extreme fire behavior was caused by a combination of basic fire dynamics and combustible paint in the public hallway. A chain of openings—that included a failed fire-apartment window, the fire-apartment door and the roof-bulkhead door—created a low-intake, high-exhaust flow path. 

Dr. Tony Shallash has had an extensive career in emergency medicine which gained momentum when, in 1974, he joined the first-ever paramedic class in New York City. Through a pilot program established by Dr. Sheldon Jacobson, the group trained at Jacobi Medical Center and graduated in August of that year. Dr. Shallash discusses his love for emergency medicine, becoming a paramedic, the first paramedic coordinator for New York City EMS, starting medical school in his forties, and finally coming back to the FDNY to work as a physician in the Office of Medical Affairs. Captain Randy Li hosts.

On September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, then Deputy Chief Thomas Galvin was working in the quarters of Division 3. In this episode, he speaks to host Captain John Ceriello about his experience that day – how he responded to ground zero, led the evacuation of the Marriott hotel, and survived the collapse of both towers. In the aftermath of 9/11, he explains how he helped rebuild the devastated Department, including aiding in the development of the FDNY's first Incident Management Team (IMT) and running the FDNY Bureau of Training until 2015.

In the early evening hours of August 23, 2023, Lt. Kyle Van Nostrand (Station 44) and Station 39 Rescue Paramedics, Giovanni Cummings and Sharona Hagler, responded to a call for two unconscious pediatric patients who were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. In this episode, they discuss how they confronted this potentially deadly situation, which required immediate action and included a full evacuation of the patients' four-story apartment building. Captain Randy Li hosts. 

Ladder Company 42 responded to numerous reports of fire in a six-story, non-fireproof multiple dwelling in the Bronx on New Year's Eve. Ladder 42's Captain Jonathan Shields, walks us through the job in which he and his inside team, searched through heavy smoke to rescue three unconscious residents of the same family. Ultimately these saves led to his fourth trip to Medal Day, earning the inaugural medal named for Department legend Battalion Chief Thomas Neary. Deputy Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

In this episode, Chief of Safety Michael Meyers and Deputy Chief James Canty discuss low-intake high-exhaust (LIHE) events that firefighters may encounter on the fireground. They discuss their inherent dangers and strategies to control, prevent and operate safely within them. Captain John Ceriello hosts.

Cardiac arrest calls can be one of the most intense call-types emergency medical services members respond to. Often times they are emotionally heightened and require hyper-focus when performing skills and administering medications. FDNY paramedics Jonathan Morel and Maggie Studsrud discuss, with host Captain Randy Li, their two successful cardiac arrest calls where the patients survived and are now living healthy lives. The two medics had the honor of meeting their survivors at the 2024 FDNY Second Chance Ceremony.

The New York City subway system is the oldest, longest and most utilized public transportation system in the nation, with 472 stations in operation and more than 2 billion riders in 2023. With these massive numbers come numerous responses for the FDNY throughout the system. Most incidents are minor in nature and handled without removing power to the subway cars. When a situation calls for it, such as serious fires, person struck by a train or major accidents, power removal will be necessary for the safety of Department members as well as the passengers. In this episode, we discuss the wide-ranging effects of using the blue-light power removal boxes with the commanding officer of FDNY's PTSU, the Public Transportation Safety Unit, Battalion Chief Bill Ventura. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

We are marking the FDNY Pro Podcast's 100th episode, which debuted in April of 2016, by visiting with the guest and host from that inaugural episode. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry and Captain Randy welcome back Dr. Dario Gonzalez, FDNY Office of Medical Affairs, and retired Chief of Staff Elizabeth Cascio. Our FDNY Pro Podcast Producer Kristin Eng joins the group to talk behind the scenes at the pod and their thoughts of episodes past.

Wind conditions can override the effects of some or all of the other variables that define traditional fire behavior, which can make for challenging conditions for firefighters. In this episode, we discuss fighting wind impacted fires on non-fireproof and low-rise structures with Deputy Chief George Healy. Captain John Ceriello hosts.

We're kicking off 2024 by sitting down with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to discuss a wide range of topics facing the Department including the ongoing lithium-ion battery crisis and how the FDNY is helping combat it on a national, state and local level, the upcoming strategic plan and more. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

We revisit conversation from our latest season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. As we reflect on the stories and lessons of 2023, our eighth season of the podcast, we want to thank all the members who contributed with their professionalism, skill and experience. We remain committed to offering resources to our peers in public safety with more to come in 2024. Stay tuned!

A trench is considered a temporary excavation where both the length of the floor and the depth of the trench exceeds the width of the floor. Construction and underground utility service and repair are a few of the reasons trenches are dug. The large amount of underground infrastructure and construction happening in New York City increases the likelihood that FDNY units will respond to such a collapse. These incidents are deceivingly dangerous as they often occur with little or no warning and a high percentage of deaths that occur involve would-be rescuers. In this episode, host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry discusses trench rescue operations with Lieutenant Todd Smith, lead trench instructor at the FDNY Technical Rescue School and a member of Rescue Company 4 in Queens.

In July 2023, Manhattan FDNY companies were dispatched to a high-rise building under construction with reports of a crane on fire. The construction crane was positioned about five stories above the 45-story building when the engine caught fire. Upon arrival, the crane's boom, which had 16 tons of concrete attached fell, striking another high-rise building before crashing to the street below. Host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry talks through this challenging operation with two of the initial chiefs on scene, Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello, Battalion 9, and Battalion Chief Mark Rosenbaum, Battalion 8.

An FDNY Chaplain since 1996, Monsignor John Delendick has comforted, advised, and ministered to the Department's members and families for nearly three decades. On September 11, 2001, he responded to the terrorist attacks and served as a pathfinder to safety, first aid and ambulances, while providing counsel to the desperate who were losing hope. During the recovery efforts, he spent his days attending memorial services and funerals, and his evenings checking in with members working the pile. In the years since 9/11, while the Department rebuilt, he continued attending plaque dedications, funerals and visiting with members, but also bestowed blessings at graduations, promotions and on the Department's marine fleet. Eventually, Monsignor Delendick received the same news many WTC responders have since that fateful day—that he too had developed World Trade Center-related illness. Host Elizabeth Cascio speaks with the Monsignor about entering the priesthood, his introduction to the FDNY and his experiences since.

Members of Ladder Company 108 carried out multiple rescues amongst challenging conditions and heavy clutter at a Brooklyn fire in May of 2022. In this episode, Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres discuss the operation with host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry. For their heroic actions, the company received a unit citation, and the three guests were recognized with individual medals at the 2023 FDNY Medal Day ceremony – the most of any one company this year.

In December 2022, two people plummeted five stories down an elevator shaft at the Bronx Terminal Market. Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler, then a Rescue Paramedic, and Paramedic Watkins, together with numerous on-scene units, worked to treat and free the patient trapped beneath the elevator car. Winkler and Watkins discuss their processes, challenges faced, and teamwork needed at this incident. For their professionalism and commitment to providing quality care, the two were awarded the Christopher J. Prescott Medal at FDNY Medal Day this past June. Captain Randy Li hosts.

Some of the most difficult fires FDNY members face are wind impacted fires. It's been more than two decades since the Department began studying the impact of wind in high rise building fires which ultimately led to current protocols,  procedures, and equipment developed to help fight these fires and are now part of FDNY standard operating procedures. In this episode, retired Battalion Chief Gerald Tracy shares his knowledge of wind impacted fires and revisits how the Department improved its understanding and tactics of fighting these challenging and devastating fires. Captain John Ceriello hosts.

On August 24, 2020, during the midst of the COVID pandemic outbreak in New York City, Tracy Harris began having severe abdominal pain that prompted her to call 9-1-1 for help. Just prior to EMS arrival, she realized that she was in full active labor (23 weeks pregnant at the time) and her pre-term baby girl had just unexpectedly delivered while she laid on the floor. In this episode, Station 20's first-arriving EMTs Silverio Moreno and Johnathan Rivera—who had never worked together before—recall how they upgraded the call from OB-OUT to a cardiac arrest as they discovered the newborn baby was not breathing and had no pulse, and the events that followed. Mother and daughter were taken to Jacobi Hospital Medical Center, and eventually both made a complete recovery. In 2023, the patients and their rescuers were reunited at the FDNY's Second Chance Ceremony; a precious full-circle moment for all. Captain Randy Li hosts.

On November 5, 2022, FDNY units saved multiple residents from a three-alarm fire in a Manhattan high-rise. The explosive fire, which was ignited by an e-bike's lithium-ion battery, blocked the first arriving units' entry into the fire apartment. Multiple firefighters were lowered simultaneously to rescue residents trapped at the window, overcoming obstacles that challenged members while suspended 200-feet above ground. In this special two-part episode, firefighters and fire officers working in Ladder 16, Rescue 1 and Battalion 9 recount the harrowing details of this operation and highlight the teamwork, determination and lessons learned that will leave an indelible mark on listeners. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry talks to Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello, Lieutenants Adrienne Walsh and Joseph Decker, Firefighters Darren Harsch, Christian Wellinger and Artur Podgorski. 

Two trailblazing women of the FDNY, Battalion Chief Rochelle “Rocky” Jones (Retired) and Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons discuss their successful careers with the Department. Chief Fitzsimmons joined the Department in 2001, and currently is the highest-ranking woman firefighter in the FDNY. Chief Jones entered the Department back in 1982, with the first class of women ever appointed to the FDNY, and climbed the ranks to become the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief in 2003. Chief Fitzsimmons followed in her footsteps and joined the rank in 2020. Elizabeth Cascio hosts. 

Tragically, on December 12, 2022, Kristina Moon's husband, Firefighter William P. Moon II, or Billy as everyone called him, suffered a fatal injury while preparing for a training drill at his Brooklyn firehouse. Days later when it became clear that the 21-veteran of the Department would not survive his injuries, Billy's family carried out his wishes to donate his organs to help others. In total, five organs from Moon were transplanted into five desperate recipients. Two of those recipients include retired FDNY members, Captain Patrick Reynolds and Lieutenant Terrence Jordan, who join this conversation remotely via video conference. Kristina Moon joins host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry in-studio.

On October 22, 2022, history was made as New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment, and swore in, Laura Kavanagh as Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. Commissioner Kavanagh is the 34th commissioner to lead the Department—and the first woman. In her role, she oversees the nation's largest fire department, including the agency's 17 thousand employees and $2 billion budget. She also advocates for first responders at the City, State and Federal level.

We revisit conversations from our latest season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. In our 2022 seventh season, pride and professionalism remains ever-present in FDNY training and operations, and is reflected in the stories and lessons shared here on our podcast. We thank all the members who contributed this season and reaffirm our commitment to offer resources to our peers in public safety and help save lives.

The heavy demand on electrical usage in high rise buildings warrants the need for high voltage equipment. That is why it's so important to understand the dangers of this equipment and how units can safely operate at fires involving transformer vault rooms. In this episode, FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello returns to the podcast to provide listeners with a working knowledge of these types of fires and operational considerations. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

2022 marks the 25thanniversary of the untimely death of FDNY EMT Tracy Allen Lee who was the first EMT to contract HIV on duty in the city—and in the country. Allen Lee dedicated her life to caring for others but spent the years leading up to her death fighting for the benefits for an illness obtained while in the line of duty. It wasn't until a year after her death, that she received the line-of-duty designation and a New York State law granted line-of-duty benefits to any EMT and Paramedic who contracts HIV while on the job. This year, the Department honored her service and sacrifice in a memorial ceremony at Station 10 in Manhattan. In this episode, you'll hear from family, friends and leaders of the FDNY who gathered at the station where she worked to memorialize Allen Lee and celebrate her legacy. Chief of Staff Elizabeth Cascio hosts.

As the attacks on the World Trade Center were carried out, most people viewed the collapses from the outside in. However, on September 11, 2001, then-Captain John "Jay" Jonas and five of his firefighters from Ladder Co. 6 were descending Stairwell B with injured civilian, Josephine Harris, when the North Tower violently collapsed around them. The collapse of the 110-story building took at total of 13 seconds and came down in a pancake fashion, producing tremendous debris and strong air movement that lifted the firefighters and Harris and threw them about the staircase. Chief Jonas, who went to on to serve the Department for another 21 years before retiring in July of 2022, discusses their miraculous survival. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

Ladder Company 41 arrived first on-scene to fire and smoke pushing out the windows of aseven-story, fireproof multiple dwelling in the Bronx. Lieutenant Patrick Twomey, Firefighter Rob Rivera and Firefighter James Soutar discuss this challenging operation, which involved scaffolding surrounding the buildingandan aggressivelithium-ion battery fire blocking the entry to the fire apartment, butresulted in multiple rescues. On Medal Day, the three received individual medals and the entire company received the World Trade Center Memorial medal for their efforts. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

On July 30, 2021, Rescue Paramedics Hugh Smith and Shewain George were presented with a challenge that would test their many years of training and experience. The rescue medics arrived on scene of a building collapse to find FDNY Special Operations Units operating to rescue two trapped victims. Together with Lieutenant Paul Ardizzone, they worked to assess, stabilize and treat the two pinned workers. For their efforts at this operation they were awarded the Christopher J. Prescott medal this past June. The three members discuss this arduous assignment, their rescue medic training and attending medal day with host Chief of Staff Elizabeth Cascio.

At the FDNY, the roof position can be both physically and mentally demanding. The assignments are largely autonomous, but can drastically improve operating conditions for other members and survivability for civilians, while failure can result in punishing--if not devastating--consequences for all. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Battalion Chief Brian Mulry talks with Firefighter Philip Gordon of Ladder 176 about roof operations on the FDNY fireground.

Each year, during the month of May, we honor EMTs, paramedics and the entire EMS workforce for their dedication, service and sacrifice. The theme for National EMS Week this year is “Rising to the Challenge,” and our guest in this episode certainly did just that. EMT Menhaz Bhuiyan, of Emergency Medical Dispatch, discusses joining the Department amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and a dramatic 9-1-1 call in which he displayed compassion and professionalism for the patient during an active shooter incident. Chief of Staff Elizabeth Cascio hosts. 

Retired FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Shea was involved in one of the most daring roof rope rescues in FDNY history. On May 14, 1991, FDNY firefighters conducted two technical roof rope rescues at the same fire in Midtown Manhattan, hanging 12 stories above the crowded New York City streets. The dramatic rescue was filmed live and later recreated for television. The save was one of the rescues featured in the FDNY Pro film, the Last Resort. Shea also responded to and was injured at the first World Trade Center Bombing in 1993. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Shea recounts these iconic events from his old quarters--Rescue Co. 1 in Manhattan. Captain John Ceriello hosts.

With 20 years in the Department, Deputy Chief Natalia Polunin rose through the ranks and was most notably the first woman to command FDNY's specialized HazTac unit. Chief Polunin discusses her career, how she continually opts for new challenges and fosters growth in FDNY's newest EMS members.

Firefighter Cameron Peek, Rescue Company 2, has been passed the reins and is embarking on his first season as head coach of one of the Department's largest athletic organizations, the FDNY Bravest Football team. As the 5th coach since the team's founding in 1973, FF Peek discusses the team and their goals for the season. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts. 

The increase in popularity of battery-operated mobility devices, like scooters, skateboards and bicycles has meant a dramatic increase in fires in New York City caused by lithium-ion batteries with sometimes fatal consequences. Lt. John Cassidy, Haz-mat Company 1, discusses the dangers of these batteries, tactics and procedures operational units can take at these incidents. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.

The great work of our firefighters and EMTs this year show the department's commitment to ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers. Before we say goodbye to 2021, we want to revisit the highlights, takeaways and lessons learned from this year's Podcast - which include notable rescues, a renewed focus on health and wellness and, perhaps the most momentous event for the Department this year - the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Deputy Chief Michael Barvels hosts.

In the early morning hours of April 3, 2021, units were met with a heavy volume of fire at a commercial building on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. As members operated in the rear of the building, a portion of the roof collapsed trapping Lt. Steve Schuman beneath it. […]

The health consequences to the FDNY's WTC-exposed rescue/recovery workers were both immediate and far-reaching. The FDNY WTC Health Program began treatment day one, monitoring evaluations in October 2001 and continues today. The WTC Health Impacts Report summarizes the health impacts of WTC exposure on the FDNY workforce and details how its members continue to suffer from WTC-related illnesses 20 years later. In this episode, host Chief of Staff Elizabeth Cascio discusses the report and the lasting health impact 9/11 has on Department members with FDNY Chief Medical Officer and Director of the FDNY WTC Health Program Dr. David Prezant.

The health consequences to the FDNY’s WTC-exposed rescue/recovery workers were both immediate and far-reaching. The FDNY WTC Health Program began treatment day one, monitoring evaluations in October 2001 and continues today. The WTC Health Impacts Report summarizes the health impacts of WTC exposure on the FDNY […]

As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches each year, memories of that day moves forefront in the minds of many members of the Department. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, who was Chief of Operations at the time of the attacks, recounts that fateful day 20 years ago, […]

As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches each year, memories of that day moves forefront in the minds of many members of the Department. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, who was Chief of Operations at the time of the attacks, recounts that fateful day 20 years ago, […]

In September 2020, FDNY firefighters Jairo Sosa (Ladder 34) and Abe Miller (Ladder 23) performed a life-saving roof rope rescue, saving a child at a fire in Washington Heights for which they earned well-deserved medals at this year’s Medal Ceremony held in June. The firefighters discuss […]

In September 2020, FDNY firefighters Jairo Sosa (Ladder 34) and Abe Miller (Ladder 23) performed a life-saving roof rope rescue, saving a child at a fire in Washington Heights for which they earned well-deserved medals at this year's Medal Ceremony held in June. The firefighters discuss […]

In most cases, FDNY EMS members have the tools, training and equipment to respond daily to all sorts of emergencies throughout the city. But, occasionally the men and women of FDNY EMS are forced to improvise or make split-second decisions to save a life. Despite the […]