Join FDNY Podcast

"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 Operations Command different from other units, and provide encouraging words of wisdom to future FDNY candidates.

ICYMI: In celebration of Black History Month, Captain Andrew Brown sat down with current and retired members of the FDNY Vulcan Society to speak on the history of the organization, the contributions from Black Firefighters across the country, and more.

“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 they share with candidates that are preparing for the Fire Academy.

In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr Weekend of Service, Captain Randy Li sat down with Jamelle Dooley, Manager of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to speak on what his unit provides to the Department on all levels and how to give back to the community during this month.

ICYMI: with one year down of the Join FDNY Podcast, let's look back to some of our best interviews, including discussions with Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper.

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, in a discussion with Captain Randy Li, delves into his experiences serving in the U.S Army, sheds light on the benefits and resources available to Veterans within the Department, and much more.

“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 Academic Achiever, Firefighter Patrick Mahony sat down with Captain Randy Li to talk about his journey to becoming the Academic Achiever of his Fire Academy class, how he is continuing to study and add to his skillset as a Firefighter today, and more. ICYMI: Last month, Director of EMS Recruitment Brandon Mahon stopped by to discuss the requirements needed in order to apply to become the next EMT or EMS Trainee with the FDNY.

“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 careers so far, the importance of being Latino Firefighters, and more.

ICYMI: Last month, Firefighter Tyrin Torres sat down with Captain Randy Li and guest host Captain Robert Cefoli to recap the steps he took in order to become the Fitness Award Winner for his graduating class in 2022.

“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 help provide an introduction to healthy workout habits that our current members and future candidates can use in order to have a long and successful career with the FDNY.

"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, as well as share words of wisdom to those interested in working in our fire suppression.

Plus, FDNY CrossFit members Firefighter Ricardo Roman and EMT Christine McAleer stop by the show to talk about the club’s mission to compete at the highest level and more.

ICYMI: Last month, Captain Timothy Smith and Lieutenant Jonathan Logan chopped it up with host Captain Andrew Brown about fatherhood, Juneteenth and much more.

"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 officers Captain Timothy Smith and Lieutenant Jonathan Logan stop by the show to chop it up with host Captain Andrew Brown about what it's like being a FDNY Dad and more.

ICYMI: Check out snippets of last month's Firefighter fitness convo with Director of Health and Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli.

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 EMTs Camilo Hernandez, Frank Dades and Haley Sato stop by to discuss getting ready for Proby School and more with host Captain Randy Li.

A special shout-out also goes to EMT Brendan McCormack and Lieutenant Anthony Simoncini for serving as our guest hosts.

Watch our show today on JoinFDNY.com. You can also tune in on Apple or Spotify. #FitnessMonth #EMSWeek

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 become FDNY first responders. In addition, they share what's next for the summer and winter sessions of our Youth EMS Academy (YEMSA).

Then, as we celebrate Siblings Day, host Captain Andrew Brown chops it up with alums "The Touvor Brothers." Hailing from Togo, Africa, Akolli and Yaspis talk about their brotherly bond, as well as how our youth programs inspired them to become career-minded. The two EMTs, who also rep Staten Island, are graduates of YEMSA. Akolli, who is a former FDNY Explorer, also now serves as a YEMSA Drill Instructor. 

ICYMI: In celebration of Women's History Month last month, FDNY trailblazer Lieutenant Adrienne Walsh stopped by the show just before celebrating her retirement. Check out snippets of her career convo with host Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons.

“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 Claudio and Deputy Chief Inspector Chinelle Thomas discuss being women in leadership. Claudio is the highest-ranking Latina in our EMS and Thomas is one of three women serving in her current rank in our Bureau of Fire Prevention. Plus, ICYMI, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper explains why working as a first responder is a phenomenal career.

"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 man in Department history to serve in this prestigious rank, and his Executive Officer Captain Latoya Rock. Plus, ICYMI, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh shares why the Department's bonds are rooted in family.

"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 promoting acts of service. Plus, what's inside those red envelopes you see this time of year.