FDNY Pro

By FDNY Foundation

What's FDNY Pro about?

The FDNY Pro podcast brings together professionals and experts in the field of Fire and EMS, offering their firsthand knowledge and experience. Hear from the pros as they discuss what they’ve learned on the front lines.

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FDNY Pro episodes:

03.28.2024
100th Episode Milestone
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...
02.28.2024
Fighting wind impacted fires in low-rise buildings with FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy
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...
01.31.2024
In Studio with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh
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...
12.27.2023
Season 8 Year in Review
We revisit conversations 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...
11.30.2023
Trench rescue operations with FDNY Lieutenant Todd Smith
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...
10.27.2023
Fighting a Fire in the Sky with FDNY Battalion Chiefs Anthony Pascocello and Mark Rosenbaum
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...
09.12.2023
Hope and spirituality on the Department’s darkest day with FDNY Chaplain Monsignor John Delendick
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,...
08.29.2023
Heavy clutter makes for difficult rescues with FDNY Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres
Members of Ladder Company 108 carried out multiple rescues amongst challenging conditions and heavy clutter at a Brooklyn fire. In this episode, Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres discuss the 2022 operation with host Battalion Chief...
07.27.2023
Emergency medical care in an elevator shaft with FDNY Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler and Paramedic Kira Watkins
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...
06.29.2023
Evolution of fighting wind-impacted fires in New York City with FDNY Battalion Chief Gerald Tracy (Retired)
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,...
05.26.2023
Neonatal resuscitation, a vital response and emotional reunion, with FDNY EMTs Silverio Moreno and Johnathan Rivera
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...
04.28.2023
Manhattan roof rope rescues with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello, Lieutenants Adrienne Walsh and Joseph Decker, and Firefighters Darren Harsch, Christian Wellinger and Artur Podgorski
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...
03.16.2023
Climbing the Ranks with FDNY Battalion Chiefs Michele Fitzsimmons and Rochelle “Rocky” Jones (Retired)
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...
02.14.2023
Organ donation advocacy with Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY Firefighter William P. Moon II, and retired members Patrick Reynolds and Terrence Jordan
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 in December of 2022. Days later when it became clear that the...
01.24.2023
Leading New York’s Bravest with FDNY's 34th Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh
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....
12.20.2022
Season 7 Year in Review
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...
11.30.2022
Fighting high rise transformer fires with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello
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...
10.26.2022
First EMT to contract AIDS on duty remembered by FDNY 25 years later
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...
09.26.2022
The miracle of Stairwell B on 9/11 with FDNY Deputy Chief John "Jay" Jonas (Retired)
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...
08.30.2022
Multiple rescues at lithium-ion battery fire with FDNY Lieutenant Patrick Twomey and Firefighters Robert Rivera and James Soutar
Ladder Company 41 arrived first on-scene to fire and smoke pushing out the windows of a seven-story, fireproof multiple dwelling in the Bronx. Lieutenant Patrick Twomey, Firefighter Rob Rivera and Firefighter James Soutar discuss this challenging operation, which involved scaffolding...
07.20.2022
Treating trapped patients at a building collapse with FDNY Rescue Paramedics Lt. Paul Ardizzone, Hugh Smith and Shewain George
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...
06.29.2022
Spotlight on roof operations with FDNY Firefighter Philip Gordon
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...
05.20.2022
Rising to the challenge in Emergency Medical Dispatch with FDNY EMT Menhaz Bhuiyan
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...
04.18.2022
Recollections of daring rescue operations with Retired FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Shea
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...
03.29.2022
Fostering leadership in EMS with FDNY Deputy Chief Natalia Polunin
With 20 years in the Department, FDNY 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...
02.28.2022
Inside look at the FDNY Bravest football team with Head Coach and Firefighter Cameron Peek
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...
01.31.2022
Lithium-ion battery safety and tactics with FDNY Lieutenant John Cassidy
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...
12.31.2021
Season 6 Year in Review
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...
11.30.2021
Member trapped at commercial roof collapse with FDNY Lieutenants Steve Schuman and Fred Ill
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...
10.31.2021
WTC health impacts report 20 Years after 9/11 with FDNY Chief Medical Officer 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...
09.10.2021
Recounting 9/11 and its aftermath with FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro
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...
08.25.2021
Firefighters perform roof rope rescue to save small child with FDNY Firefighters Abe Miller and Jairo Sosa
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...
07.26.2021
Unconscious driver saved from burning dump truck with FDNY EMTs Gary Hui and Samuel Wright
FDNY 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 are forced to improvise or make split-second decisions to save a life. Despite...
06.16.2021
Responding safely with FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Meyers
Each June the Department commemorates Safety Week by picking a theme and sharing information on a specified topic for all bureaus and units to focus and collaborate on. Run by the FDNY Safety Command, the goal is to increase awareness...
05.18.2021
FDNY EMS operations during the COVID-19 pandemic with Assistant Chiefs Alvin Suriel and Jonathan Pistilli
The entire world was introduced to a highly infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus known as COVID-19 and New York City quickly felt its wrath. From the outset in early 2020, the #FDNY’s Bureau of EMS Operations was...
04.29.2021
Valuable takeaways on maydays shared at the FDNY’s Strategic Awareness Program with FDNY Deputy Chief Chuck Downey
In 2018, the FDNY’s Bureau of Training introduced a new initiative called the FDNY’s Strategic Awareness Program. Its mission is to enhance peer education for Chiefs and their aides across the five boroughs, allowing them to share their experiences on...
03.23.2021
Inspiring and preparing the FDNY’s next generation with Firefighter Jackie-Michelle Martinez
As Special Operations Firefighter Jackie-Michelle Martinez, of Squad 270, approaches her 20th year with the FDNY, she looks back at her career path as a Cadet, EMT, Academy Instructor, and Firefighter. She discusses her experience as the Department’s first Women’s...
02.26.2021
First responder fitness for a reshaped world with FDNY Captain Joy Garcia
By mid-March 2020, several states, including New York, were locked down and people were experiencing in real time the watershed change the country would soon fully experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the earliest businesses to be closed were...
01.29.2021
Trapped victims rescued from the floor above with FDNY Chief Tom Fitzgerald and Lieutenants Rich Davan and Rob Brown
In the early morning hours of September 29, 2020, FDNY companies in Washington Heights, Manhattan encountered heavy fire and multiple people trapped on the top floor – the floor above the fire – of a six story U-shaped residential building....
12.22.2020
Season 5 Year In Review
The voices from the guests of the FDNY Pro Podcast in 2020 have been informative and noteworthy. In this episode, we’ll revisit highlights from this year, which has certainly presented challenges. Yet through it all, the commitment to public service...
11.19.2020
Educational and public safety outreach during a pandemic with FDNY Captain Michael Kozo and Director of Community Affairs Fabricio Caro
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDNY Community Affairs Unit pivoted their primary fire and life safety outreach from a largely in-person model to a mainly digital one. While difficult, it was a move that was made...
10.30.2020
The COVID-19 crisis and the importance of forward planning with FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh
When the COVID-19 crisis began in early 2020, the Department and its members were challenged in ways like never before. The pandemic’s arrival proved to be both deadly and difficult to combat. One of the core duties of the Department’s...
09.30.2020
Remembering 9/11 with FDNY Chief of Department John Sudnik
Each year on the FDNY Pro Podcast, we mark the anniversary of September 11, 2001 by featuring an FDNY member who responded to the WTC attacks on that day. John Sudnik began his career as an FDNY Firefighter appointed in...
08.21.2020
“The Last Resort” a lifesaving roof rope rescue with FDNY Lieutenant Jim Lee
As seen in the FDNY Pro Film, The Last Resort, on October 27, 2016, an early morning fire in an upper Manhattan 5-story tenement left residents fleeing for their lives. With a fire escape located only on the front of...
07.24.2020
Top floor fires with FDNY Lieutenant Michael Scotto
Fighting top floor fires in H-Type buildings or large multiple dwellings is complicated and challenging. FDNY Lieutenant Michael Scotto, a 41-year member of the Department currently working at Ladder 58 in the Bronx, joins host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry to...
06.12.2020
Get to know your gear with FDNY Chief of Safety Michael Meyers
This episode is being released in conjunction with FDNY Safety Week 2020. For the first time ever, the FDNY is sharing our Safety Week training and information on fdnypro.org. The FDNY and FDNY Foundation would like to thank the National...
05.22.2020
FDNY EMS on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic with FDNY Paramedic Kimberley Laychock
Kimberley Laychock is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY who is serving on the frontlines of the Coronavirus outbreak in New York City. Sunday, May 17, 2020, marks the start of EMS Week 2020, an annual week-long initiative to promote...
04.18.2020
Standpipe operations with FDNY Lieutenant Ray McCormack
Even in a vertical city like New York, high-rise construction continues to expand into the outer boroughs where fire companies need to be ready to respond. Thirty-eight year veteran fire officer, Lt. Ray McCormack discusses the Department’s Standpipe Operations and...
03.24.2020
A return to public service with FDNY EMT Donna Jaworski
Donna Jaworski is saving lives as an FDNY EMT–again. Jaworski previously served as an FDNY EMT before leaving the Department in 2003 to raise her family. She was also a September 11th first responder, having worked at the World Trade...
02.28.2020
A marathon celebration with FDNY Captain Denis Sweeney and Firefighter Tim Clarke
This is our annual Pro Fit episode, which seeks to promote and provide practical ideas for first responders who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 2020 marks the 50thanniversary of the New York City Marathon. The event is the...

What's FDNY Pro about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

FDNY Pro episodes:

100th Episode Milestone

Fighting wind impacted fires in low-rise buildings with FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy

In Studio with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh

Season 8 Year in Review

Trench rescue operations with FDNY Lieutenant Todd Smith

Fighting a Fire in the Sky with FDNY Battalion Chiefs Anthony Pascocello and Mark Rosenbaum

Hope and spirituality on the Department’s darkest day with FDNY Chaplain Monsignor John Delendick

Heavy clutter makes for difficult rescues with FDNY Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres

Emergency medical care in an elevator shaft with FDNY Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler and Paramedic Kira Watkins

Evolution of fighting wind-impacted fires in New York City with FDNY Battalion Chief Gerald Tracy (Retired)

Neonatal resuscitation, a vital response and emotional reunion, with FDNY EMTs Silverio Moreno and Johnathan Rivera

Manhattan roof rope rescues with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello, Lieutenants Adrienne Walsh and Joseph Decker, and Firefighters Darren Harsch, Christian Wellinger and Artur Podgorski

Climbing the Ranks with FDNY Battalion Chiefs Michele Fitzsimmons and Rochelle “Rocky” Jones (Retired)

Organ donation advocacy with Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY Firefighter William P. Moon II, and retired members Patrick Reynolds and Terrence Jordan

Leading New York’s Bravest with FDNY's 34th Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh

Season 7 Year in Review

Fighting high rise transformer fires with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello

First EMT to contract AIDS on duty remembered by FDNY 25 years later

The miracle of Stairwell B on 9/11 with FDNY Deputy Chief John "Jay" Jonas (Retired)

Multiple rescues at lithium-ion battery fire with FDNY Lieutenant Patrick Twomey and Firefighters Robert Rivera and James Soutar

Treating trapped patients at a building collapse with FDNY Rescue Paramedics Lt. Paul Ardizzone, Hugh Smith and Shewain George

Spotlight on roof operations with FDNY Firefighter Philip Gordon

Rising to the challenge in Emergency Medical Dispatch with FDNY EMT Menhaz Bhuiyan

Recollections of daring rescue operations with Retired FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Shea

Fostering leadership in EMS with FDNY Deputy Chief Natalia Polunin

Inside look at the FDNY Bravest football team with Head Coach and Firefighter Cameron Peek

Lithium-ion battery safety and tactics with FDNY Lieutenant John Cassidy

Season 6 Year in Review

Member trapped at commercial roof collapse with FDNY Lieutenants Steve Schuman and Fred Ill

WTC health impacts report 20 Years after 9/11 with FDNY Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Prezant

Recounting 9/11 and its aftermath with FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro

Firefighters perform roof rope rescue to save small child with FDNY Firefighters Abe Miller and Jairo Sosa

Unconscious driver saved from burning dump truck with FDNY EMTs Gary Hui and Samuel Wright

Responding safely with FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Meyers

FDNY EMS operations during the COVID-19 pandemic with Assistant Chiefs Alvin Suriel and Jonathan Pistilli

Valuable takeaways on maydays shared at the FDNY’s Strategic Awareness Program with FDNY Deputy Chief Chuck Downey

Inspiring and preparing the FDNY’s next generation with Firefighter Jackie-Michelle Martinez

First responder fitness for a reshaped world with FDNY Captain Joy Garcia

Trapped victims rescued from the floor above with FDNY Chief Tom Fitzgerald and Lieutenants Rich Davan and Rob Brown

Season 5 Year In Review

Educational and public safety outreach during a pandemic with FDNY Captain Michael Kozo and Director of Community Affairs Fabricio Caro

The COVID-19 crisis and the importance of forward planning with FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh

Remembering 9/11 with FDNY Chief of Department John Sudnik

“The Last Resort” a lifesaving roof rope rescue with FDNY Lieutenant Jim Lee

Top floor fires with FDNY Lieutenant Michael Scotto

Get to know your gear with FDNY Chief of Safety Michael Meyers

FDNY EMS on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic with FDNY Paramedic Kimberley Laychock

Standpipe operations with FDNY Lieutenant Ray McCormack

A return to public service with FDNY EMT Donna Jaworski

A marathon celebration with FDNY Captain Denis Sweeney and Firefighter Tim Clarke