Join FDNY Podcast

“We Are FDNY,” is a signature storytelling campaign that highlights the men and women across the FDNY.

For this episode, Office of Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Vishavjit Singh, sat down with Captain Andrew Brown as they recapped the launch event for the fourth edition of the “We Are FDNY.” The pair interviewed a few of the members profiled on this year’s poster.

Members interviewed include Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper, Fleet Services Auto Services Mechanic Donovan Etienne, Human Resources Senior Director Yelena Kordova, Ladder 123 Firefighter Nicholas Welch, and Bureau of Fire Prevention Deputy Chief Chinelle Thomas.

To learn more about these members and others included on We Are FDNY, visit JoinFDNY.com/WeAreFDNY.

“You don’t think going to work is going to result in something like this,” said Station 45 EMT Shawn Griffin alongside fellow Station 45 EMT, Emmanuel Titus, speaking about their experience as 2024 FDNY Medal Day Recipients.

Our hosts Captain Andrew Brown and EMS Captain Randy Li then discuss how Medal Day serves as a celebration of the hard work, training, and preparation our Fire and EMS Members carry with them into work every day.

Plus, Captain Andrew Brown sits down with two members of the FDNY Islamic Society, Engine 310 Firefighter Aisha Loane, and Engine 295 Mohammed Moaz, to speak on their journey into the FDNY, and more.

ICYMI: FDNY Director of Health & Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli sat down with Captain Andrew Brown to speak on some of the first steps candidates can take in order to begin a healthy physical journey into becoming a career Firefighter.

“When you get sworn in , you're not the same person that started” FDNY Director of Health & Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli said to host Captain Andrew Brown. 

With the filing period for the Open Competitive Firefighter Exam now open, both Captains share their advice to candidates who are starting their fitness journey for the first time in order to prepare for the next steps in their process.

Plus, in celebration of Pride Month, FireFlag EMS members, Firefighter Joseph Felix and EMT Danny Bonge speak on their start within the Fire Department and the importance of Fireflag EMS and what they provide to the FDNY community.

ICYMI: Captain Brown sat down with Associate Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan and Firefighter Casey Chan to speak about the “All Heroes Welcome” Campaign for the Open Competitive Firefighter Exam and the necessary steps to take to prepare.

“We mean it. All heroes are welcome,” said Assistant Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan said to host Captain Andrew Brown and Firefighter Casey Chan when speaking about the upcoming Open Competitive Firefighter Exam, and the necessary steps to take to prepare.

In celebration of Asian-American Pacific Islander Month, Captain Randy Li sat down with EMT Joffrey Yin to speak on his career and his experience so far as a member of the Phoenix Society.

ICYMI: Fire Cadets Jonas Montero and Shanique Reynolds were part of the FDNY Youth Takeover, hosted by FDNY Youth Manager Anthony Gadison and shared their experiences so far in the Fire Cadet Academy.

“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 are in today.

Continuing with the “Youth Takeover,” our second guest host for this episode, Program Manager of FDNY Youth, EMT Christabelle Chin, sat down with Assistant Commissioner of Youth Workforce & Pipeline Program Michele Maglione. They spoke about several programs FDNY Youth offers for young people in New York City to jumpstart their careers in the Department.

ICYMI: Chief Michele Fitzsimmons sat down with Squad 8 Firefighters Melissa Bennet and Lacy Higgins last month to discuss their respective journeys into the Fire Department, and give some encouraging words of wisdom to future FDNY candidates.

"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.

“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 Vulcan Society, an affinity group representing Black members in Fire Operations, EMS, Fire Marshals, Dispatch, civilian support staff and others.

Plus, Captain Brown shares historical highlights and the contributions of Black Firefighters from across the country, including the invention of the fire extinguisher, firehouse pole hole, and more.

ICYMI: FDNY Firefighters Shamaree Graham and John Moncayo, along with Lieutenant Mike Ryan, discuss the Department’s successful and thriving Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program.

“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.