MyFDNY NEWS
FDNY HONORS EMT FREDERICK D. WHITESIDE WITH A PLAQUE DEDICATION CEREMONY IN THE BRONX
The FDNY honored EMT Frederick D. Whiteside with a plaque dedication ceremony on Nov. 23 inside a New York City 911 Dispatch Center in the Bronx.
EMT Whiteside, a 22-year veteran of the FDNY, was working at PSAC 2 in the Bronx when he suffered a cardiac arrest on Nov. 17, 2023. He was 43 years old.
“Together, we gather to salute a man who loved working for the FDNY and who joined the Department just seven months after September 11th,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “Today, as we place a plaque on the wall in his honor, let us remember how Frederick connected with patients and with EMTs who he was guiding in dispatch. Let us forge connections as he did when handling calls, treating patients and dealing with each other.
DECEMBER 2024
DEPARTMENT HONORS FDNY
MONSIGNOR JOHN E. DELENDICK WITH PLAQUE DEDICATION
The FDNY honored Monsignor John E. Delendick with a plaque dedication ceremony on Nov. 22 inside the quarters of Engine 257/Ladder 170 in Brooklyn.
“Monsignor Delendick came to the FDNY as a
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
MyFDNY PORTAL
Access the MyFDNY Portal by logging on with your single signon (SSO) credentials.
If you experience technical difficulties with SSO or multifactor authentication (MFA), call the BTDS help desk at 718-9992611 or email BTDS@fdny.nyc.gov.
The FDNY Insider is now MyFDNY News! This monthly publication will be available in print and online.
FDNY HONORS EMT FREDERICK D. WHITESIDE WITH A PLAQUE DEDICATION CEREMONY IN THE BRONX
Continued from Page 1
When we pass this plaque, let us remember that he was a leader and aspire to be more like him.”
Chief of Department John Esposito said: “Frederick Whiteside was a dedicated and compassionate EMT—both on the streets and on the radio. He had the skills we look for in all members: empathy, compassion, bravery and selflessness. He was a great mentor to the next generation of our medical professionals and made sure he passed down his knowledge and experience to others.”
EMT Whiteside joined the FDNY on April 19, 2002. He spent his career in Brooklyn and the Bronx, working in EMS Divisions 2 and 3 before moving to EMS dispatch in 2019.
He was the 1,160th member of the FDNY to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the line of duty. n
DEPARTMENT HONORS FDNY CHAPLAIN MONSIGNOR JOHN E. DELENDICK WITH PLAQUE DEDICATION
Continued from Page 1
chaplain in 1996—a job he loved and cherished,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “With his quick wit and sharp tongue, he easily blended in with our members and was a favorite among them. He knew how they talked, how they thought and what they valued. The losses of September 11th elevated him in
this department to our senior chaplain with the death of Father Mychal Judge. He never forgot who was left behind, and the years that followed were devoted to the 9/11 families and to our Department. We honor that legacy with a plaque that bears his name at the firehouse he considered home. I hope when you visit here or turn out for work, you take a moment to think of Monsignor Delendick and the lasting impact he had on the FDNY.”
First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra said: “Monsignor Delendick loved the FDNY, and we loved him.”
Monsignor Delendick was a 28-year veteran of the FDNY, receiving the appointment of Department Chaplain on May 15, 1996. On September 11, 2001, Monsignor Delendick arrived at the World Trade Center shortly after the second plane struck. He survived the collapse of the towers and spent countless hours over the ensuing eight months bringing families to the World Trade Center, officiating at memorial and funeral services, and was present at support groups set up throughout the region to console families and friends of the members killed.
Monsignor Delendick died on Nov. 23, 2023, from World Trade Center-related cancer. He was 74 years old. n
The FDNY welcomed its latest class of paramedics to its ranks at a graduation ceremony on Nov. 20 at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.
The paramedics graduated from the FDNY Paramedic Basic Program, which included training at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten, at hospitals on clinical internships and in field rotations over the previous 10 months.
“You have put in the time and effort to take your skills to the next level by becoming a paramedic, now equipped to offer advanced medical care to our neediest New Yorkers,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “Your selflessness and professionalism define FDNY EMS, and we appreciate all the work you do to keep our city safe. ... Today’s promotion is the next step in your extraordinary path of service.”
FDNY Chief of EMS Operations Michael Fields said: “The journey to become a paramedic is not an easy one. It demands almost one year of rigorous training, countless hours of practical experience and a stubborn spirit. It requires the ability to r emain calm under pressure, to make split-second decisions and provide compassionate care to those in need. These individuals have demonstrated all of these qualities and more, proving themselves worthy of this promotion.”
The new paramedics will be assigned to units throughout New York City. n
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker joined Department members to attend the Police Athletic League’s holiday party in Harlem. From all of us at the FDNY: happy holidays!
(1) FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association presented the annual scholarship awards at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn. Thirty-two firefighters, EMTs, EMS and fire officers received scholarships toward continuing their education. The FDNY thanks the NYSHFCA for making such a generous investment in the future of the Department. (2) On Dec. 5, the FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety hosted Fire Commissioner Tucker, Chief of Department John Esposito and other FDNY officials to discuss careers with the Department. The FDNY High School provides young New Yorkers with a pathway to a career with the FDNY. (3) FDNY members attended the 2024 Rockefeller Tree Lightning Ceremony on Dec. 4 and worked with public safety partners to ensure a safe event. (4) FDNY’s Engine 220/Ladder 122 welcomed the Brooklyn Scouts for a visit in November. The members showed off the firehouse and shared important fire safety tips. (5) FDNY members at the Command Post of a 3-alarm brush fire at Highbridge Park in Manhattan. In November, Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced that the FDNY had launched a new Brush Fire Task Force in response to the historic increase in brush fires that happened throughout the five boroughs. The task force includes fire marshals, fire inspectors and tactical drone units. (6) The FDNY promoted its latest group of battalion chiefs at a ceremony Dec. 11 at the Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. The newly promoted members represent more than 300 years of experience with the Department. They will be assigned to units throughout New
City. n
MEET FIREFIGHTER MATTHEW TYRREL, LADDER 165
1. What is your name, title and years at FDNY? Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities?
My name is Matthew Tyrrel. I’m a firefighter—22 years this July, in 2024. I work at Ladder 165 in Battalion 54 right now.
My responsibilities are battalion staffing. I drive the chief on runs, and I act as communication channel between them and the Queens Dispatch during a fire.
2. What called you to a life of public service at FDNY?
My father was a Nassau County police officer, and he’s also a volunteer firefighter in Long Island. He really enjoys helping people. So that inspired me. Also, I worked in downtown Manhattan, 55 Water St. I was a municipal bond analyst for Standard & Poor’s when 9/11 happened. I was one of the people running away while firefighters were running in. I was already on the list when that happened, but this tragedy unquestionably inspired me to take the job.
3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY?
We had a firefighter here, Chuckie Jones, who passed away. It was very quick; he had esophageal cancer. But the way the house came together to support him and the family during the tough time—we had a huge fundraiser at Mulcahy’s. And that’s just an example; it happens all the time with the Fire Department. Everyone just comes together and supports everyone else. Sometimes at the cost of their own family life, the Fire Department life is a top priority. We support each other, and just to see that day in and day out is very inspiring.
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you?
We Are FDNY demonstrates the diversity of the FDNY. It shows civilians from different backgrounds and cultures that this job is not out of reach for them. Some people have a preconceived notion of who a firefighter is. This campaign puts a visualization on the diversity of the job and who can do this job. Really, anybody from any background can go for this job.
5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?
I think my superpower would be my open-mindedness. In this job, you’ve got a lot of type-A personalities that can be stubborn and butt heads a lot, and you’re living together. I like to think of myself as a little different, where I can see diverse perspectives. I can see different points of view in a same situation, which comes in handy with conflict resolution and situations like that.
6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?
When I think of safety, what comes to mind is kind of specific, but to me, seatbelts are very important. And as a Ladder 165 chauffeur for a long time, I always wore my seatbelt, even though not everybody would all the time. I think if people see a senior guy wearing their seatbelt, they might not think it’s, you know, “Oh, that’s not cool.” So they’ll hopefully wear that seatbelt too, and that saves lives. You’ve got to make it a habit. I try to lead by example. n
FIRE COMMISSIONER ROBERT S. TUCKER HELPS NEW YORK JETS HONOR FDNY ARMY VETERAN
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker surprised Firefighter David Wilkie with the news that he will be honored as the “Veteran of the Game” at a New York Jets game later this season during a station visit on Nov. 22 at Division 8 on Staten Island.
“The FDNY is such a special organization, and our members are the reason why we are the best fire department in the world,” Fire Commissioner Tucker said. “Firefighter David Wilkie is one of those members. I cannot think of someone more deserving of recognition for their years of dedicated service.”
Firefighter Wilkie joined the U.S. Army in 2008 and became a member of the Special Operations Unit 1st Ragner Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. During his time as an Army Ranger, he completed four combat tours in Afghanistan, receiving numerous commendations for his service. He joined the FDNY in 2013 and was seriously injured during a fire in January 2021. Firefighter Wilkie will be recognized at the New York Jets’ game on Jan. 5, 2025, at MetLife Stadium against the Miami Dolphins. n
podcast highlights
Anatomy of Extreme Fire Behavior with FDNY Lt. Brian Currid, Firefighter Rob Camaj and special guest Fire Safety Research Institute’s Dr. Dan Madrzykowski
“Service before self.”
Throwback FDNY to 1897, when a monument is unveiled at Gettysburg Battlefield honoring veterans of the New York Fire Zouaves; to 1952, when a member of the FDNY suggests that a helicopter company be formed in the Department; and to 1963, when a firehouse gets caught in the middle of a longstanding feud.
arrest on Nov. 17, 2023, while working EMS dispatch. He was 43 years old. Scan the QR code above to watch the plaque dedication ceremony. n
The FDNY honored EMT Frederick D. Whiteside with a plaque dedication ceremony on Nov. 23 inside PSAC 2 in the Bronx. EMT Whiteside, a 22-year veteran with the Department, suffered a cardiac
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
SCAN ME