MyFDNY NEWS
AUGUST 2024
ROBERT S. TUCKER APPOINTED 35TH FDNY COMMISSIONER
Mayor Eric Adams appointed Robert S. Tucker as the 35th FDNY Commissioner on Aug. 12 at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island.
"Public safety has been my life’s work. I have had a long career in the public and private sector, and being appointed Fire Commissioner of the City of New York is the biggest honor of my life," Commissioner Tucker said after being sworn in. "Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics do the work that most of us only ever read about in comic books. They are heroes, On Aug.
9, Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder Jr. suffered a cardiac episode after work. He died Saturday, Aug. 10. SFM Snyder began his career with the FDNY in May 2002. He was cited five times for meritorious acts throughout his
career. He is survived by his mother, three sisters, nephews and nieces. n
ROBERT S. TUCKER APPOINTED 35TH FDNY COMMISSIONER
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and they embody the best of all of us. My message to the members of the FDNY is simple: While you have New Yorkers' backs, I've got your back. I know the work we will accomplish together will make this department even greater, and we will make this city an even safer place to live, work and raise a family."
Mayor Adams said: “Commissioner Tucker brings decades of experience in protecting public safety to this role, as well as strong personal ties to the FDNY.”
Commissioner Tucker's ties to the FDNY are deep—he landed his first job as the special assistant to the chief of dispatch when he was 15 years old.
In 2012, he joined the FDNY Foundation's Board of Directors and spearheaded many life-saving initiatives in New York City, including fire safety outreach in at-risk communities,
CPR training for teenagers and the expansion of the FDNY Fire Zone—the fire safety learning center in Manhattan. He also advanced learning opportunities for frontline fire and EMS chiefs and supported recruitment drives across the fire boroughs. Throughout his business career and as a philanthropist, Commissioner Tucker has prioritized close working relationships with city agencies, first responders and elected officials.
After being sworn in Monday, Commissioner Tucker toured firehouses and EMS stations in all five boroughs, meeting with the men and women in the field. Stops included Engine 71/Ladder 55/Division 6 in the Bronx; Engine 292/Rescue 4 in Queens; EMS Station 35 and Engine 216/Ladder 108/ Battalion 35 in Brooklyn; EMS Station 23 and Engine 168 in Staten Island; and Engine 39/Ladder 16 in Manhattan. n
the FDNY WELCOMES NEWEST CLASS OF PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS
The FDNY held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of probationary firefighters on Friday, July 26, at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. A total of 284 firefighters graduated. This graduating class of probationary firefighters includes eight women, bringing the total number of female firefighters to 169. There were also 28 veterans from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Over the 18 weeks at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island, the probies trained in all aspects of firefighting, including fire suppression and medical response, hazardous materials, collapse and confined space rescues, auto extrication, building inspections and procedures for engine and ladder operations. They will be assigned to firehouses across New York City. n
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(1) The annual Captain Vernon A. Richard 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament was held July 27 in Brooklyn. Held each year in memory of Capt. Richard, who was killed on September 11th, 2001, the tournament supports the Mt. Carmel Anti-Gun Violence Program. (2) The FDNY and the FDNY Foundation officially kicked off the summer block parties July 13 in Brooklyn. The event took place at Engine 255/Ladder 157 on Rogers Avenue. (3) The Bronx hosted the second block party of the summer on July 20 at Engine 73/Ladder 42 on Prospect Avenue. (4) Manhattan hosted the third block party of the summer on July 27. Engine 9/ Ladder 6 on Canal Street was the host company. (5) The FDNY’s Hispanic Society marched in the 2024 Colombian Independence Day Parade on July 21. They joined hundreds of Colombian Americans to celebrate. (6) The Hispanic Society of the FDNY proudly marched in the 2024 Ecuadorian Parade on Aug. 4 in Queens. Thanks to all who joined along the parade route! n
Meet EMT HALEY SATO
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 EMT Haley Sato. I joined FDNY in February 2020, and I am assigned to EMS Academy in Fort Totten. My work-related responsibilities include creating programs, implementing physical fitness training and preparing the trainees for field operations.
2. What called you to a life of public service at FDNY?
I never grew up with first responders as role models, as that isn’t a typical career path in a Japanese-American household. It is a special feeling to be the first member in my family to join the Department. It’s an opportunity to create my own legacy.
Prior to this work, I worked as a personal trainer in a local gym. While I enjoyed this line of work, I needed a bigger challenge. The opportunity to have a career that is not only physically demanding but also allows me to serve my community is a win-win.
3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY?
Due to the pandemic, I was cut short from the EMS academy as a probationary EMT in 2020. Therefore, we did not have a graduation. I was given the opportunity to present the count on deck to Chief of Department John Hodgens at graduation. To have this opportunity was an unforgettable honor.
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you?
Taking the time to be in the job and not just on the job. Learning from those who came before you and understanding the significance of this patch. Striving to make an impact and leaving a place better than you found it.
5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?
Adaptability. I can size up situations quickly and respond with swift efficiency. I can analyze the need and act promptly.
6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?
Being a skills instructor paired with being a part of the health and fitness staff, I am able to prepare the probationary EMTs to have not only high-quality life-saving skills, but also physical resilience for our demanding job. n
FDNY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM DEPLOYS TO CALIFORNIA
The FDNY proudly celebrated 150 years of service for Engine 40 at an event last month in Manhattan. Long before the area became known as Lincoln Square, Engine 40 was formed on July 29, 1874, on the Upper West Side.
“Engine 40 epitomizes what it means to be a good company, a group of true professionals—always prepared for any challenge that is given to them,” said Chief Michael Ajello, Manhattan borough commander. “On multiple occasions during the last 150 years, the members of Engine 40 have been cited for individual acts of bravery, outstanding company operations and pre-hospital saves on medical responses.” n
podcast highlights
rescues at a
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WRAP
The FDNY honored former Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on Aug. 2 during an EMS promotion ceremony at St. John’s University. At the event, the FDNY promoted 49 EMS lieutenants and bid farewell to Commissioner Kavanagh. She was the FDNY’s 34th commissioner and first woman to lead the Department in its 159-year history. The FDNY thanks her for her decade of dedicated service to New York City.
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Timely
top-floor fire with FDNY Captain Jonathan Shields
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to work is going to result in something like this.”
Throwback FDNY to the 1860s!
The FDNY Incident Management Team (IMT) sent 26 members to California to help support the containment efforts for the wildfires in the Sequoia National Forest. The FDNY IMT will assist with managing the operations, planning and logistics for the containment efforts. n