MyFDNY News: April 2024

MyFDNY NEWS

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh provides an update on recent lithium-ion

battery enforcement

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on Monday, April 15, detailed a weekend arrest made at an electric bike shop in Brooklyn.

On Friday, April 12, the FDNY E-Safety Task Force returned to a store at 1239 Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn to conduct a follow-up inspection following three previous visits to the same location.

Investigators found 15 lithium-ion batteries and multiple e-bikes without proper certification for sale throughout the store. Additionally, little to no compliance was found on previous violations, Commissioner Kavanagh said.

“As we have tragically seen, lithium-ion batteries—especially those that are uncertified—have the potential to explode and rapidly trap residents in a fire. This store was operating below residential apartments,” Commissioner Kavanagh said. “The safety of New Yorkers and our members is our

APRIL 2024

FIRE COMMISSIONER Laura Kavanagh

FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Joseph Pfeifer

CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT John J. Hodgens

Premieres new film about first black fire commissioner Robert O. Lowery

FDNY members attended the premiere of an FDNY produced film, “The First: Fire Commissioner Robert O. Lowery’s Story”, on Friday, April 19 at the New York City Fire Museum. The film depicts the life and career of Commissioner Lowery, the More on Page 2

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FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh provides an update on recent lithium-ion battery enforcement

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top priority. Our FDNY fire marshals and the Bureau of Fire Prevention will continue to crack down on the sellers of these uncertified and dangerous devices, and we will continue to remind people of the dangers they pose.”

The weekend of April 13-14 was busy: There were five fires involving lithium-ion batteries and 10 total battery-caused fires in the last week.

“The problem isn’t going away,” Commissioner Kavanagh said. “If you use them, you must follow our safety tips. Where possible, please store and charge them outside.” n

FDNY Premieres new film about first black fire commissioner

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FDNY’s first Black fire commissioner, and features interviews with the Lowery family, Mayor Eric Adams, FDNY officials and the Vulcan Society.

Lowery joined the Department in 1941 and was assigned to Ladder Company 34 in Manhattan. In 1946, he transferred to the Bureau of Fire Investigation and served as a fire marshal for 17 years, where he was cited numerous times for his outstanding investigative ability. He was an active member of the Vulcan Society, serving as its president multiple times in his years of service. In 1961, he was appointed to the rank of

acting lieutenant, where he was responsible for establishing a community relations program for the Bureau of Fire Investigation. In 1963, he was appointed Deputy Fire Commissioner and charged with increasing diversity within the ranks of the Department.

On January 1, 1966, he was sworn in as Fire Commissioner by Mayor John V. Lindsay. He served for eight years, during an unprecedented period of fire activity known in the Department as “The War Years.” Commissioner Lowery resigned from his position in September 1973. n

Department hosts Women’s History Month event at Headquarters

On March 22, FDNY hosted a recruitment event focused on female firefighter candidates for Women’s History Month. The event featured discussions with current FDNY female firefighters, calisthenics sessions, forcible entry, hoseline drags and other FDNY-themed activities. The candidates learned firsthand about a career with the FDNY and practiced the skills probationary firefighters in the Academy must master to become FDNY firefighters. n

CALENDAR

Robert O. Lowery

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(1) The luck of the Irish brought sunny, clear skies for the 263rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (2) On April 17, firefighters, EMTS, paramedics, fire marshals and K9s stopped by Real Heroes Day at the Armory in Manhattan. Real Heroes Day celebrates the real-life heroes who tirelessly keep the community safe. (3) Past and present members of Squad 41 in the Bronx gathered at the firehouse

City. (4) FDNY members proudly celebrated their Greek heritage as they marched up 5th Avenue for the

annual Greek Independence Day Parade. (5) FDNY’s Director of Administration for Fleet Services Lauren Milazzo is featured for a Women’s History Month profile. (6) In April, FDNY welcomed high school students from Pennsylvania. The students were learning about September 11 and got to hear First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer’s story in the FDOC. n

Meet Administrative Assistant Luz Galarza

1. What is your name, title and number of years at FDNY? Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities?

My name is Luz Galarza. I am an administrative assistant customer service liaison in Support Services. I’ve been working for the Department for four years. My tasks and responsibilities here at headquarters include working with a building’s management regarding any com plaints from our staff about issues with sound, lighting, electrical, plumbing, AC, elevators or any other issues that our building’s engineers have to handle. We also support any construction related to cubicles, renovations, getting supplies, engaging architects and managing requests for use of FDNY’s fleet of cars.

FDNY Islamic Society hosts Ramadan Informational event at FDNY Headquarters

On March 28, the FDNY Islamic Society, in partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, hosted a Ramadan informational event at the FDNY Headquarters. Battalion Chief Muhammad Iftikhar served as the emcee, introducing the FDNY Islamic Society and welcoming members from many different bureaus and units.

2. What called you to a life of public service at FDNY?

Prior to joining FDNY, I was working at a law office. I was a personal injury investigative paralegal. It was a good job, but I felt like I wasn’t learning anything new. I saw a job posting at ESS and wasn’t sure if I would get called for the interview. I went through two rounds and got the call to join Support Services. I had a lot of new programs and processes to learn for this job, but my team accepted me with open arms.

My brain is constantly at work here. There’s always a new challenge, new issue or new situation that requires me to problem solve, and as a person who loves to help people, I always strive to find a solution. At times I may be presented with a situation that I don’t know about, but I always try to have an answer by the end of the day. I never turn anyone back, sometimes responding even when I’m home.

3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY?

One of my most memorable moments is a sad one: It happened around the time the pandemic first started, very early in that situation. I was helping to get essential supplies to everyone in the field, both for firefighters and EMS. For example, we frantically called various companies to make sure we had hand sanitizer with the right alcohol and disinfectant levels. While we eventually located supplies and received donations directly to firehouses, the situation was sad because of the toll the pandemic took on our entire staff. Despite this, it was very rewarding to be able to help FDNY and EMS during their time of need.

4. What does “We Are FDNY” mean to you?

“We are FDNY” represents our ability to serve everyone, and it makes me feel proud to be an FDNY employee. We continuously open our arms to those in need. Growing up, I saw firefighters and EMS doing courageous work [in the field], working long hours to help people in distress. I appreciate that even when people and situations aren’t going well, we don’t give up. We persevere.

5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?

I don’t know if anyone considers this a superpower, but I never say no. I’m a “people person” who loves to help. Even if I cannot help someone directly, I will find a way to get help for them.

6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?

We support the firefighters and the EMS workers as they go about serving New Yorkers with any supplies that’ll help and protect themselves from harm. From behind the scenes, we support them as they execute our public safety mission out on the streets. n

The FDNY Islamic Society is one of the Department-affiliated organizations that was formed in 1997 by Kevin James. It has members across Fire and EMS services. It is open to members across the entire Department.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from dawn until sunset. It is a time for increased devotion, reflection and empathy for those in need, with Muslims engaging in prayer, recitation of the Quran and acts of charity. The fast is

broken each evening with a meal called iftar, followed by a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and Ramadan concludes with the festive celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It requires dedication, self-discipline, resistance and both physical and mental strength. It is in these aspects where it parallels with the FDNY, as both demand and cultivate these essential skills.

Four members of FDNY Islamic Society shared their experiences serving as firefighters while observing Ramadan. n

want to ensure that the opportunities that we have had continue for people who come after us.

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The FDNY commemorated the 113th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire on March 25, 2024. This fire was a turning point in New York City’s history and spurred the passage of the NY State Labor Law and the organization of the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention. n

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100th episode milestone

We

Throwback FDNY to 1882 when Miss Ida Small is saved in a dramatic rescue, to the 1958 launch of the first fireboat named for a woman, and to 1980, when Christine Godek becomes the first female Deputy Commissioner of the FDNY.