MyFDNY News: March 2024

MyFDNY NEWS

MA R CH 2 0 2 4 FIRE COMMISSIONER Laura Kavanagh FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Joseph Pfeifer CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT John J. Hodgens

We Are FDNY

Meet EMT Melvina Spencer-Johnson Page 4

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FDNY, City officials push to improve lithium-ion battery safety with new measures On Feb. 29, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh joined the Department Transportation and other agencies to help unveil a new pilot program testing the City's first outdoor, public e-battery charging site. The Manhattan location is the first of five charging facilities in heavily trafficked areas aimed at offering safe battery charging for delivery workers.

“Projects like these are going to save lives,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We know that micro-mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are already in people’s homes. In fact, a majority of deadly e-bike fires happen in residences. They are used daily by delivery workers and others to work and commute. We are grateful to partner with the DOT to give delivery workers a safe place to charge their devices.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are extremely dangerous and deadly, More on Page 2

Spotlight

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh presides at FDNY Probationary Firefighter Graduation Ceremony Page 2

FDNY and FDNY Foundation kick off fire safety partnership with Ghostbusters in Manhattan On March 14, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, the FDNY Foundation and members of the FDNY gathered at Ladder 8 to announce a partnership with Ghostbusters to promote Fire and Life safety at the iconic firehouse prominently featured in a new film in the Ghostbusters franchise.

“We are very happy today to announce this great More on Page 2

plus Applause

FDNY Swears in first African-American woman as Chaplain Page 3

. MyFDNY Dashboard

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. Podcast Highlights

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. The Wrap

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FDNY, City officials push to improve lithium-ion battery safety with new measures Continued from Page 1

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and we must continue to work together to tackle this public safety threat head on.”

“E-bikes are critical tools for delivery workers to support our local economy. This pilot will offer convenient and safe charging options at public locations so that delivery workers do not have to charge their devices at home,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “We’re thrilled to launch this pilot and thank the mayor, as well as our partners in labor, for supporting this vision.”

The pilot program rolled out a day after the City Council approved two bills that give FDNY more enforcement

power when it comes to uncertified lithium-ion batteries.

The bills include tougher fines and the ability to padlock retailers who receive three violations within three years.

“Deadly fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power electric mobility devices are having an increasingly devastating toll on New Yorkers and communities across the City,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These preventable tragedies must be curbed to save lives, and the Council continues to take action to advance critical solutions.” n

FDNY and FDNY Foundation kick off fire safety partnership with Ghostbusters in Manhattan Continued from Page 1 partnership with Hollywood, with the producers of the Ghostbusters movie, to one, have Ladder 8 look like this for a few weeks to make sure fans get to come and celebrate. But, most importantly, that we have found a partnership where we get to talk about good work and safety,” explained FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

The event drew spectators and local families who had a chance to enjoy the house's frozen set decorations, props and actors from the Ghostbusters sequel.

“We really hope that the public comes by and enjoys this but learns something on the way: save a life, save your own, save a family member,” said Commissioner Kavanagh.

With the support from the FDNY Foundation, educators from the Department’s Fire Safety team and mobile CPR training unit were on hand, along with mascots Hot Dog and Siren. n

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh presides at FDNY Probationary Firefighter Graduation Ceremony MyFDNY CALENDAR

UPCOMING HOLIDAY 27 May | Memorial Day APRIL PAYDAYS 12 April and 26 April SAVE THE DATES 22 May | Second Chance Ceremony 5 June | Medal Day 11 Sept. | Citywide Remembrances 9 Oct. | FDNY Memorial Day

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh presided at the graduation ceremony of 298 probationary firefighters on March 13 at the Christian Cultural Center. This class of probationary firefighters represented the increasing diversity of the Department, with people of color comprising 50% of the class. Thirty percent identify as Hispanic, 16% as Black, 3% as Asian American and 1.5% as Native American. There were 10 women, as well as 34 veterans from various branches of the military. Two probationary firefighters are legacies, children of FDNY members who lost their lives in the line of duty on Sept. 11 or of World Trade Center related illnesses.

“Following rigorous training at the Fire Academy, these firefighters are prepared to enter their firehouses and begin helping New Yorkers,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We continue to see more women and people of color join this Department and demonstrate this job can

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be done by anyone who is dedicated to become a member of New York’s Bravest.”

Over their 18 weeks at the FDNY Training Academy, the probies trained in all aspects of firefighting:

fire suppression and medical response, hazardous materials, collapse and confined space rescue training, auto extrication, building inspections and procedures for engine and ladder operations. n

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(1) Reverend Pamela Holmes was sworn in as FDNY chaplain on March 7. She is the first African-American woman in this role. She is the associate pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn and also a board member of the EMS FDNY Help Fund. (2) FDNY members celebrated the Year of the Dragon by marching in the colorful 26th annual Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. (3) On March 7, 65 uniformed members from Fire Operations, EMS Operations and the Bureau of Fire Investigation, as well as 29 members of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and 34 civilian employees, were sworn in to their new roles. (4) FDNY Boxing had an impressive showing at the Battle of the Badges Boxing Tournament. Boxers from fire and police departments around the world participated in the fundraising event.

(5) Firefighters at Ladder 122 in Park Slope showed Brooklyn Scouts the ropes. From fire trucks and gear to important safety information, scouts got an inside look at what it takes to be a part of the Bravest. (6) Members of Engine 63, Ladder 39 and Battalion 15, as well as Assistant Commissioner of Facilities Management Jeremy Brooks, gave students from CUNY a behind-the-scenes look at firehouse design and operations. n

We Are FDNY

FDNY FIREFIGHTER BOB BECKWITH, WHO STOOD BESIDE PRESIDENT BUSH AT GROUND ZERO, DIES AT 91

Meet EMT Melvina Spencer-Johnson 1. What is your name, title and number of years at FDNY? My name is Melvina Spencer-Johnson. I’ve been at FDNY for 5 years, and I am in Emergency Medical Dispatch.

2. Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities?

I am in PSAC1. I receive 911 calls, provide first aid, offer initial assistance, including verifying information for first responders. I listen to incoming calls and make sure that other ARDs (assignment receiving dispatchers) are doing what they’re supposed to. I work at “the specialty desk,” where I can help folks find their family members if they’re having difficulty finding people picked up in an ambulance. I also take notes for the hospital staff, which helps to keep them informed about our units on the street and any patients they may have.

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3. What caused you to live for public service at FDNY? I always wanted to help people and made it a professional goal. I started my EMS journey in 2016 with a private ambulance company. I knew I wanted to be a part of New York City’s best and sought to join the FDNY. 4. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY? There are so many. It is hard to pick one. Recently, I got a call from a panicked father-to-be. His wife was in the process of delivering a baby, and he was freaking out. Immediately, he noted that the baby was actively coming out. As a mom, I knew what the mother was experiencing, and I guided her through the delivery.

This was a lot for everyone, especially the mother, to go through without any medical staff. I tried my best to listen and provide support while also handling the necessary communication with our teams, who were on their way. I remember after a short period of time, all I could hear was the baby crying. Everything went well. What made me feel good was to give this mother and father a guiding hand through a very stressful but ultimately happy experience.

The FDNY mourned the loss of Firefighter Robert “Bob” Beckwith, who stood with President George W. Bush at the rubble of Ground Zero just three days after the planes slammed into the World Trade Center. The iconic image of Beckwith and President Bush with a bullhorn symbolized the FDNY in its darkest hour as members and first responders relentlessly searched for survivors.

“Bob Beckwith was one of many retired FDNY members who responded to the World Trade Center site in the days and months following Sept. 11, to aid in rescue and recovery, as a testament to their devotion to their FDNY family,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “His iconic picture with President Bush captured a moment that was both inspiring and heartbreaking. We are grateful to his service to our City and our nation, and we join his family and friends in mourning his loss.”

Firefighter Beckwith was born on April 16, 1932. He joined the FDNY in 1965 and was assigned to Ladder 117 in Queens. In 1987, he transferred to Ladder 164, where he spent the remainder of his career before retiring in 1994. n

podcast highlights

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

“We Are FDNY” reminds me that I am with the best of the best, and it makes me feel good to be a part of a team that constantly strives to excel.

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

The positivity I bring to help people on one of their worst days is my superpower.

7. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY? My role situates me as a person who is frequently there with a person during their first moments of crisis. They’re frequently panicking and looking for someone to help, someone to come and aid them in a situation. So, I try my best to keep them calm, such as giving them instructions on what to do, or having to make preparations for someone to take them to where they need to go, can be crucial to the outcome of the situation. This is how my role supports our mission of public safety. n

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

You just continue to try to give back.

Throwback FDNY to the 1863 New York Draft Riots.

Beginning in 1898, African-Americans blaze new trails in the Department.

And, in 1966, Augustus Beekman becomes the first Black firefighter to attain the rank of Assistant Chief.

THE WRAP FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation takes part in lithium-ion battery forum on Staten Island On Feb. 9, Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn spoke at the Staten Island Economic Development Forum for a Sustainable Future at Wagner College. He joined key stakeholders in the City’s effort toward green, safe energy. This new technology presents unique challenges. Chief Flynn spoke about the problems with unregulated lithium-ion batteries flooding the market, as well as the FDNY’s attempts to change laws to make them safer. n

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SCAN ME Family Day at the Fire Academy is always filled with excitement and pride.

On March 2, the families and friends of the current probationary firefighter class were welcomed to the Fire Academy to watch their loved ones in action as they demonstrated the numerous skills they’ve learned. n