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THE FDNY PROMOTES FIRE OFFICERS AT CEREMONY ON STATEN ISLAND
The FDNY held a promotion ceremony for fire officers on April 9 at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island.
“Being promoted at the FDNY is a big deal. It’s a milestone that reflects your unwavering commitment to our mission, and it recognizes your professionalism, perseverance and leadership,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “At the FDNY, bravery and sacrifice are not just expected. It is required. Today, as you are promoted, you step into a new role—one that requires you to guide, to mentor and to support the next generation of the FDNY. Remember: Leadership is not just a title, it’s a responsibility.”
Chief of Department John Esposito said: “Whether you are at the beginning of your leadership journey or you have been there for some time, every rank in our department is critical. Set the tone for those around you. The way you carry yourself on the fire ground and in the firehouse—and in the way you serve the city and represent this job—it matters. You are an example.”
APRIL 2025
Mark Guerra CHIEF OF
John M. Esposito
EMS MEMBERS PROMOTED DURING CEREMONY AT FDNY HEADQUARTERS IN BROOKLYN
The Department held a promotion ceremony for EMS members on April 17 at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.
“Years ago, you raised your hand to take an oath, dedicating your lives to protecting the people of New York City. Today, you take that oath one step further,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “Whether More on Page 2
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THE FDNY PROMOTES FIRE OFFICERS AT CEREMONY ON STATEN ISLAND
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At the ceremony, members were promoted to the rank of deputy assistant chief, supervising fire marshal, captain, lieutenant and fire marshal. They will be assigned to units throughout New York City. n
Congratulations to the FDNY Hockey team for its win over NYPD in the 51st annual Heroes Hockey Game. These matchups often raise money for great causes across New York City, which is the most important part of them. Getting a win is also great, too! Well done!
Follow FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker on
Structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are up 53% through the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. The FDNY released a new public service announcement reminding New Yorkers to store and charge lithium-ion batteries outside. Watch the PSA at FDNY.com.
EMS MEMBERS PROMOTED DURING CEREMONY AT FDNY HEADQUARTERS IN BROOKLYN
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you’re an officer or a paramedic, your promotions today reflect your commitment to the FDNY and your motivation to lead and to serve.”
Chief of Department John Esposito added: “EMS is a calling. You knew when you joined the FDNY that it would require compassion and understanding for our patients— that you would need to be there for them on their worst
days. Now with your promotions, you are striving to do more for the Department and the public.”
At the ceremony, members were promoted to the rank of captain and lieutenant. Additionally, EMTs graduated from the medic upgrade program to become paramedics. The newly promoted members will be assigned to units throughout New York City. n
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker released a new public service announcement on April 2, reminding New Yorkers that the safest place to charge and store lithium-ion batteries is outside, where possible. The PSA comes as structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased by about 53% through the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same time period in 2024.
“We declared 2025 as Fire Prevention Year in New York City, and the FDNY is doubling down on its commitment to empowering communities with the tools to prevent fires and protect the property and lives of New Yorkers,” FDNY Commissioner Tucker said. “While structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were down last year, we have seen a troubling uptick so far this year, and we want to make sure residents heed our warning to charge and stores these devices outside where possible to avoid the destruction these intense fires can cause. A malfunctioning or uncertified lithium-ion battery can explode at any moment—charging or not—and residents need to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.”
As of April 2, 2025, there have been 40 structural fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in New York City compared to 26 at the same time last year. Scan the QR code to watch the PSA and to see more safety tips and other resources related to lithium-ion batteries and micromobility devices. n
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(1) The FDNY Holy Name Society hosted its centennial jubilee mass and breakfast in memory of the Department’s fallen members on April 6. The 100th anniversary of the annual event also recognized individuals who exemplify the core values of the FDNY and the Holy Name Society: Captain James Beltrami of Engine 314, Lieutenant Patrick Nash of Engine 255 and Firefighter Matt hew O’Brien of Engine 79 (retired). The Father Mychal Judge Hum anitarian Award was presented to Kristina Moon, who continues to advocate for organ donation while memorializing Billy Moon’s memory and service to others. (2) The FDNY Phoenix Society and Department members marched in the 2025 Bangladesh Day Parade on April 13 in Queens. (3) On March 30, the FDNY Hellenic Society and Department members marched up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan for the 86th annual Greek Independence Day Parade. (4) FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and Department officials met with Jewish community leaders from across New York City on April 8 to discuss fire safety tips ahead of Passover. The gathering was held at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. (5) Members from the FDNY’s Robotics Unit visited the Scholar Academy in Rockaway Beach on April 10 to showcase how robots and drones are used to support the Department’s mission and strengthen life safety initiatives. (6) On April 15, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and members from Engine Company 44 and Ladder Company 13 joined the Easter Bunny on a v isit to the Ronald McDonald House New York in Manhattan. “I’m always so pleased to see our members out in the field doing things like this in the communit ies where they serve,” FDNY Commissioner Tucker said. n
MEET DAVID FRANCIS PROGRAM DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF FISCAL SERVICES
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 David Francis. I have been with FDNY since 2006. As the Minority Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program director, it falls to me to ensure that the Fire Department is complying with all the rules and regulations that govern the NYC M/WBE program. In addition, I develop/maintain agency M/WBE standard operating procedures and oversee a MWBE program analyst who aids me daily with a variety of tasks, updating a range of spread sheets that identify where the FDNY stands with regard to FDNY’s M/WBE utilization goal.
Recently, I took on a new task where I’m being trained on how to assess task orders. Task orders are a process that identifies the many contracts we have with New York City prime vendors. They are intricate solicitation documents that identify the contract, scope of work and services to be provided. I have to review these documents for their accuracy. This includes confirming that items entered via the vendors’ proposals are allowed per the contract, as well as making sure the numbers are correct and that backup documents are attached before we send them over to the controller for approval. Between directing the M/WBE Unit and reviewing task orders, I have a very busy work schedule.
2. What called you to a life of public service at FDNY?
God. He is the one in charge. I was not aware I had registered with the temp agency. They called out of the blue approximately 17 years ago asking, “Mr. Francis, have you worked in payroll?”
My reply was, “Yes.” Even if I didn’t know it, my thought pattern back then and even today is, I’ll figure it out once I get there. The next thing I knew, I was among three temps on assignment here at the FDNY.
It was a six-week temp assignment. Seventeen years later, I’m still here.
3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY? I have three. The first one that comes to mind happened on two different occasions: I followed the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner (Nigro and Kavanagh, respectively) in giving speeches in the auditorium. The events were centered on Martin Luther King, and since I was part of the M/WBE program (deputy director), they asked me to say a few words. So that was huge for me.
Another moment was with my predecessor, Shannon Cardone—then the M/WBE program director. We were asked to present our M/WBE program at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall. We gave a presentation in front of the deputy mayor and all our fellow M/WBE colleagues from other agencies. That was huge and very stressful.
My final most memorable moment is of my daughter. Dominique Francis recently worked here at FDNY for almost three years. Coming to work with her, sharing lunch with her daily, having someone to go get lunch with daily was really special.
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you?
When I used to look at the poster in the break room and on the computer screen, I was like, “How did these people get on there?” Out of the group on the previous poster, I knew one and had seen others around the building. Luz Galarza is the one person on the poster I know, and we have a great working relationship.
I was very interested in being part of that campaign. I’m someone who loves this organization. FDNY is all about helping and saving lives.
We are FDNY—it’s just me all day, every day. I want to help and save lives; it’s my Superman complex.
5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?
Adaptability. I’ve been able to adapt to whatever FDNY has required of me. Seventeen years ago, FDNY asked me to come here for a payroll assignment, and when I came in, it was literally a clerical position. I could do that in my sleep. I brought so much more to the table, and I quickly made them aware I had more to offer, having worked in various industries.
Without my supervisor asking, I put together a spreadsheet that identified what was in the file cabinet that we worked from every day; this helped immensely. My superpower is being able to adapt to a situation, learn on the fly and just do whatever is asked of me. I don’t say, “No, I can’t do that.” I don’t say, “Oh, that’s not in my job description.” I’m here to learn, help and be a team player.
That’s what I’ve been doing for such a long time and why I probably ended up as the M/WBE program director.
6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?
One of the public safety measures at the FDNY is education. It is important that we educate the many—approximately 220,000—businesses out there in New York City. It is important we educate these thousands of vendors about the services offered by the City of New York. It’s important we make them aware of the potential contracts obtainable with the Fire Department, the Police Department, Sanitation and the almost 50 other New York City agencies. All you have to do is become a NYC certified M/WBE, and more opportunities are open to you and your businesses. If you’re a minority, if you fall into the category of a Black, Hispanic, Asian, non-minority woman, if you fall into one of these categories, you can potentially be awarded 30% of city contracts. We want to help you help yourself. So, it’s important that we educate them.
I have so many vendors calling me up, and some are not New York City certified. I say, “Are you aware of the M/WBE program?” and if they are not, I happily share where to start the certification process. It is so important that we educate them about this service and other services that can help promote their businesses. n
THE FDNY COMMEMORATES THE 114TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE
The FDNY marked the 114th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—one of the deadliest fires in New York City’s history—with a commemoration on March 25 in Manhattan. The 1911 fire claimed the lives of 146 people—mostly women—who were trapped by locked exits, unsafe fire escapes and no sprinklers. With more than 700 people inside the building, the fire spread rapidly, leaving many with no way to escape. The fire became a turning point in labor and fire safety reform, leading to sweeping changes in workplace safety laws and fire prevention measures. The FDNY began teaching fire safety and conducted fire drills in factories across all five boroughs. See our photo gallery from the commemoration by scanning the QR code. n
podcast highlights
THE WRAP
ANOTHER ONE! FDNY Hockey took down NYPD, 6-2, on April 12 in the 51st annual Heroes Hockey Game at UBS Arena. Congratulations, Bravest! Scan the QR code above to check out a photo gallery from the matchup on the ice. n
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A career in emergency medicine grows in Brooklyn with FDNY Captain Bevonia Harrison
“Women educating and inspiring generations.” - JoinFDNY Podcast Episode 27
Throwback FDNY to 1990, when an arson fire at the Happy Land Social Club claimed 87 lives.
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