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A UG US T 2 0 2 5 FIRE COMMISSIONER Robert S. Tucker FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Mark Guerra CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT John M. Esposito
We Are FDNY
MEET YELENA KORDOVA, SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES Page 4
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FDNY HONORS SUPERVISING FIRE MARSHAL GEORGE E. SNYDER JR. WITH A PLAQUE DEDICATION AT EMS ACADEMY AT FORT TOTTEN The FDNY honored Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder Jr. at a plaque dedication ceremony on Aug. 8 at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten. Supervising Fire Marshal Snyder suffered a cardiac episode after working on Aug. 9, 2024, and died a day later, on Aug. 10. He was 53 years old. “At the FDNY, plaque dedications are tradition—a way to show respect and reverence to those who have died,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “Today, we are here for George, but we know we don’t need a plaque to remember him. We remember him in telling his story, about the good work he did, the people whose lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on our great Department.” Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn said: “This plaque we dedicate today stands as a permanent tribute to a life defined by courage, integrity and service.
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Spotlight
FIRE COMMISSIONER ROBERT S. TUCKER TO HOST THE 2025 FDNY FOUNDATION DINNER AT THE FDNY FIRE ACADEMY
FDNY COMMISSIONER ROBERT S. TUCKER REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR LEADING THE DEPARTMENT
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker will join the FDNY Foundation, the official nonprofit organization of the Department, to host the 2025 FDNY Foundation Dinner and the Fire Commissioner's Humanitarian Awards on Sept. 4 at the FDNY Fire Academy on Ran-
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FDNY TOPS NYPD IN THE BATTLE OF THE BADGES CHARITY BASEBALL GAME Page 3
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. The Wrap
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FDNY HONORS SUPERVISING FIRE MARSHAL GEORGE E. SNYDER JR. WITH A PLAQUE DEDICATION AT EMS ACADEMY AT FORT TOTTEN Continued from Page 1 George was more than a leader, mentor and colleague—he was a friend. My own friendship with George began back in 2009 when we were both promoted to fire marshal. That’s when I first was exposed to his loud and boisterous style and, of course, that unmistakable laugh. It was the kind of laugh that could fill a room and cut through even the most stressful moments. If you knew George, you knew that laugh. It was part of his presence, both genuine and unforgettable.” SFM Snyder joined the FDNY in May 2002. After graduating from the Fire Academy, he was assigned to Engine 36 in Harlem and then transferred to Engine 47 in Morningside Heights. SFM Snyder became a fire marshal in 2009 and was promoted to the rank of supervising fire marshal in 2019. He was assigned to the Special Operations Command, where he headed up the Lithium-Ion Battery Task Force. His work included investigating lithium-ion battery fires and partnering with other agencies in enforcement. SFM Snyder was cited five times for meritorious acts throughout his 22-year career. SFM Snyder is the 1,161st member of the FDNY to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the line of duty. n
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The FDNY Insider is now MyFDNY News! This monthly publication will be available in print and online.
FDNY COMMISSIONER
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FIRE COMMISSIONER ROBERT S. TUCKER TO HOST THE 2025 FDNY FOUNDATION DINNER AT THE FDNY FIRE ACADEMY Continued from Page 1 The weather wasn’t the best, but the result was pretty good. Fantastic job by the FDNY Bravest baseball team on their win over the NYPD in the 4th Annual Battle of the Badges at Citi Field—a great game that supports great causes for both agencies, including our own FDNY Foundation.
Follow FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker on @FDNYFC
8,124 DID YOU KNOW? The number of lives saved thanks to the more than 2,700 blood donations made by both the FDNY and NYPD during the month-long blood donation competition between the two agencies.
MyFDNY CALENDAR
UPCOMING HOLIDAY 01 Sept.| Labor Day UPCOMING PAYDAYS 29 Aug., 12 Sept. and 26 Sept. SAVE THE DATES 11 Sept. | Citywide Remembrances
dall's Island. The annual event recognizes the service of New York’s Bravest and Best and honors those who have provided overwhelming support to the New York City Fire Department and the FDNY Foundation by helping to raise millions of dollars to support the FDNY's mission and initiatives, including funding fire and life safety education efforts and providing professional development and state-of-the-art equipment for Department members. "The FDNY Foundation is crucial to supporting the FDNY's public safety mission," said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, who is also a longtime FDNY Foundation Board Member. "Thanks to the generous support of the Foundation, the FDNY is able to save more lives. We cannot thank them enough for all they have made possible for our Department." This year, the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation will bestow top honors to Adena T. Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, as the 2025 Fire Commissioner's Humanitarian of the Year. The annual FDNY Service Recognition Awards and the Chief William Feehan Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Education Awards will also be presented at the dinner. In addition to helping support the FDNY Foundation
and celebrate the Department, dinner attendees get a firsthand look at the world-renowned FDNY Fire Academy, also known as "The Rock." "This has become one of the most unique and recognizable charity events in New York City, so I'm excited to welcome our guests back to The Rock to not only raise money for the FDNY Foundation and our mission, but I also like that the guests have the opportunity to be among so many firefighters, EMTs and paramedics and watch them do their thing and also thank them for their service," said Matthew J. DiLiberto, Chairman of the FDNY Foundation. "The dinner is a spectacle. They are at one of the most advanced training facilities in the world, watching New York's Bravest and Best in action." Established in 1981 to promote fire and life safety education and help the FDNY to better protect New York City, the FDNY Foundation supports free awareness and outreach programs for the public, funds training and support for FDNY members, and assists in providing the technology and equipment that helps keep the FDNY as the premier fire department in the world. Learn more about the FDNY Foundation and this year's dinner by going to FDNYFoundation.org/Dinner. n
FDNY COMMISSIONER ROBERT S. TUCKER REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR LEADING THE DEPARTMENT FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker marked his first year at the helm of the FDNY on Aug. 12. Over the last 365 days, Commissioner Tucker has made it his mission to listen to the membership at all levels and improve communication. For the Commissioner, this has meant visiting every EMS station and firehouse in the city, inviting staff to his office for one-onones, and holding countless impromptu conversations with firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and civilian personnel in all five boroughs. “I have seen firsthand the extraordinary professionalism, dedication and courage that our members bring to work every day,” Commissioner Tucker said. “Listening to members’ experiences and ideas has been central to shaping our priorities for the future. I believe any manager, CEO or head of Department can improve an organization’s leadership by having an open-door policy.” As a New Yorker and a self-proclaimed “buff” of the Department, Commissioner Tucker said he has always been in awe of the FDNY. Before being named the 35th Fire Commissioner of New York City, Commissioner Tucker was a longtime FDNY Foundation Board Member, gaining valuable insight to the work done behind the scenes in an all-hazards public safety agency like the FDNY. “I will always have the back of these public safety professionals,” Commissioner Tucker said. In his first year, Commissioner Tucker released the FDNY’s 2025 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for the future designed to strengthen operations, enhance safety and improve service to New Yorkers, especially when it comes to emergency medical calls. “The 2025 Strategic Plan is a fabulous tool for the FDNY to map
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its future,” Commissioner Tucker said. “In 2025, our Department is strong, and we remain steadfast in our mission of saving life and property. This plan will prepare us for good days and bad, and any challenges that come our way.” “As we move forward, we will continue building on our strengths while embracing new strategies to protect our members and the public,” Commissioner Tucker added. “The FDNY’s mission is timeless, but our methods must evolve to meet the needs of the future.” n
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(1) The FDNY took home the win Aug. 17 in the 4th Annual Battle of the Badges charity baseball game at Citi Field, topping NYPD 3-1 in a rain-shortened game. The game raised important money for organizations connected to both agencies. The FDNY Foundation funds several critical components of the Department. Great job, Bravest! (2) On Aug. 14, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra joined the FDNY Foundation and Department members to ring the Nasdaq closing bell. (3) The FDNY promoted fire officers and swore in two new chaplains on July 24 at a ceremony at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island. Members of fire operations were promoted to the following ranks: Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Supervising Fire Marshal – Level 2, Lieutenant, Marine Assistant Engineer and Marine Wiper. (4) On July 31, the FDNY held a graduation ceremony for fire marshals in the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Auditorium at Department Headquarters in Brooklyn. FDNY fire marshals go through 17 weeks of training before they are assigned to units throughout New York City. (5) FDNY Engine 39/ Ladder 16 got a visit from 100-year-old Milton Kalin on Aug. 11. Milton served in World War II as a Combat Medic. While meeting with members, he said it was his first visit to a firehouse. The FDNY was honored to have him visit, and the Department thanks him for his service! (6) FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker stopped by the NYC Jobs & Career Fair at City College of New York on Aug. 13. The job fair was part of the 51st Annual Harlem Week, and it featured more than 40 employers across diverse industries. The FDNY had a table set up to speak with job seekers about a career in public service. The Department is proud to employ members who come from all corners of New York City—and beyond. n
We Are FDNY
MEET YELENA KORDOVA SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES 1. What is your name, title, and how long have you worked at the FDNY? Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities? My name is Yelena Kordova. I am the senior director of the Benefits and Leave Unit in the Bureau of Human Resources administrative staff analyst. I have 15 years’ experience at the Fire Department. I lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Benefits and Leave Unit in support of an agency workforce of 17,000 employees, while maintaining regulatory compliance with various federal, state and local laws. I also review and interpret benefits and leave policy, rules, laws and regulations. I oversee and approve leave requests, including FMLA, paid family leave and paid parental leave. I provide retirement consultation for EMS and civilian employees and approve resignations. My unit works collaboratively with other FDNY units and with external partners such as the DCAS.
FDNY-NYPD BLOOD DRIVE COMPETITION INCREASES DONATIONS DURING CRITICAL TIME
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2. What called you to a life of public service at the FDNY? I have always been drawn to public service, particularly in the Fire Department. My strong desire to help and serve others, to make a positive impact on the community, and the sense of the Department’s camaraderie have been the driving forces in my decision to pursue a career in the Department and public service. 3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at the FDNY? While I have countless cherished memories, the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy stands out as the most memorable moment for me. It was a special moment where thousands of Department members, families and friends came together at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to remember and honor those we lost. It was a powerful reminder of the strong bond within our Department as we honored the sacrifice of our fallen comrades and leaders and reaffirmed our commitment to serving and protecting our community and our country.
From June 23 to July 20, members of both the FDNY and NYPD, along with the public, rolled up their sleeves at agency-sponsored blood drives, New York Blood Center (NYBC) donor centers and community drives across the city. Together, more than 2,700 blood product donations were provided to help meet the urgent need for blood in New York and New Jersey during the critical summer months. The donation haul could affect more than 8,000 lives, according to NYBC. The FDNY won the competition with a 6.6% participation rate, totaling 1,122 blood donations over the month-long competition. n
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podcast highlights
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you? We come from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, yet here at the FDNY, we are all united in common purpose, shared goals and mutual support to protect and serve our community and members of the Department. 5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)? My superpower is ensuring that all members of the Department receive the personalized support and assistance they deserve, precisely when they need it most—whether it’s related to benefits, leave, retirement or resignation. 6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY? The entire team of the Benefits and Leave Unit, including me as the senior director, plays a crucial role by ensuring that all members have both access to and knowledge about their health benefits, leave policies and procedures and retirement plans, which fosters a supportive environment while members of the Department focus on their mission of protecting the community. n
Rescue on the Rocks with FDNY EMTs Saverio Bosco and Andrew Ochtera
“In the FDNY, there’s truly a job for everyone.” - JoinFDNY Podcast Episode 31
Throwback FDNY to the 1700s!
THE WRAP
FDNY JOINS PARTNER AGENCIES TO ASSESS DRONE TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN NEW YORK CITY
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On July 30, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker joined leaders from partner agencies in Manhattan to discuss the effectiveness of existing drone options. The FDNY and the NYPD, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), held a week-long comprehensive test series. The assessment offered pilots a hands-on opportunity to evaluate potential drone replacements for use in FDNY operations. Watch the Public Information Briefing by scanning the QR code. n
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On July 31, the FDNY proudly celebrated its 160th birthday. As the largest fire department in the United States and one of the most respected emergency response agencies in the world, the FDNY continues to set the standard for fire protection, emergency medical service and public safety. Take a look back at 160 years in 60 seconds by scanning the QR code. n