New York City Fire Department

We're celebrating 159 years of brave service to New York City! On this date in 1865, the first professional unit, Engine Company Number 1, went into service at 4 Centre Street in Manhattan.

On July 29, 1874, Engine 40 was formed in Manhattan, well before the area became known at Lincoln Square. Monday, the FDNY gathered to celebrate the 150 years of dedicated service that Engine 40 has provided to the people of New York City.   “In just your first due area you all skillfully mitigate emergencies in all structure types, from brownstones to high-rises to subway stations, and all manners of dangers, from fires to severe weather to a global pandemic. Your bravery and dedication in serving Lincoln Center, the Upper West Side, and the entire City of New York is evident every time you all don your gear and leave quarters. Days like today are unique, they’re etched in company pride and camaraderie. Thank you for your excellence, thank you for what you do for this community and this Department,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.   “Engine 40 epitomizes what it means to be a good company, a group of true professionals , always prepared for any challenge that was given to them. On multiple occasions during the last 150 years, the members of Engine 40 have been cited for individual acts of bravery, outstanding company operations, as well as pre-hospital saves on medical responses,” said Manhattan Borough Commander Chief Michael Ajello.

It's #FDNY Block Party time in Manhattan! Join us from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Engine 9/Ladder 6 at 75 Canal Street in Manhattan!

284 Probationary Firefighters graduated from the FDNY Fire Academy at a ceremony Friday after 18 weeks of training to join the ranks of New York's Bravest. “You’ll hear this a lot but the FDNY is a family. You’ll face difficult days when you will wish for a better outcome, and you’ll have really great days when you make the save and you know you changed someone’s Iife through your efforts. You inspire others to follow your path every day. The FDNY is here for you through all of your challenges and all of your triumphs,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “All 284 of you are now part of an elite organization – highly trained to respond to fires and emergencies and every kind of incident imaginable, you have each earned the right to call yourself 'New York's Bravest.' That is an incredible feat and a great honor. You’ve chosen, in my unbiased opinion, the most fulfilling but challenging calling in this world; many of us consider it the best job in the world and that is not an exaggeration,” said Acting Chief of Department John Esposito.   “I think we all leave this Academy a little different than we were when we swore our oaths back in March. We’re stronger, both mentally and physically. More determined. More accountable. More humble. But most of all more capable. Each one of us is embarking on the journey of a lifetime and our days spent at the Rock were merely the beginning,” said Valedictorian and Probationary Firefighter Emmett Daly, Jr.

"I love the Lower East Side because it's such a diverse neighborhood," said Lieutenant Tyrone McLune, who works out of EMS Station 4. "The type of calls we get fits the community—it's a little bit of everything." Lt. McLune has been stationed there for the last five years after working as a paramedic in Brooklyn. "The types of calls in Manhattan are just different than Brooklyn because of the high-rise community. The magnitude is so much larger."

Firefighter Ricardo Velazquez, of Squad 18 in the West Village of Manhattan, said it's an honor to represent the #FDNY and work in what he calls the epicenter of the world. "The movers and shakers live here," he said. "I'm just glad to be a part of the community. We have a great relationship with the neighbors. We serve them and they serve us. ... People from all over the world travel from near and far to see landmarks, and most of the time, they pay us a visit. That's something we must value and appreciate. I have served my country and I have been serving my community in the city that raised me. I am incredibly honored to do so."

In the always-congested Times Square area of Manhattan, #FDNY's ASAP Units (Alternative Support Apparatus) are able to provide emergency medical care where regular ambulances can’t easily access. "It definitely gets a little chaotic," said EMT Daniel Moellendorf, of EMS Station 7.

The #FDNY is Fired Up for Manhattan ahead of this week's block party! Captain Thomas O’Leary at Engine 74 on the Upper West Side said being familiar with the neighborhood where you serve is vital. "Knowing your area and who the people are—that's extremely important." Join us throughout the week as we tell the stories connecting FDNY firehouses and EMS stations to Manhattan ahead of this Saturday's block party!

75 #FDNY members were promoted Tuesday during a ceremony on Staten Island.   "Today, we celebrate your hard-earned accomplishments, which I know took endless hours of reading and studying. Promotion is a time for us to reflect on leadership. We expect all of you to be leaders on the fireground, in the firehouse, and in the communities we serve," said First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer.   “Together, this group comprises more than 1,000 years of experience in the FDNY. That experience will help to inform each of you in your new roles. Whether it’s commanding operations on the fireground, commanding fire companies, or working to keep our Fire Boats in service, each job is a part of the bigger picture as we work towards one mission– protecting the people of New York and our fellow members,” said Acting Chief of Department John Esposito.   The newly promoted Deputy Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Marine Pilot, and Marine Wipers will be assigned to units throughout the City.

The FDNY launched a $1 million ad campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.   New Yorkers will begin to see and hear ads on subways and buses, on digital kiosks, online, on social media, on the radio, and in targeted ethnic media newspapers. The ads include QR codes that link to FDNYSmart.org, where all the Fire Department’s tips for best practices surrounding these devices, as well as the recommendations of agency partners throughout the city.