Join FDNY

The FDNY Fire Cadet Academy held a BBQ picnic today at the Fire Academy on Randall's Island Park to celebrate a successful first year. This two-year apprenticeship program is designed to provide academic, experimental, and physical instruction to prepare Fire Cadets for admission to and graduation from FDNY Probationary Firefighter School. This includes significant classroom, field, and fitness training, along with work rotations in four-month increments at various FDNY Bureaus to ensure that the Fire Cadets become familiar with all operations of the Fire Department.

"The Fire Cadets have shown great progress. They are excelling academically and in physical fitness, and they are gaining a lot of insight into the different units and bureaus. Our goal is to prepare them for entry into and completion of the FDNY Fire Academy. The skills and knowledge they acquire in this program will accompany them to their assignments in the firehouses,” said Joann Diaz, Deputy Director of the Fire Cadet Academy.”

"This opportunity has been a long time coming. It is an honor to be Valedictorian. I had prepared extensively before entering the Academy. Reading, physical conditioning, and aiming to be fully ready for any challenge. Hard work truly pays off, what you put in is what you get out. Each day brought its own challenges, such as commuting, intense workouts, and rigorous studies. My goal was to excel in the academy and bring that strength to my role in the firehouse,” said Valedictorian and Probationary Firefighter Emmett Daly, Jr.

“Balancing preparation and studies required sacrificing free time, but it was worth it. Being named valedictorian doesn't make me better than my peers; we've all worked hard, and I strive to continue excelling. My father's dedication to firefighting, retiring as a Lieutenant after 35 years of service, inspires me. I hope to follow in his footsteps, working diligently, advancing through the ranks, and honoring his legacy,” said Daly.

Probationary Firefighter Daly is one of 284 Probies who will graduate from the Academy this Friday.

Visit youtube.com/ on July 26 at 10:00 AM to view the ceremony live.

Salutatorian and Probationary Firefighter Brian Halayko was an engineer prior to joining the FDNY.

“The support we receive here is invaluable; it's what keeps us going. Effective communication among teammates is essential—it's the foundation of teamwork. Learning to communicate effectively with my peers has been crucial. I strive to excel in this role, serving my community and supporting my colleagues. My background in engineering taught me problem-solving, a skill I apply every day as a firefighter. We arrive, assess the situation, and find solutions. I'm here to make a meaningful impact,” said Probationary Firefighter Halayko, who will graduate this Friday from the FDNY Fire Academy.

"At the academy, downtime means hitting the books and drilling with flashcards. When it's time to train, there's no hesitation, we quiz each other, constantly pushing to improve, making it a routine. It's second nature to stay active both physically and mentally. When I found out I was selected, it came as a surprise. I may not be the biggest or the smartest, but I've always believed in putting in the hard work. Mastering this knowledge is crucial for maintaining composure under pressure in the field. I aim to be dependable, knowing exactly what needs to be done without hesitation,” said Halayko.

Visit youtube.com/ on July 26 at 10:00 AM to view the ceremony live.

When Probationary Firefighter Jessica Chiodo graduates from the Fire Academy Friday, she honors her father, Firefighter Peter Chiodo of Engine 226, who passed away in November from World Trade Center related illness.

"I grew up hearing about my dad's life as a firefighter. Stories from his colleagues, memories shared at memorials. After graduating college in 2016, I took the test without hesitation. Dad and I talked about it; his passion for the job was palpable and inspiring. I cherish those conversations now that he's gone. I wish he were here to guide me through these recent experiences, to share his wisdom as a senior man,” said Chiodo.

“The FDNY has been a lifeline for my family, showing up in ways I never imagined. My father was someone who got things done immediately, he was known for his decisive action, a trait I strive to embody in my own journey and that I see in those he mentored, and in myself. I have his badge number now 226; it's a connection I carry proudly. My father and I were incredibly close, and stepping into his shoes is both an honor and a challenge. If I can live up to half the firefighter and person he was, I'll consider my career a success," said Chiodo.

Visit https://on.nyc.gov/3Yh4KGh on July 26 at 10:00 AM to view the ceremony live.

“The thing about the Bronx is the people. It’s just a sense of community. A lot of the members at EMS Station 14 are from the neighborhood,” said FDNY Captain Yahki Langford, who has worked out of Station 14 in Mott Haven for more than two years. “The fact that they can give back to the neighborhood is great.”

Capt. Langford said many members know the residents by name and face. “All the members have a great rapport with the community.”

The invites you to celebrate the Bronx at this weekend’s Summer Block Party on Saturday, July 20.

On July 13, The FDNY Youth Workforce and Pipeline Programs hosted a Winter Youth EMS Academy (WEMSA) Completion Ceremony for 19 new Emergency Medical Technicians at the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Auditorium at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. Since January, the young achievers have trained with dedication at our EMS Academy at Fort Totten to become New York State certified Emergency Medical Technicians. To date, more than 618 New Yorkers have become state certified EMTs through this program.

The application period is now open for the FDNY Youth Winter (WEMSA) EMS Academy Class of 2025 until July 31st.

Submit your application today at bit.ly/4cSyjCJ.

"The firehouse is part of the community," said Lieutenant Christian Brown, of Engine 42, in Mount Hope. "They do their own block parties here often, so we're intertwined with the neighborhood. You really do become part of the community."

Lt. Brown previously worked in the Bronx before being transferred into Squad 18. He was then promoted and returned to the Bronx about eight months ago, and he's happy to be back. "I love the area. The community is great," he said while watching some of the local kids play in the fire hydrant. "Seeing the same faces, helping them and their families—everyone sort of becomes part of the firehouse family."

Hello, Brooklyn! Join us tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Engine 255/Ladder 157 at 1367 Rogers Ave. in Brooklyn for our first block party of the summer! See you there!