Join FDNY Podcast

"To mark another incredible year of the JoinFDNY Podcast, hosts and FDNY Captains Randy Li and Andrew Brown take a moment to reflect on some of their favorite conversations from 2024. From inspiring stories shared by Retired Firefighters from the Vulcan Society, to insights from Associate Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan and Medal Day honorees, this year has been filled with unforgettable moments.

Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, don’t miss out on all the great conversations we’ve had throughout 2024. Tune in to all episodes of the JoinFDNY Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify."

"Service before Self" is a core value shared by our Veterans across the FDNY.

In this month’s episode, Retired Firefighter and VFW Commander Bill Hayes joins our host, Captain Andrew Brown, to discuss his journey from the military to the FDNY, and how the VFW continues to support veterans—both past and present—on their path to rewarding careers in firefighting.

We also hear from EMS Division Chief Charles Morgan and Firefighter Vanessa Schoeing, two current veterans on the job, as they reflect on what it means to continue serving the city they call home.

ICYMI: Firefighter Pablo Mota-Nunez sat down with EMS Captain Randy Li to share his experience as a member of the FDNY Hispanic Society and to discuss the importance of recruitment in attracting new candidates to our Department.

“I can give back to my community; I can do something important,” said Engine 292 Firefighter Pablo Mota Nunez when speaking on the importance of introducing a career as a Firefighter to those who may not have thought of becoming one prior.

Firefighter Nunez sat down with our host, EMS Captain Randy Li, to share his story of how he joined the Department, and how being a member of the Hispanic Society continues to help him grow as a member of this Department.

Plus, Chief of EMS Michael Fields, and EMS Lieutenants Jessica Cruz, and Chante McDonald sit down with Captain Randy Li to promote the Filing Period for both EMT and EMS Trainee, which is currently open.

CYMI: We look back at the  graduation speech from Kailey Frank,  class of 2024 Valedictorian of the FDNY Captain Vernon A Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety.

“I discovered a strength that I never knew I had” said Kailey Frank, during her valedictorian speech for the graduating of the class of 2024 at the FDNY Captain Vernon A Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety.

On this episode, our hosts, Captains Andrew Brown and Randy Li, sit down and discuss the history of the school, that's celebrating its 20th anniversary this year!

They take a look back at some defining moments of the high school, including its renaming ceremony in 2016. 

ICYMI: Last month, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager Vishavjit Singh and Captain Andrew Brown discuss about the 2024 “We Are FDNY” campaign launch event and interview some of the members who were selected to take part in this project.

“We Are FDNY,” is a signature storytelling campaign that highlights the men and women across the FDNY.

For this episode, Office of Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Vishavjit Singh, sat down with Captain Andrew Brown as they recapped the launch event for the fourth edition of the “We Are FDNY.” The pair interviewed a few of the members profiled on this year’s poster.

Members interviewed include Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper, Fleet Services Auto Services Mechanic Donovan Etienne, Human Resources Senior Director Yelena Kordova, Ladder 123 Firefighter Nicholas Welch, and Bureau of Fire Prevention Deputy Chief Chinelle Thomas.

To learn more about these members and others included on We Are FDNY, visit JoinFDNY.com/WeAreFDNY.

“You don’t think going to work is going to result in something like this,” said Station 45 EMT Shawn Griffin alongside fellow Station 45 EMT, Emmanuel Titus, speaking about their experience as 2024 FDNY Medal Day Recipients.

Our hosts Captain Andrew Brown and EMS Captain Randy Li then discuss how Medal Day serves as a celebration of the hard work, training, and preparation our Fire and EMS Members carry with them into work every day.

Plus, Captain Andrew Brown sits down with two members of the FDNY Islamic Society, Engine 310 Firefighter Aisha Loane, and Engine 295 Mohammed Moaz, to speak on their journey into the FDNY, and more.

ICYMI: FDNY Director of Health & Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli sat down with Captain Andrew Brown to speak on some of the first steps candidates can take in order to begin a healthy physical journey into becoming a career Firefighter.

“When you get sworn in , you're not the same person that started” FDNY Director of Health & Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli said to host Captain Andrew Brown. 

With the filing period for the Open Competitive Firefighter Exam now open, both Captains share their advice to candidates who are starting their fitness journey for the first time in order to prepare for the next steps in their process.

Plus, in celebration of Pride Month, FireFlag EMS members, Firefighter Joseph Felix and EMT Danny Bonge speak on their start within the Fire Department and the importance of Fireflag EMS and what they provide to the FDNY community.

ICYMI: Captain Brown sat down with Associate Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan and Firefighter Casey Chan to speak about the “All Heroes Welcome” Campaign for the Open Competitive Firefighter Exam and the necessary steps to take to prepare.

“We mean it. All heroes are welcome,” said Assistant Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan said to host Captain Andrew Brown and Firefighter Casey Chan when speaking about the upcoming Open Competitive Firefighter Exam, and the necessary steps to take to prepare.

In celebration of Asian-American Pacific Islander Month, Captain Randy Li sat down with EMT Joffrey Yin to speak on his career and his experience so far as a member of the Phoenix Society.

ICYMI: Fire Cadets Jonas Montero and Shanique Reynolds were part of the FDNY Youth Takeover, hosted by FDNY Youth Manager Anthony Gadison and shared their experiences so far in the Fire Cadet Academy.

“I knew this is what I wanted to do,” said Fire Cadet Jonas Montero to guest host, Program Manager of FDNY Youth, EMT Anthony Gadison, and fellow Fire Cadet Shanique Reynolds during this month’s “Youth Takeover” of the JoinFDNY Podcast.

The two members joined EMT Gadison to discuss their experience so far with the Fire Cadet Academy, and how FDNY Youth Programs helped them into the positions they are in today.

Continuing with the “Youth Takeover,” our second guest host for this episode, Program Manager of FDNY Youth, EMT Christabelle Chin, sat down with Assistant Commissioner of Youth Workforce & Pipeline Program Michele Maglione. They spoke about several programs FDNY Youth offers for young people in New York City to jumpstart their careers in the Department.

ICYMI: Chief Michele Fitzsimmons sat down with Squad 8 Firefighters Melissa Bennet and Lacy Higgins last month to discuss their respective journeys into the Fire Department, and give some encouraging words of wisdom to future FDNY candidates.

"We want to ensure that the opportunities that we have had, continue for people who come after us," said Squad 8 Firefighter Lacy Higgins when she sat down with Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons and fellow Squad 8 Firefighter Melissa Bennett.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the two charter members of Squad 8 recall their respective journeys from EMS to Fire, what makes the Special Operations Command different from other units, and provide encouraging words of wisdom to future FDNY candidates.

ICYMI: In celebration of Black History Month, Captain Andrew Brown sat down with current and retired members of the FDNY Vulcan Society to speak on the history of the organization, the contributions from Black Firefighters across the country, and more.

“You just continue to try and give back,” explained FDNY Firefighter Kievon Harper while discussing with Captain Andrew Brown what keeps him going throughout his career in the Fire Department, City of New York. Firefighter Harper, along with retired Firefighter Andrew Beard and retired Lieutenant Bobby Smith, joined us for a conversation about Black History Month and the importance of the FDNY Vulcan Society, an affinity group representing Black members in Fire Operations, EMS, Fire Marshals, Dispatch, civilian support staff and others.

Plus, Captain Brown shares historical highlights and the contributions of Black Firefighters from across the country, including the invention of the fire extinguisher, firehouse pole hole, and more.

ICYMI: FDNY Firefighters Shamaree Graham and John Moncayo, along with Lieutenant Mike Ryan, discuss the Department’s successful and thriving Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program.

“I can’t imagine where I’d be in my career, if not for my mentor,” FDNY Firefighter Shamaree Graham said to Captain Andrew Brown as he expressed his appreciation for and dedication to the Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program. Firefighter Graham, along with Lieutenant Mike Ryan, Firefighter John Moncayo, and Captain Brown, all serve as mentors within the program and share some tidbits on what they share with candidates that are preparing for the Fire Academy.

In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr Weekend of Service, Captain Randy Li sat down with Jamelle Dooley, Manager of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to speak on what his unit provides to the Department on all levels and how to give back to the community during this month.

ICYMI: with one year down of the Join FDNY Podcast, let's look back to some of our best interviews, including discussions with Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper.

Join hosts FDNY Captains Randy Li and Andrew Brown as they look back at some of their favorite Join FDNY Podcast conversations from 2023, including with Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Kwame Cooper, and many more.

"It's more than just a job; it's a family," explained Engine 320 Firefighter Christopher during a conversation with host Captain Andrew Brown. Join us as he reflects on his time in the United States Marine Corps and shares insights into his journey from the military to the FDNY.

In our ongoing tribute to Veterans this month, EMS Division Chief Charles Morgan joins the conversation. Chief Morgan, in a discussion with Captain Randy Li, delves into his experiences serving in the U.S Army, sheds light on the benefits and resources available to Veterans within the Department, and much more.

“Everything we do in the New York City Fire Department, we do as a team,” Captain Doug Mitchell said to host Captain Andrew Brown as he and EMT Instructor Manny Melendez spoke on their experiences being Instructors for both Probationary Firefighters and EMTs, and the habits that candidates can adopt to become successful members within the Department. Focusing on academics this month, former Academic Achiever, Firefighter Patrick Mahony sat down with Captain Randy Li to talk about his journey to becoming the Academic Achiever of his Fire Academy class, how he is continuing to study and add to his skillset as a Firefighter today, and more. ICYMI: Last month, Director of EMS Recruitment Brandon Mahon stopped by to discuss the requirements needed in order to apply to become the next EMT or EMS Trainee with the FDNY.

“Don't let anything or anyone stand in your way from this career,” Director of EMS Recruitment Brandon Mahon said to host Captain Randy Li as he explains the requirements needed in order to apply to become an EMT or EMS Trainee as the filing period approaches.

Plus, with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, the father-son duo of Firefighters Ulises Pena and Justin Pena stop by to talk about their careers so far, the importance of being Latino Firefighters, and more.

ICYMI: Last month, Firefighter Tyrin Torres sat down with Captain Randy Li and guest host Captain Robert Cefoli to recap the steps he took in order to become the Fitness Award Winner for his graduating class in 2022.

“I was getting ready for the Fire Department from the beginning,” FDNY Firefighter Tyrin Torres said to host Captain Randy Li and guest host Captain Robert Cefoli as he recalled the steps he took in order to become the Fitness Award Winner for his graduating class in 2022.

Returning to the podcast as a guest host, Captain Robert Cefoli and the Health & Fitness Unit down at the Fire Academy help provide an introduction to healthy workout habits that our current members and future candidates can use in order to have a long and successful career with the FDNY.

"The best decision I ever made," Firefighter Stefon Douglas said to host Captain Randy Li and guest host Lieutenant Jonathan Logan as he recalled the steps he took to become a first-generation Firefighter.

Joining Douglas at the table is fellow first-generation Firefighter Belvon Koranteng. The two first responders recap the heroic rescues that resulted in them being 2023 FDNY Medal Day recipients, as well as share words of wisdom to those interested in working in our fire suppression.

Plus, FDNY CrossFit members Firefighter Ricardo Roman and EMT Christine McAleer stop by the show to talk about the club’s mission to compete at the highest level and more.

ICYMI: Last month, Captain Timothy Smith and Lieutenant Jonathan Logan chopped it up with host Captain Andrew Brown about fatherhood, Juneteenth and much more.

"That's my dream job, that's what I really want," FDNY Chaplain Reverend Ann Kansfield said to host Captain Randy Li as she recalled how a sequence of events led her to working for our Department.

As we celebrate Pride Month, the Chaplain, Captain Brendan Ryan and Firefighter Tom Incorvaia also discuss how the FDNY FireFlag/EMS supports members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Plus, history-making officers Captain Timothy Smith and Lieutenant Jonathan Logan stop by the show to chop it up with host Captain Andrew Brown about what it's like being a FDNY Dad and more.

ICYMI: Check out snippets of last month's Firefighter fitness convo with Director of Health and Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli.