2014

January 4, 2023

S07, E85 2022 Year in Review

We revisit conversations from our latest season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. In our 2022 seventh season, pride and professionalism remains ever-present in FDNY training and operations, and is reflected in the stories and lessons shared here on our […]
December 2, 2022

S07, E84 Fighting High Rise Transformer Fires with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello

The heavy demand on electrical usage in high rise buildings warrants the need for high voltage equipment. That is why it’s so important to understand the dangers of this equipment and how units can safely operate at fires involving transformer vault rooms. In this episode, Battalion […]
October 26, 2022

S07, E83 First FDNY EMT to Contract AIDS on Duty Remembered 25 Years Later

2022 marks the 25thanniversary of the untimely death of FDNY EMT Tracy Allen Lee who was the first EMT to contract HIV on duty in the city—and in the country. Allen Lee dedicated her life to caring for others but spent the years leading up to […]
September 27, 2022

S07, E82 Miraculous Survival of 9/11 with FDNY Deputy Chief John “Jay” Jonas (Retired)

As the attacks on the World Trade Center were carried out, most people viewed the collapses from the outside in. However, on September 11, 2001, then-Captain John “Jay” Jonas and five of his firefighters from Ladder Co. 6 were descending Stairwell B with injured civilian, Josephine […]
August 30, 2022

S07, E81 Multiple Rescues at Lithium-ion Battery Fire with FDNY Lieutenant Patrick Twomey, Firefighter Robert Rivera and Firefighter James Soutar, Ladder 41

Ladder Company 41 arrived first on-scene to fire and smoke pushing out the windows of a seven-story, fireproof multiple dwelling in the Bronx. Lieutenant Patrick Twomey, Firefighter Rob Rivera and Firefighter James Soutar discuss this challenging operation, which involved scaffolding surrounding the building and an aggressive […]
July 20, 2022

S07, E80 Treating Trapped Patients at a Building Collapse with FDNY Rescue Paramedics Lt. Paul Ardizzone, Hugh Smith and Shewain George

On July 30, 2021, Rescue Paramedics Hugh Smith and Shewain George were presented with a challenge that would test their many years of training and experience. The rescue medics arrived on scene of a building collapse to find FDNY Special Operations Units operating to rescue two […]
June 29, 2022

S07, E79 Spotlight on Roof Operations with FDNY Firefighter Philip Gordon

At the FDNY, the roof position can be both physically and mentally demanding. The assignments are largely autonomous, but can drastically improve operating conditions for other members and survivability for civilians, while failure can result in punishing–if not devastating–consequences for all. In this episode of the […]
May 20, 2022

S07, E78 Rising to the Challenge in Emergency Medical Dispatch with FDNY EMT Menhaz Bhuiyan

Each year, during the month of May, we honor EMTs, paramedics and the entire EMS workforce for their dedication, service and sacrifice. The theme for National EMS Week this year is “Rising to the Challenge,” and our guest in this episode certainly did just that. EMT […]
April 18, 2022

S07, E77 Recollections of Daring Rescue Operations with Retired FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Shea

Retired FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Shea was involved in one of the most daring roof rope rescues in FDNY history. On May 14, 1991, FDNY firefighters conducted two technical roof rope rescues at the same fire in Midtown Manhattan, hanging 12 stories above the crowded New York […]
March 31, 2022

S07, E76 Fostering Leadership in EMS with Deputy Chief Natalia Polunin

With 20 years in the Department, Deputy Chief Natalia Polunin rose through the ranks and was most notably the first woman to command FDNY’s specialized HazTac unit. Chief Polunin discusses her career, how she continually opts for new challenges and fosters growth in FDNY’s newest EMS […]
September 1, 2014

Mill Structures–Their Features and Firefighting Operations, Part II

Editor’s Note: This second part of a two-part article focuses on firefighting operations at mill structures. Firefighting operations Fires in mill-constructed buildings pose a tremendous operational challenge. Firefighters must be prepared to engage heavy fire conditions. To fight fires in mill buildings effectively, two major concerns must be dealt with: 1. the large, open area […]

September 1, 2014

Staten Island Box 1194: FDNY Handles Damaged Haz-Mat Container

At 2107 hours on the evening of March 11, 2014, Engines 158, 154 and 157, Ladders 86 and 83, Battalion 22, Marine 9, the Marine Battalion and Tactical Support Unit 2 were dispatched to Staten Island Box 1194, 500 Western Avenue. That address is the main entrance to the New York Container Terminal, formerly known […]

September 1, 2014

Complex Operations in Low-Rise, Fireproof Multiple Dwellings

Low-rise, fireproof multiple dwellings (LRFPMD) present unique challenges to the FDNY. Generally older buildings, they may be found in proximity to high-rise, fireproof multiple dwellings (HRFPMD.) Fires in these structures are complex and they will present problems similar to those found in taller fireproof buildings, while requiring tactics used in HRFPMDs and non-fireproof multiple dwellings […]

September 1, 2014

Not Your Typical 10-24 (Auto Fire)

The Trans-Manhattan Expressway is a small section of expressway that connects the George Washington Bridge (GWB) to the Cross Bronx Expressway. The expressway has two inner roadways that deliver and expel traffic from the upper level of the GWB, while the two outer roadways do that for the lower level of the GWB. It also […]

September 1, 2014

FDNY Rescues Staten Island Worker Down Shaft

Every July brings a proud event to the quarters of Rescue 5 and Engine 160. The Wounded Warriors Project arrives from several locations to meet up at the Clove Road firehouse. This is the kick-off for their week-long visit to the New York City area. They participate in many different water sports and excursions with […]

June 30, 2014

FDNY Foundation Raises $1.7 Million: Honors Scott Baxter for his Commitment to the FDNY

On April 30, 2014, the FDNY’s esteemed supporters were honored at the 2014 FDNY Foundation Dinner. Scott Baxter, Vice President of VF Corporation, was presented with the Fire Commissioner Humanitarian Award this year. Mr. Baxter, along with VF Corporation, has a long-standing history with the FDNY and was honored for his and his company’s commitment […]

June 30, 2014

Bronx Units Tested at Three-Alarm, Mid-Afternoon Tenement Fire

The winter of 2014 will not be forgotten soon. The residents of New York endured cold weather and near-record snowfalls. On January 9, 2014, at 1528 hours, Bronx units were tested in the bustling Arthur Avenue neighborhood by a fast-moving fire and the cold weather. Fire Department units were dispatched to Bronx Box 3328, reporting […]

June 30, 2014

Operating at Vacants

At vacant building fires, it is often possible to conduct an interior attack for the expeditious extinguishment of the fire and release of units. Prior to implementing interior operations, the Incident Commander (IC) must perform a risk assessment, keeping in mind that the life hazard and safety of members involved in operations are of paramount […]