PODCAST · government
FDNY Pro
by FDNY Foundation
The FDNY Pro podcast brings together professionals and experts in the field of Fire and EMS, offering their firsthand knowledge and experience. Hear from the pros as they discuss what they’ve learned on the front lines.
Episodes
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Never Forget 9/11: Reflections from the FDNY with Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore
As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, the FDNY carries both profound pain and enduring pride. We remember the 343 members who were killed that day, those we have since lost to World Trade Center-related illnesses, and the families whose lives were forever changed. Alongside that grief...
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Patient care under fire with FDNY Captain Alexander Khalef, and Rescue Paramedics Paul Yoon and Jose Parra
On the morning of February 18, 2025, FDNY EMS units responded to a report of a barricaded suspect incident inside a Manhattan NYCHA apartment that rapidly escalated into a high-risk, multi-patient operation. BLS and ALS units responded to this active and evolving scene. As operations progressed,...
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Downed firefighter rescued at fifth-alarm e-bike fire in the Bronx with FDNY Lieutenant Joseph Light
On the evening of June 22, 2025, FDNY members operated at Bronx Fifth Alarm Box 3360 for a rapidly advancing fire in a two-and-a-half-story private dwelling. As units arrived, heavy fire was consuming multiple e-bikes on the front porch and extending up the front of the building, threatening both...
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Lessons of sacrifice and strength from the Father’s Day Fire with FDNY Assistant Chief Michael Meyers and Captain Liam Flaherty
On Sunday, June 17, 2001—Father’s Day—FDNY members in Queens responded to a telephone alarm reporting a fire in a hardware store at 12-20 Astoria Boulevard. What initially appeared to be a routine cellar fire in a small, two-story commercial occupancy quickly escalated into one of the most tragic...
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A Code Red at the Fire Academy with FDNY Paramedics Veronica Cruz and Nyla Page, and Lieutenants Stephen McGowan and Kevin Travis (Retired)
On a warm summer’s day a new class of fire lieutenants was attending the FDNY’s First Line Supervisors Training program or FLSTP at the Fire Academy on Randall's Island. Members were in the midst of a live burn drill, rotating through the riding positions, when Lieutenant Kevin Travis began to…
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HVAC and refrigerant challenges with FDNY Captains Chris Collier and Dan Gordon, Lt. James Pirot and fire code counsel, Kelly Carr
In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello welcomes returning guests Captain Chris Collier, Captain Dan Gordon, and Lt. James Pirot, as well as new guest FDNY fire code counsel Kelly Carr, to discuss the challenges that HVAC systems and refrigerants pose...
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Legacy of Bravery revisited with FDNY Firefighter Josephine Smith
On September 11, 2001, Firefighter Kevin Smith was a twenty-three-year veteran of the FDNY and a charter member of Hazmat Company 1, a company he helped build since its inception in 1984. He and his entire company responded to the World Trade Center and were among the 343 members killed that day....
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How hydroxocobalamin is saving lives on the fireground with FDNY Captain Joseph Spinelli
Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of fire-related deaths. Fire victims are exposed to toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. High levels of cyanide can cause rapid symptoms like confusion, breathing problems and collapse. The body’s cells can’t use oxygen efficiently…
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In studio with FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore
To kick-off Season 11 of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Lillian Bonsignore returns to the podcast as the new Fire Commissioner. She discusses her priorities and offers a look ahead at the upcoming year with our host, Elizabeth Cascio. The Commissioner was sworn in as the Department’s 37th Fire…
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Season 10 Year in Review
We revisit conversations from our tenth season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. As we reflect on this milestone season, we remain honored to share these operational stories and training tips with all of you. Thank you to all the members who contributed their...
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Divers in the Water with FDNY Battalion Chief Thor Johannessen, Captain Frederick Ill and Firefighter Jacob Dutton
On the morning of November 12, 2023, FDNY members in Manhattan executed a dramatic dive rescue in the Hudson River. As initial FDNY units arrived, a witness reported that a man had climbed over the railing and fallen backward into the water. After a brief struggle, he disappeared beneath the...
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Complex high-rise firefighting operations in New York City with FDNY Captain Chris Collier, and Lieutenants Dan Gordon and James Pirot
New York City is home to thousands of high-rise buildings, from legacy skyscrapers to modern glass towers. Their heights can range from seven stories to more than 100 stories, with vastly different interiors. The FDNY responds to fires and emergencies in all of them. Over the years, the FDNY has...
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Honoring and remembering our fallen with FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra and Lieutenant Joe LaPointe
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, when 343 members made the Supreme Sacrifice, the FDNY grappled with the unimaginable loss of life while at the same time rebuilding its decimated Department. Processes were in place to handle line of duty deaths, but not for this unthinkable number of...
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Operations at a challenging lithium-ion battery fire with FDNY Battalion Chief Ryan Brito and Firefighter Michael Kotzo
FDNY members operated at a two-alarm fire in a six story, non-fireproof apartment building in Harlem on February 23, 2024. The lithium-ion battery fire originated in an apartment on the third floor and quickly spread into the public hallway, sending thick, black smoke throughout the upper floors…
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Rescue on the Rocks with FDNY EMTs Saverio Bosco and Andrew Ochtera
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the FDNY deploys beach Gator units at area beaches, which are staffed by EMTs trained to respond to emergencies on the beach. These units work in partnership with the FDNY Drone Unit, FDNY Fire Companies, the NYPD and New York City Parks Department lifeguards and…
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Cracking the code of lithium-Ion batteries with FDNY Chief of Safety James Canty and Battalion Chiefs Ray Coyle and Matt Quinn
Over the past several years, lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly common. Most people are now familiar with the fire risks associated with the batteries used in e-bikes and scooters, devices that have tragically contributed to 34 fire related deaths in New York City since 2021, as of…
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Important links in the chain of survival with FDNY Chief Inspector Kingsley Eze and Paramedics Alexis Gonzalez and Youssef Al Hammami
FDNY Deputy Chief Inspector Kingsley Eze, a civilian manager in the Bureau of Fire Prevention found a civilian employee in cardiac arrest in the basement parking garage of the Department's headquarters on August 1, 2024. After calling 9-1-1 he was directed to begin compressions-only CPR…
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Developing greater-alarm situational awareness with FDNY Assistant Chief Malcolm Moore and Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Duggan
On May 1, 2024, FDNY members in Brooklyn responded to a fire that would challenge even the department's most experienced fire ground commanders. What would initially appear to be a minor roof fire involving an awning in front of a supermarket, quickly escalated into a serious multiple-alarm fire,...
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A career in emergency medicine grows in Brooklyn with FDNY Captain Bevonia Harrison
In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, we welcome Captain Bevonia Harrison of Station 38 in Brooklyn. With a nearly 20-year career with FDNY EMS and time in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Captain Harrison discusses her lifelong commitment to service and her passion for giving back in some of the…
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Fighting duct fires with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello
Fires occurring in duct systems require specific considerations, especially in high-rise buildings. They can spread throughout the duct system to the structure itself, which can lead to a tactically complex operation. These fires can be difficult to extinguish, depending on the extent of the…
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In studio with FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker
Season 10 of the FDNY Pro Podcast starts with Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker discussing issues facing the Department, including a new push for federal legislation to regulate lithium-ion batteries, the formation of the City’s brush fire task force, EMS call volume, and utilizing artificial...
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Season 9 Year in Review
We revisit conversations from our ninth season, including marking our 100th episode, of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. During the 2024 season, pride and professionalism remains ever-present in FDNY training and operations, and continues to be reflected in the...
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Anatomy of extreme fire behavior with FDNY Lt. Brian Currid, Firefighter Rob Camaj and special guest Fire Safety Research Institute’s Dr. Dan Madrzykowski
On January 16, 2024, FDNY members experienced an extreme fire event while operating at a residential building fire at 2162 Valentine Avenue in the Bronx. A fire in an apartment on the third floor of a six-story H-type New Law tenement extended into the public hallway, up the interior public...
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A look back at fifty years of paramedicine in New York City with FDNY Dr. Tony Shallash
Dr. Tony Shallash has had an extensive career in emergency medicine which gained momentum when, in 1974, he joined the first-ever paramedic class in New York City. Through a pilot program established by Dr. Sheldon Jacobson, the group trained at Jacobi Medical Center and graduated in August of…
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Command and control decisions on 9/11 and in its aftermath with FDNY Assistant Chief Thomas Galvin (Retired)
On September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, then Deputy Chief Thomas Galvin was working in the quarters of Division 3. In this episode, he speaks to host Captain John Ceriello about his experience that day – how he responded to ground zero, led the evacuation of the...
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Confronting a carbon monoxide emergency with Lt. Kyle Van Nostrand and Rescue Paramedics Giovanni Cummings and Sharona Hagler
In the early evening hours of August 23, 2023, Lt. Kyle Van Nostrand (Station 44) and Station 39 Rescue Paramedics, Giovanni Cummings and Sharona Hagler, responded to a call for two unconscious pediatric patients who were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. In this episode, they discuss how...
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Timely rescues at a top floor fire with FDNY Captain Jonathan Shields
Ladder Company 42 responded to numerous reports of fire in a six-story, non-fireproof multiple dwelling in the Bronx on New Year's Eve. Ladder 42’s Captain Jonathan Shields, walks us through the job in which he and his inside team, searched through heavy smoke to rescue three unconscious…
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Safety considerations at low-intake high-exhaust fires impacted by wind with FDNY Chief of Safety Michael Meyers and Deputy Chief James Canty
In this episode, Chief of Safety Michael Meyers and Deputy Chief James Canty discuss low-intake high-exhaust (LIHE) events that firefighters may encounter on the fireground. They discuss their inherent dangers and strategies to control, prevent and operate safely within them. Captain John…
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Responding to cardiac calls with FDNY Paramedics Jonathan Morel and Maggie Studsrud
Cardiac arrest calls can be one of the most intense call-types emergency medical services members respond to. Often times they are emotionally heightened and require hyper-focus when performing skills and administering medications. FDNY paramedics Jonathan Morel and Maggie Studsrud discuss, with...
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FDNY subway operations and power removal considerations with Battalion Chief Bill Ventura
The New York City subway system is the oldest, longest and most utilized public transportation system in the nation, with 472 stations in operation and more than 2 billion riders in 2023. With these massive numbers come numerous responses for the FDNY throughout the system. Most incidents are…
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100th Episode Milestone
We are marking the FDNY Pro Podcast’s 100th episode, which debuted in April of 2016, by visiting with the guest and host from that inaugural episode. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry and Captain Randy Li welcome back Dr. Dario Gonzalez, FDNY Office of Medical Affairs, and retired Chief of Staff...
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Fighting wind impacted fires in low-rise buildings with FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy
Wind conditions can override the effects of some or all of the other variables that define traditional fire behavior, which can make for challenging conditions for firefighters. In this episode, we discuss fighting wind impacted fires on non-fireproof and low-rise structures with Deputy Chief...
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In studio with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh
We're kicking off 2024 by sitting down with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to discuss a wide range of topics facing the Department including the ongoing lithium-ion battery crisis and how the FDNY is helping combat it on a national, state and local level, the upcoming strategic plan and more....
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Season 8 Year in Review
We revisit conversations from our latest season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. As we reflect on the stories and lessons of 2023, our eighth season of the podcast, we want to thank all the members who contributed with their professionalism, skill and...
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Trench rescue operations with FDNY Lieutenant Todd Smith
A trench is considered a temporary excavation where both the length of the floor and the depth of the trench exceeds the width of the floor. Construction and underground utility service and repair are a few of the reasons trenches are dug. The large amount of underground infrastructure and...
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Fighting a Fire in the Sky with FDNY Battalion Chiefs Anthony Pascocello and Mark Rosenbaum
Manhattan FDNY companies were dispatched to a high-rise building under construction with reports of a crane on fire. The construction crane was positioned about five stories above the 45-story building when the engine caught fire. Upon arrival, the crane’s boom, which had 16 tons of concrete...
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Hope and spirituality on 9/11, the Department’s darkest day, with FDNY Chaplain Monsignor John Delendick
An FDNY Chaplain since 1996, Monsignor John Delendick has comforted, advised, and ministered to the Department’s members and families for nearly three decades. On September 11, 2001, he responded to the terrorist attacks and served as a pathfinder to safety, first aid and ambulances, while...
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Heavy clutter makes for difficult rescues with FDNY Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres
Members of Ladder Company 108 carried out multiple rescues amongst challenging conditions and heavy clutter at a Brooklyn fire. In this episode, Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres discuss the 2022 operation with host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry. For their heroic...
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Emergency medical care in an elevator shaft with FDNY Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler and Paramedic Kira Watkins
Two people plummeted five stories down an elevator shaft at the Bronx Terminal Market. Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler, then a Rescue Paramedic, and Paramedic Watkins, together with numerous on-scene units, worked to treat and free the patient trapped beneath the elevator car in a December 2022...
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Evolution of fighting wind-impacted fires in New York City with FDNY Battalion Chief Gerald Tracy (Retired)
Some of the most difficult fires FDNY members face are wind impacted fires. It's been more than two decades since the Department began studying the impact of wind in high rise building fires which ultimately led to current protocols, procedures, and equipment developed to help fight these fires…
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Neonatal resuscitation, a vital response and emotional reunion, with FDNY EMTs Silverio Moreno and Johnathan Rivera
During the midst of the COVID pandemic outbreak in New York City, Tracy Harris began having severe abdominal pain that prompted her to call 9-1-1 for help. Just prior to EMS arrival, she realized that she was in full active labor (23 weeks pregnant at the time) and her pre-term baby girl had just...
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Manhattan roof rope rescues with FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello, Lieutenants Adrienne Walsh and Joseph Decker, and Firefighters Darren Harsch, Christian Wellinger and Artur Podgorski
FDNY units saved multiple residents from a three-alarm fire in a Manhattan high-rise. The explosive fire, which was ignited by an e-bike’s lithium-ion battery, blocked the first arriving units’ entry into the fire apartment. Multiple firefighters were lowered simultaneously to rescue residents...
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Climbing the Ranks with FDNY Battalion Chiefs Michele Fitzsimmons and Rochelle “Rocky” Jones (Retired)
Two trailblazing women of the FDNY, Battalion Chief Rochelle “Rocky” Jones (Retired) and Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons discuss their successful careers with the Department. Chief Fitzsimmons joined the Department in 2001, and currently is the highest-ranking woman firefighter in the FDNY....
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Organ donation advocacy with Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY Firefighter William P. Moon II, and retired members Patrick Reynolds and Terrence Jordan
Kristina Moon's husband, Firefighter William P. Moon II, or Billy as everyone called him, suffered a fatal injury while preparing for a training drill at his Brooklyn firehouse in December of 2022. Days later when it became clear that the 21-veteran of the Department would not survive his…
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In studio with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh
History was made as New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment, and swore in, Laura Kavanagh as Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. Commissioner Kavanagh is the 34th commissioner to lead the Department—and the first woman. In her role, she oversees the nation’s…
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Season 7 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 podcast....
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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, FDNY Battalion Chief...
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First EMT to contract AIDS on duty remembered by FDNY 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 her death fighting for the benefits for an illness...
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The miracle of Stairwell B on 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 Harris, when…
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Multiple rescues at lithium-ion battery fire with FDNY Lieutenant Patrick Twomey and Firefighters Robert Rivera and James Soutar
Ladder Company 41 arrived first on-scene to fire and smoke pushing out the windows of aseven-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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The FDNY Pro podcast brings together professionals and experts in the field of Fire and EMS, offering their firsthand knowledge and experience. Hear from the pros as they discuss what they’ve learned on the front lines.
HOSTED BY
FDNY Foundation
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does FDNY Pro have?
FDNY Pro currently has 130 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is FDNY Pro about?
The FDNY Pro podcast brings together professionals and experts in the field of Fire and EMS, offering their firsthand knowledge and experience. Hear from the pros as they discuss what they’ve learned on the front lines.
How often does FDNY Pro release new episodes?
FDNY Pro publishes regularly with 130 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to FDNY Pro?
You can listen to FDNY Pro on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts FDNY Pro?
FDNY Pro is created and hosted by FDNY Foundation.
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