Join FDNY Podcast

"Women educating and inspiring generations."

"Women Educating and Inspiring Generations" is the theme for Women’s History Month this March, and we are excited to feature two women in leadership as guests on the JoinFDNY Podcast.
Lieutenant Kinga Mielnik and EMS Captain Vashala Madho sat down with hosts Lieutenant Melissa Bennett and EMS Captain Randy Li to share their journeys—discussing who and what inspired them to join the Department, how they advanced into leadership roles, and how they now strive to inspire others, ensuring opportunities are available for all throughout the FDNY.
ICYMI – Vulcan Society member Lieutenant Darren Grant recently joined Captain Andrew Brown and Lieutenant Bennett to discuss his introduction to the Vulcan Society and how the famous quote, “Can you fill these boots?”, continues to resonate today. He reflects on its significance throughout his career as a firefighter, his membership in the Vulcan Society, and now in the next chapter of his career as a lieutenant.

"Can you fill these boots?

“Can you fill these boots?” Those are the words of Retired FDNY Captain David Floyd during a recruitment campaign held by the Vulcan Society throughout the late '60s and '70s.
On this month's episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast, host Captain Andrew Brown and guest host Lieutenant Melissa Bennett sit down with Vulcan Society member Lieutenant Darren Grant. They discuss his introduction to the Vulcan Society and how Captain Floyd’s quote still resonates today—throughout his career as a firefighter, his membership in the Vulcan Society, and the next chapter of his career as a lieutenant.
#ICYMI – Director of the Health & Fitness Unit, Captain Michael Rogdakis joined us to talk about the benefits of the CPAT Training Sessions offered to candidates by the Office of Recruitment & Retention, the importance of recovery, and the proper habits needed to perform at your highest level throughout your candidate process and the Fire Academy."

"If you’re not in shape, its just going to hurt you in the long run"

"If you’re not in shape, its just going to hurt you in the long run", said Director of the Health & Fitness Unit, Captain Michael Rogdakis to host Captain Andrew Brown.
 
To start off the new year, both Captains sat down to speak on the benefits of the CPAT Training Sessions offered to candidates by the Office of Recruitment & Retention, the importance of recovery and the proper habits needed to to perform at your highest level throughout your candidate process and through the Fire Academy.
 
ICYMI - Last year, Chief Michele Fitzsimmons sat down with Squad 8 charter members Lacy Higgins, and newly promoted Lieutenant Melissa Bennett. We take a look back at the moment Lieutenant Bennett walked across the stage at her promotion and the inspiring conversation these three members held in our studios.

"In case you missed it... 2024"

"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."

"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."

“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.”

“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"

“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."

“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."

“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.