Join FDNY Podcast

"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.

“We mean it. All heroes are welcome.”

“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.”

“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."

"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 to give back.”

“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.”

“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.

ICYMI: 2023

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.

”Its not a job... its a family.”

"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.”

“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”

“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.