Join FDNY Podcast

"It’s a great platform for me in my life," says retired Lieutenant Luis Torres. The Historian of the FDNY Hispanic Society LT Torres reflects on a nearly 3-decade career with the FDNY, and how working in the same community he calls home was always a way for him to give back.
ICYMI: On last month’s special on-location episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast, Chief of Training Michael Meyers sat down with host Captain Andrew Brown to highlight the importance of training—not only during your time at the Academy, but throughout your entire career. Chief Meyers stressed that continuous learning and preparation are the keys to success in the field and beyond.

“The Places You’ll Go!” reflected Chief of Training Michael Meyers during a special on-location edition of the JoinFDNY Podcast, recorded in the Mand Library at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. He sat down with our host, Captain Andrew Brown, to discuss the role of training—both during your time at the Academy and throughout your entire career in the Department. In their conversation, Chief Meyers emphasized how continuous learning and preparation are essential for success in the field and beyond. 
 
ICYMI: Captain Randy Li also looks back at some of the most memorable interviews from the 2025 FDNY Medal Day, and the lasting impact this annual celebration has on members across the city.

“In the FDNY, there’s truly a job for everyone,” said Station 47 EMT Andrew Ochtera, joined by fellow Station 47 EMT Saverio Bosco Jr., as they reflected on their July 2024 rescue, that earned them the prestigious Yadira Arroyo Medal at the 2025 FDNY Medal Day.
Our hosts, Captain Andrew Brown and EMS Captain Randy Li, explore the significance of this celebrated tradition, sharing stories of courage, the emotions behind receiving one of the Department’s highest honors, and the lasting impact these moments have on both the medal recipients and the FDNY community.

Come in with an open mind, come ready to learn,” shared Firefighter Christopher McSorley during his conversation with our host, Captain Andrew Brown.
A proud third-generation member of the FDNY, Firefighter McSorley currently serves on the board of FireFlag EMS. He and Captain Brown dive into the experiences and influences that shaped his journey, his commitment to service, and his ongoing work with FireFlag EMS.
ICYMI – Last month, Captain Randy Li spoke with Firefighter Tony Ng about his career and how being part of the Phoenix Society helped him reconnect with his culture.

“It’s really about connecting with culture” said Firefighter Tony Ng during a conversation with our host, Captain Randy Li.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, host Captain Randy Li sat down with Firefighter Tony Ng to discuss his introduction to the job, reconnecting with his cultural roots through the Phoenix Society, and more.
ICYMI: As they near the completion of the Fire Cadet Academy, Brianna and Malcom joined Captain Brown to reflect on their most memorable moments in the program, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they plan to carry their experiences forward—serving as an inspiration to future Fire Cadets.

"The legacy we leave behind is hard work," said Fire Cadet Brianna Denis during a conversation with our host, Captain Andrew Brown, and fellow Fire Cadet Malcom McNeil.
As they near the completion of the Fire Cadet Academy, Brianna and Malcom joined Captain Brown to reflect on their most memorable moments in the program, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they plan to carry their experiences forward—serving as an inspiration to future Fire Cadets.
ICYMI: In honor of Women’s History Month, guest host Lieutenant Melissa Bennett and EMS Captain Randy Li sat down with Lieutenant Kinga Mielnik and EMS Captain Vashala Madho to share their powerful journeys. They discussed the people and moments that inspired them to join the Department, their paths to leadership, and more.

"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?” 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", 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.

"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."