Join FDNY Podcast

“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

On this month’s episode of the #JoinFDNYPodcast, we’re talking fitness.
 
“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” FDNY Director of Health and Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli said to host Captain Andrew Brown about his career choice. The nearly 19-year FDNY veteran also shares info to help our Firefighter Candidates prepare for the Academy.
 
Plus, EMS Academy Health and Fitness Unit members EMTs Camilo Hernandez, Frank Dades and Haley Sato stop by to discuss getting ready for Proby School and more with host Captain Randy Li.
 
A special shout-out also goes to EMT Brendan McCormack and Lieutenant Anthony Simoncini for serving as our guest hosts.
 
Watch our show today on JoinFDNY.com. You can also tune in on Apple or Spotify. #FitnessMonth #EMSWeek

”This is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

On this episode, the FDNY Youth alums takeover.
"This is what I've always wanted to do," Program Manager EMT Anthony Gadison recalled about what his former students say to him and fellow Program Manager EMT Christabelle Chin after they join our ranks. The two young achievers also discuss with host Captain Randy Li how they are giving back to the programs that helped to pave the way for them to become FDNY first responders. In addition, they share what's next for the summer and winter sessions of our Youth EMS Academy (YEMSA).
Then, as we celebrate Siblings Day, host Captain Andrew Brown chops it up with alums "The Touvor Brothers." Hailing from Togo, Africa, Akolli and Yaspis talk about their brotherly bond, as well as how our youth programs inspired them to become career-minded. The two EMTs, who also rep Staten Island, are graduates of YEMSA. Akolli, who is a former FDNY Explorer, also now serves as a YEMSA Drill Instructor. 
ICYMI: In celebration of Women's History Month last month, FDNY trailblazer Lieutenant Adrienne Walsh stopped by the show just before celebrating her retirement. Check out snippets of her career convo with host Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons.

”Set yourself up for success”

“Set yourself up for success,” Rescue 1 Lieutenant Adrienne Walsh said to host Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons as part of her career advice to current and future women Firefighters. Walsh, the first woman in FDNY history to be assigned to a Rescue Company, retired today after 26 years of dedicated service. Also on this episode, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, Division Chief Dinorah Claudio and Deputy Chief Inspector Chinelle Thomas discuss being women in leadership. Claudio is the highest-ranking Latina in our EMS and Thomas is one of three women serving in her current rank in our Bureau of Fire Prevention. Plus, ICYMI, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper explains why working as a first responder is a phenomenal career.

”It’s not really a job... it’s a way of life.”

"It's not really a job... it's a way of life," explained FDNY Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Kwame Cooper while discussing careers in the fire and emergency medical services to host Captain Andrew Brown. "It's like a way of contributing to people in the community, oftentimes, on the worst day of their life." Also this month, a discussion with Chief of EMS Michael Fields, the first Black man in Department history to serve in this prestigious rank, and his Executive Officer Captain Latoya Rock. Plus, ICYMI, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh shares why the Department's bonds are rooted in family.

”This is a really special place.”

"This is a really special place," explained Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to hosts Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons and Captains Andrew Brown and Randy Li. "That's not just a talking point. It's not just something we say. It is in every way shape and form a family, and a real community." Also this month, a look at how FDNY members keep the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive by promoting acts of service. Plus, what's inside those red envelopes you see this time of year.