FDNY Pro

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 stands an extraordinary legacy of courage—the bravery of members who, in the face of unimaginable danger, helped as many as 25,000 people escape the World Trade Center. Twenty-five years later, we honor both the lives we lost and the lives their courage helped save. To help preserve that history, the FDNY Foundation presents “Never Forget 9/11: Reflections from the FDNY,” a five-part podcast series hosted by Gary Sinise. Combining interviews from FDNY Pro archives with newly recorded accounts, the series explores the response, the recovery, the rebuilding of the Department and the responsibilities that remain a quarter of a century later. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone welcomes Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore to discuss the special podcast series, and what it means to be at the helm of this Department on this momentous anniversary. Listen here: Never Forget 9/11: Reflections from the FDNY

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, EMS units were moved from staging to inside the building, ultimately advancing to the upper floors in close proximity to the threat when multiple gunshots were fired without warning. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host Captain Randy Li is joined by Captain Alexander Khalef, and the Rescue Paramedics Paul Yoon and Jose Parra, who responded to this incident and treated those on scene, including a downed officer and the suspect. For their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty, they were recognized with the Tracy Allen Lee Medal at the 2026 FDNY Medal Day Ceremony in June.

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 exposures. Rescue Company 3, led by Lieutenant Joseph Light, was initially assigned to check for fire extension in the adjacent house before being redeployed to the rear of the original fire building. Inside, members encountered intense heat, dense black smoke, and rapidly deteriorating conditions. As fire conditions worsened, Lieutenant Light heard a Viber-alert from another firefighter's SCBA. What followed was a dangerous firefighter removal operation under punishing conditions. On today’s episode, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone sits down with Lt. Joe Light to reflect on this challenging operation, his remarkable 40-year career with the Department, and what it meant to receive the Hugh Bonner Medal and the Honor Legion Medal at this year’s Medal Day ceremony in recognition of his actions during the fire.

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 fires in FDNY history. At approximately 1447 hours, a powerful explosion tore through the building. The large bearing wall and portions of the roof on the 14th Street side of the building sustained a total collapse, and portions of the front wall collapsed as well. Firefighter Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4 and Firefighter John Downing of Ladder Company 163 were buried in the collapse, and Firefighter Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4 fell through an opening into the cellar and became trapped beneath heavy debris. FDNY members mounted an historic rescue effort to remove the three trapped firefighters. But tragically, all three succumbed to their injuries. As we mark 25 years since the Father’s Day Fire, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone is joined by Assistant Chief Michael Meyers, the FDNY Chief of Training, and Captain Liam Flaherty, the company commander of Rescue Company 2. At the time of the Father’s Day Fire, Captain Flaherty was assigned as a firefighter in Rescue Company 4, and Chief Meyers had recently been promoted from Rescue 4. Together, they discuss this devastating historic fire, the lessons learned from it, and the remarkable resilience of the companies and members that suffered heartbreaking losses.

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 feel progressively unwell. He removed himself from the building and collapsed outside. Immediately a CODE RED was transmitted, which let everyone on scene know that this emergency transmission wasn’t part of the drill. In this episode, host Captain Randy Li, discusses how seconds count when someone is in cardiac arrest, and how lifesaving treatment was administered to Lieutenant Travis immediately by those on scene with guests Lieutenants Kevin Travis (retired) and Stephen McGowan, and Paramedics Nyla Page and Veronica Cruz.

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 on the fireground. They cover recent operational challenges they’ve encountered, adapting to the environmentally friendly A2L refrigerants and their associated fire risk, and the impact all of this has on fire code and response strategies. They also give a brief summary of what is being offered at the 2026 FDNY High Rise Symposium.

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. He was 47 years old and left behind a wife, Jerri, and eight children. After his death, Smith’s children continued this legacy of service—serving in the military, joining law enforcement, and fire and EMS departments. But the first to follow in her father’s footsteps as a New York City firefighter was his daughter, Josephine. In 2014, she became the first daughter of a fallen 9/11 member—the first female legacy—to join the ranks as a firefighter. In 2018, FDNY Pro Films highlighted her initial journey with a film, Legacy of Bravery, which can still be streamed on FDNYPro.org. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, we reflect on the memories of our fallen and the legacies they leave behind. Firefighter Josephine Smith joins host Elizabeth Cascio on the podcast to discuss her decision to follow in her father’s footsteps, her career and what her life is like 25 years after that fateful day.

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, which can quickly lead to cellular death and organ failure, so rapid treatment is vital. CYANOKITS containing the powerful and effective antidote to cyanide, hydroxocobalamin, have been carried by our FDNY ALS Units and EMS officers since 2008. In late 2020, REMAC protocols changed, requiring all ALS units in New York City to carry the kits. And lives have been saved. Captain Randy Li welcomes EMS Special Operations Command’s Captain Joseph Spinelli to the podcast to discuss this life-saving treatment.

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 Commissioner on January 6, 2026, by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. She is the first member of EMS to be named fire commissioner in the FDNY’s 160 years and brings with her three decades of experience as a uniformed member of EMS. Among other topics, we find out what inspired her to pursue emergency medicine, hear recollections of her most memorable responses and incidents, and why she’s always loved this Department and its members.

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 expertise and experience.

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 surface. Within moments, FDNY surface swimmers and a SCUBA diver entered the river and located the victim 15 feet below. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone speaks with Firefighter Jacob Dutton—the SCUBA diver involved in the operation—along with Captain Frederick Ill and Battalion Chief Thor Johannessen. All three are veteran rescue divers from FDNY Special Operations Command. They discuss the FDNY SCUBA program in depth, including the decision-making process for operationalizing a dive, the specialized equipment used by the Department and the extensive training required for these high-risk water rescues.

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 developed proven strategies and tactics but continues to adapt as they city’s skyline and building technologies evolve. Three experts in the field—Captain Chris Collier, and Lieutenants Dan Gordon and James Pirot—join host Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello for a discussion on common challenges and best practices in these complex buildings.

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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 members. In the days, months and even years that followed, the FDNY faced the enormous challenge of grieving, honoring their fallen and their families, and beginning the long path to recovery. During this time, the Department’s Ceremonial Unit took on a critical role—not only helping to manage hundreds of funerals and memorials, but donation ceremonies and tributes were a constant for many years. As a department, the FDNY always honors and remembers their fallen heroes. Post-9/11, the Ceremonial Unit rose to this challenging occasion, which is unmatched in the history of the fire service. The intention being—to honor our fallen, support their families on their darkest day in a dignified, fitting tradition. Host Elizabeth Cascio sits down with two key players from those early days—First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra and Lieutenant Joe LaPointe—to hear how they responded on September 11th and how, while the Department was healing and rebuilding, the Ceremonial Unit attended multiple funerals and memorials daily—the most being 25 in one day.

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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 of the building. Dozens of panicked residents attempted to escape. Many became trapped on the floors above the fire. Others were forced to the top floor windows, gasping for air. In this episode, Battalion Chief Jason Cascone speaks to Battalion Chief Ryan Brito—who was serving as Captain of Ladder 34 at the time—and Firefighter Michael Kotzo of Ladder 28. Together, they recount this challenging, intense operation, which involved multiple interior rescues and three dramatic roof rope rescues. Six medals were awarded at this year’s Medal Day in recognition of the extraordinary bravery displayed at this fire. Among them, Chief Brito received the Henry D. Brookman Medal and Firefighter Kotzo was awarded the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Medal—the Department’s highest honor for fire operations.

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 can more easily navigate the beach and through crowds in their small, specialized vehicle. New York City’s beaches are especially crowded during the warm summer months, and Independence Day weekend 2024 was no exception. Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, Station 47’s beach gator unit sprang into action when five swimmers in a closed section of the beach were caught in large swells and a rip current, slamming them into the Beach 91 jetty as they struggled to say afloat. In this episode, EMT Saverio Bosco and EMT Andrew Ochtera join us to discuss this rescue operation and what a “day at the beach” is like for members working at one the busiest beaches in the city. Captain Randy Li hosts.

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 the date of publication. But, the presence of lithium-ion batteries goes far beyond micromobility. They're found in everything from electric vehicles to large grid-scale energy storage systems, some of which are being installed in urban environments within the five boroughs. In this episode, Battalion Chief Jason Cascone hosts a comprehensive discussion with FDNY Chief of Safety James Canty, and Hazmat Battalion Chiefs Ray Coyle and Matt Quinn about why lithium-ion batteries can be volatile, how to safely operate at fires involving them, and mitigating them on the fireground.

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, activating the first two steps in the chain of survival. Once first responders arrived on scene, paramedics Alexis Gonzalez and Youssef Al Hammami of Station 31 treated, stabilized and transported the patient to the hospital. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Captain Randy Li invites all three members to the studio to discuss how providing advanced care quickly and efficiently helped save a life.

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, ultimately involving five structures and requiring the equivalent of an eight-alarm assignment to bring under control. Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Duggan and FDNY Chief of Special Operations Malcolm Moore join host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone for a conversation.

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 busiest neighborhoods in the city. She explains how important it is to her to make an impact in a community that's not far from her childhood home, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 system and the occupancy of the building. FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello returns to the FDNY Pro Podcast to discuss best practices at these type fires.