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."

"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,” 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” 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,” 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,” 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” 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,” 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,” 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," 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 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.