New York City Fire Department

The August edition of MyFDNY News has dropped! This month, we're covering: ➡️ Remembering Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder Jr., who died in the line of duty in August 2024. We dedicated a plaque at the EMS Academy in his name. ➡️ FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker reflects on his first 365 days at the helm of the Department: "Listening to members' experiences and ideas has been central to shaping our priorities for the future." ➡️ Previewing the 2025 FDNY Foundation Dinner and the Fire Commissioner's Humanitarian Awards, which will take place Sept. 4 at the Fire Academy on Randall's Island.

By now New Yorkers should know that lithium-ion batteries pose SERIOUS fire risks. DO NOT attempt to build, tamper with or repair these batteries.  Just last week, the FDNY uncovered a battery repair workshop in Queens after a fire was reported in the cellar of a home. FDNY units found approximately 100 lithium-ion batteries burning when they arrived at the scene. Again, on Tuesday, at another basement fire in the Bronx, members discovered multiple lithium-ion batteries and devices being worked on at the location. If you see such activity, report it IMMEDIATELY to the FDNY by calling 311 or 212‑NEW‑YORK (212-639-9675).

 EMS Lieutenant Pedro Acosta has dedicated nearly 25 years of his life in service of others. In December, he was the one who needed help. Acosta was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and doctors said he needed a kidney transplant. The FDNY Family Assistance Unit reached out for help. Despite not knowing Lieutenant Acosta personally, Fire Bell Club member Theodore Earley stepped in, and donated his kidney in July. Today, Acosta is doing well and says he has a new brother.

It’s Meet a Member Monday! This is Lisa Brandquist, an Agency Attorney in the general law unit for the FDNY. Lisa shares valuable insight into her career at the Department, including some of the benefits and experiences of working for a city agency. Her story highlights the impact legal professionals have on our mission of keeping our members and our city safe. We’re currently hiring attorneys! If you’re passionate about public service and want to learn more about these opportunities, visit https://lnkd.in/eEYuZ5k7 today.

On Saturday, the 9/11 Traveling Remembrance Flag Ride stopped by the FDNY Fire Academy to honor the 343 Members lost on September 11th, 2001. As the 24th anniversary of the attacks nears, we promise to #NeverForget.

ICYMI!! The FDNY Bravest baseball team knocked it out of the park with a victory over the NYPD in the Battle of the Badges!

Ladder 175 is a tractor-drawn aerial, also known as a Tiller truck. It’s operated by two chauffeurs—one driving the front and another steering the rear. There are 13 of these rigs across the city, strategically placed in neighborhoods with tight streets to help improve maneuverability. They respond to fires and emergencies just like any other ladder company. Let’s get to work!

After 35 years with the FDNY, Battalion Chief Stephen Marsar is headed into retirement! Marsar joined the Department in 1990 and began his career at Engine 16. He was promoted to Lieutenant after September 11th. Years later, Stephen was promoted to Captain and assigned to Engine 8/ Ladder 2 where he served as Captain of both companies. He is only the second person to do so in that firehouse. In 2016, Marsar was promoted to Battalion Chief assigned to Battalion 6. In his decades of service, Marsar served as a unit leader on the FDNY Incident Management Team and was a member of the Counterterrorism Task Force. Marsar responded to countless emergencies including the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, the Watts Street fire, and September 11th. We thank him for his service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement!

After 37 years of dedicated service, #FDNY Captain John Ceriello finished his last tour at Rescue 1 on Monday and headed into retirement. Captain Ceriello joined the FDNY on Feb. 18, 1988, and was assigned to Engine Company 225 after graduating from the Fire Academy. He had stops in Squad 18, Squad 252 and as a firefighter in Rescue 1. After being promoted to the rank of Captain in 2016, he was assigned to Rescue 1 in 2020, leading one of the five elite rescue companies in New York City. Throughout his FDNY career, Captain Ceriello has taught in various capacities and has served on New York Task Force One (NY-TF1), which is part of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, deploying to emergencies throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Congratulations on more than three decades of service to New York City. Enjoy retirement, Captain!