The FDNY Foundation congratulates Chief Richardson and Chief Hodgens and we wish them both the best of luck in their new roles! It is supremely important to be seen in the communities we serve, even if nothing else, but to act as a visual confirmation that we can not only do this job, but excel at it. A Part 107 shows that youve invested in yourself, says Kevin OMalley. Despite the challenges inherent in operating a drone program in NYC, FDNY has worked through the regulations, the politics and the technology to make it happen. H6 Radio Straps Decon Comfort Functionality, John Hodgens, a 35-year veteran of theFDNY, was appointed chief of fire operations, and 40-year fire veteran Thomas Richardson was named chief of department. JavaScript is disabled. He is a member of New York Task Force 1, which is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue Response System. I am truly honored and humbled to lead them as their chief.". He worked there until his promotion to Lieutenant in 1998, when he was transferred to Battalion 41 in Brooklyn, and was later assigned to Ladder Company 157 in Flatbush. Chief Moore joined the Department in 1996, and his first assignment was at Engine Company 214 in Brooklyn. "Together, their leadership will ensure the safety of the more than 8 million New Yorkers our department is sworn to protect, and the members of theFDNYwho bravely serve our city each day.". The Department's executive staff is divided into two areas including a civilian fire commissioner who is in charge of the Department and a Fire Chief who is the operational lead. He also graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Securitys Executive Leadership Program (2021), the FDNYs Advanced Leadership Course (2014) and the Officers Management Institute (2013). He was promoted to lieutenant in 1990, when he worked for a brief time inHarlembefore returning back toBrooklynwhen he worked atEngine Co.235 inBedford Stuyvesant. Swearing in Ceremony for FDNY Chief of Department John J. Hodgens and FDNY Chief of Operations John M. Esposito | Flickr. Our celebration of Black History Month continues today with a spotlight on Rescue 2 Firefighter Cameron Peek, a United States Army veteran who made history in, To all of our football fans out here, this story is just for you. [1], The roles of special operations firefighters are self-explanatory based on the name of the squad. Finally, says Mike Wall, Self Certification is a challenge that departments should consider carefully. . This process is automatic. "They will provide the exceptional leadership needed as we begin this new era.". The FDNY's Special Operations Command has direct control over the Marine Unit, which at the time was run by Chief John Esposito. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNYs Fire Officers Management Institute, and has a Masters Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Photos: Thomas J. Richardson, Chief of Department John J. Hodgens as Chief of Fire Operations. 1 is the oldest special operations firefighters in modern firefighting history. It also helps create the foundation for regional training facilities, and creates a plug and play model you can be trained the same way by the same people.. Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today appointed Thomas J. Richardson as Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the FDNY, and John J. Hodgens as Chief of Fire Operations. Joe is now battalion chief of rescue operations, a unit of Special Operations Command, which his father led at the time of his death. FDNY Info Chief EMS SOC Engine / Ladder BOT Services. 1 was established. Tom Richardson has served our city with valor for four decades. They fight fires, prevent fires, and provide outstanding emergency medical care. "He's battled fires, rescued New Yorkers from life-threatening emergencies, and served as chief of operations and chief of training during his distinguished career. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Special operations are intended to complement conventional firefighting crews by providing specialised expertise and equipment throughout an operation. Hodgens has been cited for bravery twice in his career, including one harrowing rescue of an unconscious person in aLower East Sideapartment building in 1992. CM: Rising to the rank of Chief was way beyond my wildest dreams as a career goal. Then, in 2012, he was promoted to deputy chief and served as the division commander of Division 8 and was responsible for fire companies assigned toBrooklynandStaten Island. 1 was established. "Each day, our firefighters perform incredible acts of bravery battling fires, providing emergency medical care, responding to dangerous incidents, and carrying out elaborate rescues," said Hodgens. Malcolm Moore appointed Chief of Special Operations, Charles R. Downey appointed Chief of the Fire Academy. Even at the FDNY, it can be challenging to have people available where they are needed. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) 25 Special Operations Command (SOC) Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) would be doing their share of the work during and in the aftermath of Hurricane. In 2006, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 38, where he and Chief Richardson served together for five years. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Despite the challenges of operating in an urban environment, FDNY supports their responders from the air. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003 and assigned to Battalion 49 and Ladder Company 136 in Queens. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. The Special Operations Battalion, also known as the Rescue Battalion, oversees the operations of all of the FDNY's Special Units, many of which are located at the SOC Division, while others are quartered at firehouses throughout the city, such as the Collapse Rescue Units. Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. ACCEPT, Want to learn more about the drone industry? He was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2019, serving in Division 13 in Queens and in the Rescue Battalion. FDNY Uniformed Members Assigned to Fire Companies and Special Operations Units Report 2022 (Local Law 118) (PDF) Fire Pension Reports Fire Pension Fund Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (FY 2022) (PDF) Fire Pension Fund Combining Financial Statements and Supplementary Information (2022) (PDF) Life Insurance Fund Annual Statement (2022) (PDF) The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Special Operations Command (SOC) Location: 16 Hooper Street, Brooklyn (Engine 211/Ladder 119) . He has been cited for bravery twice in his career. Firefighter Candidates met with our members last week to learn about the next steps in the hiring process. He will oversee the Departments 16,000 uniformed Firefighters and EMS personnel and four major agency Bureaus: Fire Operations, EMS Operations, Training, and Fire Prevention. 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Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Firefighter Melissa Bennett. We really encourage people to come up and talk to us, says Mike Wall. The FDNY Foundation is the official non-profit organization of the New York City Fire Department. Chief Hodgens joined the Department in 1986, and his first assignment was at Ladder 11 in Manhattan. Hes battled fires, rescued New Yorkers from life-threatening emergencies, and served as Chief of Operations and Chief of Training during his distinguished career, said Fire Commissioner Nigro. His first assignment was at Engine Company 227 in Brooklyn, and he later worked at Ladder Company 102 and Rescue Company 2, also in Brooklyn. Patti Murphy is host and producer of the Leadership Under Fire: Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. Chief Downey was the commanding officer of FDNY Special Operations Command, placing him in harm's way while helping others escape from the fire and collapse scene of the World Trade Center. At that incident, Firefighter Richardson was lowered by his lifesaving rope from the roof of a three-story brownstone on Monroe Street and rescued the teenager who was trapped by a fire. Chief Downey's phenomenal 39-year career with the FDNY was built upon success after success and rescue after rescue. Our members are out there each and every day, focused on our mission of saving lives and protecting the citizens of this great city. On At that rank, you lose the ability to physically impact the outcome of operations, however, the role of Chief allows you to have a larger impact when it comes to strategy and decision-making. If we all work to a standard, were all going to work the same -and we can work together seamlessly, points out Kevin OMalley. FDNY pilots then go through a 5-day training course, which starts with basic UAS knowledge and an ability assessment that uses NIST standards, and moves through mission planning, interior flight, close quarters flight, live fire scenarios, thermal imaging and more. . He was promoted again in 1994 and served as the Captain of Engine 234 in Crown Heights and later of Squad 270 in Queens. In addition, Malcolm Moore was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and was appointed Chief of Special Operations and Charles R. Downey was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and appointed Chief of the Fire Academy. He succeeds former Chief of Department John Sudnik, who is moving to an administrative role within the Department after 35 years of service within the uniformed ranks. Chief Downey was one of the 343 members of the FDNY who made the Supreme Sacrifice on 9/11 and left behind a legacy . Captain Lou Andrade, FDNY Engine 69 & 320 (Ret.) account for this agency run by New York City government. Later, other fire departments began to refer to their special operations units as "special operations" units. [2][8][9], According to the NFPA, special operations are a major service component of a fire department. FDNY is an equal opportunity employer. The National Fire Protection Association's Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments (NFPA 1710) defines special operations as "Those emergency incidents to which the fire department responds that require specific and advanced training and specialized tools and equipment". Chief of the New York City Fire Department, was created to tackle this task. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and assigned to Squad Company 41 in the South Bronx. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and worked Division 13 in Queens and in the Special Operations Command; in 2005 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served in Battalion 13 and later Battalion 11 in Manhattan. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. In 2006, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 38, where he and Chief Richardson served together for five years. In 2012, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and served as the Division Commander of Division 8, responsible for fire companies assigned to Staten Island and Brooklyn. FDNY Chief of Department Thomas J. Richardson said, I am honored Commissioner Nigro has selected me to serve as the 37th Chief of Department. You can go so long without an incident that you get a false sense of security, he says. During my career in the FDNY I have witnessed remarkable acts of sacrifice, compassion, heroism, and above all else, bravery, by the members of our great Department. Were looking to hire someone at about the 10 years of service mark these people have grown up with technology, says Wall, but they know how the department works, they know whats expected. Five years later, he was promoted to Captain and worked in the 8th Division on Staten Island, later becoming the officer in charge of Ladder Company 87 in Eltingville. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. We also know were going to have that person around for another 10-15 years., Developing a Training Program: What Micro Training Means for First Response, The team considers a Part 107 certification as a pre-requisite: the first thing prospective members can do to demonstrate interest. During my career in the FDNY I have witnessed remarkable acts of sacrifice, compassion, heroism, and above all else, bravery, by the members of our great Department. Joseph Ostapiuk Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. They are highly trained firefighters that do technical rescue operations. But in New York, were dealing with GPS multi-pathing, obstructed sky, wind there are so many issues that can lead to a fly-away. The FDNY's Special Operations Command has direct control over the Marine Unit, which at the time was run by Chief John Esposito. They are special operations firefighters that serve as wildland firefighters and as a disaster response squad.[11]. Special Operations Command 750 Main St. Roosevelt Island. He received his undergraduate degree at SUNY Empire State College. Richardson joined theFDNYin 1980 and was first assigned toEngine Co.227 inBrooklyn. I am truly honored and humbled to lead them as their Chief., Each day, our Firefighters perform incredible acts of bravery battling fires, providing emergency medical care, responding to dangerous incidents, and carrying out elaborate rescues, said Chief Hodgens. Chief Richardson joined the FDNY in 1980. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 96. He has also attended both the FDNYs Advanced Leadership Course (2015), the Fire Officers Management Institute (2009), and the Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point in 2006. As a Firefighter, he was also assigned to Ladder Company 176 in Brooklyn and Rescue Company 4 in Queens. About Chief of the Fire Academy Charles R. DowneyChief Downey is a 32-year veteran of the Department. 2010, the three-year Strategic Plan for the FDNY's Special Operations Command (SOC) and the Borough Commands of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island will be published. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Chief Raymond Downey was a highly decorated member of the Department and an expert in technical rescue. "I am honored Commissioner Nigro has selected me to serve as the 37th chief of department," said Richardson. Chief Downey was one of the 343 members of the FDNY who made the Supreme Sacrifice on 9/11 and left behind a legacy that continues to profoundly shape the Departments special operations capability set as well as other fire departments across the country. As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Hodgens will oversee the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 Firefighters, Fire Officers and Chiefs. He was awarded the Emerald Society Medal for his heroic actions. Fire Department, City of New York. Get the latest laws governing fire safety requirements in New York City. He succeeds former Chief of Department Thomas Richardson, who retired earlier this year after 40 years of service. The Rescue Company No. [3][4][5], The construction of high-rise structures was growing in the 1930s. Chief Downey was one of the 343 members of the FDNY who made the . City of New York. About Chief of Operations John M. Esposito Chief Esposito is a 31-year veteran who has most recently served as Chief of Special Operations Command, where his responsibilities included leading Rescue and Hazardous Material Operations. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Chief Downey was the commanding officer of FDNY Special Operations Command, placing him in harms way while helping others escape from the fire and collapse scene of the World Trade Center. Rescue Services . His first assignment was at Engine 227 in Brooklyn, and he later worked at Ladder 102 and Rescue 2. Reference ID. In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast, and the one to follow, werehonored to share the story of Deputy Chief Ray Downeys devotion to his family, his faith and his beloved FDNY compliments of the insight of his wife of 41 years, his sons and his former firefighters who were inspired and influenced by his leadership, service, and courage. The FDNY's Special Operations Command has direct control over the Marine Unit, which at the time was run by Chief John Esposito. Chief Richardson is a 2010 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies. During that time, their work description included "performing civilian and firefighter rescues at structural fires as well as operating at "odd jobs"". [7], The term "Fire Service Special Operations" was coined in 1990, when the FDNY unified all of its rescue companies, squad companies, marine units, TAC units (now known as FDNY Special Response Units), and HAZMAT units under one command. Lexipol. Each fire service department has its own types of special operations firefighters. He will also oversee the Departments highly trained special units including Hazardous Materials, Marine Operations, Rescue Operations, and the Special Operations Command. Chief of Training DESIGNATION TO CHIEF OF FIRE ACADEMY Deputy Assistant Chief Frank A. Leeb From Bureau of Training To Chief of Fire Academy TO DEPUTY CHIEF Battalion Chief Kevin Murphy Kenneth J. Scanlon Anthony M. Saccavino Michael G. Woods Mark R. Meihoefer Michael G. Brown James E. Tracy From Battalion 13 19 10 19 He has been cited for bravery twice in his career, including the rescue of an unconscious occupant from a fire in a Lower East Side apartment building in 1992 as a Firefighter in Ladder 11. In 2017, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and named Chief of Special Operations Command. 2022 Journal of Emergency Medical Services Conference and Expo, Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaghs Executive Officer, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2022, Auto Mechanic (Diesel) and Automotive Service Worker, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Training, Chief of EMS Operations Lillian Bonsignore, CPAT Training Program/Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program Information Sessions, FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety, FDNY Fire and Emergency Medical Services Program, FDNY First-Ever All Women Staffed Engine Company, FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety, FDNY Youth Workforce and Pipeline Programs, Fire Protection Inspector Exam Filing Period, Firefighter Exam #7001 Information Session, Probationary Emergency Medical Technician, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program, Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Firefighter Cameron Peek, Rescue 2 Firefighter Named as Head Coach of Bravest Football Team, Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Firefighter Melissa Bennett. In a presentation at the National Public Safety UAS Conference, the team discussed the lessons theyve learned from building a drone program and flying in NYC. StackPath. Now, its wheres my drone? We just started flying when we delivered the data, it was the data that sold members on the drones.. FDNY Bravest Baseball's 2023 season is currently underway. ", These four veteran Chiefs are true forward-looking and innovative leaders, who bring tremendous dedication, integrity and professionalism to their new roles in our Department, said Acting Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. Lexipol. Rich served in the following roles along the path of an extensive career of service: Chief Richardson joined the FDNY in 1980. Kavanagh named Esposito as Blatus' replacement a month after . Hodgens got his start in theFDNYin 1986, when he was first assigned toLadder Co.11 inManhattan. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). "NFPA 1710: Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments", "Rescue Company 1 - Fire Department - City of Cambridge, Massachusetts", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special_operations_firefighter&oldid=1152291501, This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 10:05. In his new role as chief of department, Richardson will oversee 16,000 uniformed firefighters and EMS personnel. @FDNY. Together, their leadership will ensure the safety of the more than 8 million New Yorkers our Department is sworn to protect, and the members of the FDNY who bravely serve our city each day., I am honored Commissioner Nigro has selected me to serve as the 37th Chief of Department, said Chief Richardson. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. A Special operations firefighter, also known as Fire Service Special Operations, is a specialist firefighter who has been specially trained to execute tasks other than standard firefighting operations. He will also oversee theDepartments highly trained special units including Hazardous Materials, Marine Operations, Rescue Operations, and Specialized Operations Command. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Chief Downey joined the Department in 1990, and his first assignment was at Engine Company 235 in Brooklyn. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. On Thursday, June 24, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro hosted a swearing - in ceremony where he appointed Thomas J. Richardson as Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the FDNY and John J. Hodgens as FDNY Chief of Fire Operations. It may not display this or other websites correctly. All Rights Reserved. Apr 21. Interior flight helps members get used to stick control, so they can take over if they need to.. He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee. The men and women who serve as FDNY Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics are the gold standard for all first responders. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Rescue 2 Firefighter Named as Head Coach of Bravest Football Team. Michael Wall, Michael Leo, and Kevin OMalley are members of one of the best known public safety departments in the world: FDNY. 1 began as a volunteer fire squad composed of volunteers from the ironworker, elevator man, and mason professions. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. For instance, the FDNY's Squad Companies. 1 transformed into a squad that handles rope rescues as well as underwater search and recovery. On 8 March 1915, Rescue Company No.