He is a member of FEMA NYTF-1 USAR team. I had a lot of opportunities to see the Firefighters in action and those images stayed with me. He studied at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Columbia Southern University, receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Fire Science and Emergency Management. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. New York Daily News. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. 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. It is a tremendous honor to serve as Chief of Fire Operations, and I look forward to working closely with my fellow leaders in the Department to further advance our lifesaving mission.. Chief Raymond Downey was a highly decorated member of the Department and an expert in technical rescue. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, I cant breathe: Patient dies after 5 Calif. FF-medics violate policy, Chief shares details about Calif. firefighters' strip club scandal, Fla. FF files complaint over photo of chief with 'Hitler-style mustache' giving Nazi salute on duty, Video: 6 DCFEMS members placed on leave after physical fight on scene, Open the tools menu in your browser. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. FDNY is a big city department. If a UAS incident occurs, we may have to prove that we not only met but exceeded the FAA standards and that may be a very difficult thing to do., The FDNY drone program was conceived back in 2014 when a civilian flying a Phantom showed up to a fire and provided footage to the responders. Kavanagh named Esposito as Blatus' replacement a month after . Rescue Company No. 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. Matthew McDermott A terrorist's bomb has just reverberated through a Brooklyn. As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Esposito will oversee the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 firefighters, fire officers and chiefs. JoinFDNY.com: Tell us a little bit about your journey to join the FDNY? This list is only a smattering of the great opportunities , Robert Dahlstrom, CEO and Founder of Apellix, talks about how companys revolutionary drones are making it safer and , AUVSI recently hosted their annual Hill Day, an opportunity for drone industry stakeholders to gather and meet policy , Read or listen to all of the headlines in one place: excerpts from the DRONELIFE drone news of , Drone Enterprises, Manufacturers, and Experts to Participate inElevateUAV Summit by Drone Nerds Drone Nerds Will Host a Drone . 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. New York Sponsors Fly-In To Show How Drones Can be Used to Save Lives, Public Safety Organizations in Major Cities Join Together to Make Drone Programs Work, Firefighting Helicopter Drone Takes First Flight at FAA;s NY Test Site, A Drone and Wearable Sensor Solution Locates Firefighters in a Burning Building: Research from George Mason University, The Southwest is On Fire. These training days are designed to build the skills that the FDNY needs in their unique environment. Members of the FDNY's Special Operations Command Task Force simulate water rescues as they prepare for the worst. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. This is the only. After the 5 day training course, new pilots shadow more experienced flyers until theyre ready to reverse roles, taking the pilot role under the supervision of the more experienced member, The Concept of Micro Training: Future Goals. This process is automatic. JavaScript is disabled. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Finally, says Mike Wall, Self Certification is a challenge that departments should consider carefully. 2023 All Rights Reserved, NYC is a trademark and service mark of the City of New York, FDNY Swearing-In Ceremony for Chief of Department John Hodgens. A Part 107 shows that youve invested in yourself, says Kevin OMalley. Fire CommissionerDaniel NigroappointedJohn Hodgens, a 35-year veteran of theFDNYwith roots onStaten Island, as chief of fire operations. City of New York. "Tom Richardson has served our city with valor for four decades. 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. 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.. He will also oversee theDepartments highly trained special units including Hazardous Materials, Marine Operations, Rescue Operations, and Specialized Operations Command. He has been a NYS & National Fire Service Instructor 1 since 2004 as well as a Deputy Chief Instructor at the Suffolk County Fire Academy. About Chief of Operations John M. EspositoChief 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Micro-training is small and focused drills that cover specific use cases that are unique to your departments area of operation., [Micro training] helps create standardization in specific UAS operations if youre very good at marine operations, help develop those standards. They are subject matter experts in urban operations: from the wind tunnels in Manhattan to dealing with traffic. On 8 March 1915, Rescue Company No. City of New York. Meet the new Head Coach of the FDNY Bravest Football Team Firefighter [] Read more. While they look at every candidate individually, in general, theyre looking for experienced firefighters rather than experienced drone pilots. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Kavanagh named Esposito as Blatus' replacement a month after . In the beginning of 2003, both the members of the POC and Fire Department Bureau Heads were . 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. 1 is the oldest special operations firefighters in modern firefighting history. Swearing in Ceremony for FDNY Chief of Department John J. Hodgens and FDNY Chief of Operations John M. Esposito | Flickr. [6] Later, more units with various specialisations were established. Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Firefighter Melissa Bennett. This website uses cookies and third party services. Get the latest laws governing fire safety requirements in New York City. Chief of the New York City Fire Department, was created to tackle this task. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Joe is now battalion chief of rescue operations, a unit of Special Operations Command, which his father led at the time of his death. 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. As Chief of Special Operations, he will oversee the Departments highly trained special units including Hazardous Materials, Marine Operations and Rescue Operations. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When you make a donation or purchase here, you are making New York City safer. Chief Downeys father, Deputy Chief Raymond Downey had a 39 year career and was the Chief in Charge of Special Operations Command when he made the Supreme Sacrifice at the World Trade Center on September 11th. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community CM: Im never sure about calling myself a role model, but if my presence on the street inspires an onlooker to want to be a part of the greatest job on the planet, then Ive more than served my purpose. Fire Department, City of New York. We really encourage people to come up and talk to us, says Mike Wall. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Our members are out there each and every day, focused on our mission of saving lives and protecting the citizens of this great city. When we first started, wed tell people the drones had arrived and theyd tell us to get the toys out of there,says Mike Wall. Capt. 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). Battalion Chief Tom Martin, FDNY Battalion 3 (Ret.) 2023 All Rights Reserved, NYC is a trademark and service mark of the City of New York, Join us for the Swearing-In Ceremony for Chief of Department Thomas J. Richardson and John J. Hodgens as Chief of Fire Operations, Thomas J. Richardson, Chief of Department, John J. Hodgens as Chief of Fire Operations. 1 transformed into a squad that handles rope rescues as well as underwater search and recovery. In 2004, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 50 in Queens. As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Hodgens will oversee the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 Firefighters, Fire Officers and Chiefs. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies. He has been cited for bravery six times in his career, including for the rescue of a 15-year-old boy from a fire in Brooklyn on January 10, 1989. Depending on the squads and the fire department, the special operations firefighters may or may not be involved in firefighting operations. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003 and assigned to Battalion 49 and Ladder Company 136 in Queens. Chief Richardson joined the FDNY in 1980. [3][4][5], The construction of high-rise structures was growing in the 1930s. He has been cited for bravery twice in his career. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Special Operations Command (SOC) Location: 16 Hooper Street, Brooklyn (Engine 211/Ladder 119) . [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. They are special operations firefighters that serve as wildland firefighters and as a disaster response squad.[11]. Welcome to the Page for Special Operations Command Units. Chief Charles Downeys brother, Joseph Downey, is a 37-year veteran and the Battalion Commander of the FDNY Rescue Battalion. Lexipol. 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. Additionally, he will be responsible for four major bureaus: Fire Operations, EMS Operations, Training and Fire Prevention. 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. 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. We choose people based on personality and interest, not experience, says Mike Wall. While he was held in high regard by members of the Department and emergency response agencies worldwide, he led a humble life, extremely devoted to the mission and members of the Department. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. "New Yorkers owe these leaders a debt of gratitude for their service to our city and I extend my congratulations to all on them on their new appointments. Our ranks are filled with incredibly dedicated and brave men and women who serve as Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, and Fire Inspectors. Office of the Chief Fire Marshal Location: 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn . All Rights Reserved. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The conference consists of workshops, lectures, panel discussions, hands . 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 Esposito joined the Department in 1991, and his first assignment was Engine Company 324 in Queens. Special operations are intended to complement conventional firefighting crews by providing specialised expertise and equipment throughout an operation. Later, other fire departments began to refer to their special operations units as "special operations" units. 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. ACCEPT, Want to learn more about the drone industry? Battalion Chief Malcolm Moore On this final day of Black History Month, we have a very special story for you. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and assigned to Squad Company 41 in the South Bronx. 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. IP . Copyright 2023 The Rescue Company No. In September of 2000, he was promoted to Battalion Chief. 1 began as a volunteer fire squad composed of volunteers from the ironworker, elevator man, and mason professions. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. 5. "They will provide the exceptional leadership needed as we begin this new era.". 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. 1 was established. "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.". In 2019, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and was assigned to Division 15 in Brooklyn. The command is known as the "Special Operations Command". In 2006, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 38, where he and Chief Richardson served together for five years. Old Chief EMS SOC Engine / Ladder BOT Services. The first responders compete in both the Zorilla Baseball League in Brooklyn and the Stan Musial Baseball League on Long Island. They are highly trained firefighters that do technical rescue operations. He received his undergraduate degree at SUNY Empire State College. They are special operations firefighters who respond to fires but are also called in for high angle, collapse, confined space, subway, and hazardous material emergencies. Special operations firefighters are intended to complement regular fire engine crews. He was promoted again in 1994 and served as the Captain of Engine Company 234 in Crown Heights and later of Squad Company 270 in Queens. CM: Rising to the rank of Chief was way beyond my wildest dreams as a career goal. 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. Richardson joined theFDNYin 1980 and was first assigned toEngine Co.227 inBrooklyn. "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. 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. Ideally, says Mike Wall, they could pass the basic training burden off to a third party and focus on micro training, developing the skills necessary for daily operations in NYC. Home | Bronx | Brooklyn | Manhattan | Queens | Staten Island | Special Units | Other States | PICs for Sale | Links. His father,John J. Hodgens Sr., also rose to the rank of chief and retired in 1997 after 32 years of service. You must log in or register to reply here. They have bravely served our city every day of their careers and in these new critical leadership positions they will continue to set an extraordinary example for those in their command., I am incredibly honored and humbled to serve as the 38th Chief of Department of the worlds greatest Fire Department, said Chief Hodgens. In 1990, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in Battalion 16 in Harlem for a year before returning to Brooklyn when he was assigned to Engine 235. JoinFDNY at February 24, 2021. 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 men and women of the FDNY serve New Yorkers tirelessly every single day and I have tremendous confidence that these four chiefs, all veterans of the department, will continue to lead with dedication, integrity, and bravery," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. 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. It is the honor of a lifetime to lead them, and I look forward to preparing this Department for new and complex challenges., For three decades I have served with the brave men and women in this Department learning from veteran Firefighters and leading outstanding companies across the city, as they bravely fought fires and performed complex, technical rescues, said Chief of Operations John M. Esposito. Chief Hodgens joined the Department in 1986, and his first assignment was at Ladder Company 11 in Manhattan. Patti Murphy is host and producer of the Leadership Under Fire: Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. You can become convinced that youre doing everything right. Wall points out that departments have to constantly look at their procedures to ensure that they are working safely and efficiently. 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. ", 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. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. The FDNY Foundation congratulates Chief Richardson and Chief Hodgens and we wish them both the best of luck in their new roles! They fight fires, prevent fires, and provide outstanding emergency medical care. If youre good at urban operations, work on that. Richardson was promoted to battalion chief in September of 2000, theFDNYsaid. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. "On behalf of all New York City Firefighters, we would like to congratulateChief Richardsonand Hodgens for their appointment to the two highest ranking uniformed positions in the department," saidAndrew Ansbro, president of theFDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association. Chief Hodgens joined the Department in 1986, and his first assignment was at Ladder Company 11 in Manhattan. 7. About Chief of Department John J. HodgensChief Hodgens is a 36-year veteran who has most recently served as Chief of Fire Operations. The explosion was caused by natural gas, marking the beginning of HAZMAT operations. You can stay in your lane and focus on the training that you need and develop subject matter experts. He is an instructor with the FDNY Special Operations Command Technical Rescue School and FDNY dive rescue instructor. About Chief of Special Operations Malcolm MooreChief Moore is a 26-year veteran of the Department. During that time, their work description included "performing civilian and firefighter rescues at structural fires as well as operating at "odd jobs"". account for this agency run by New York City government. In 2006, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 38, where he and Chief Richardson served together for five years. The men and women who serve as FDNY Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics are the gold standard for all first responders. 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". Micro Training could be a model that leverages the skill sets of departments around the country. In 2017, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and named Chief of Special Operations Command. Today, the FDNY Rescue Companies are now responsible for missions such as rope rescue, urban search and rescue, trench rescue, fire and explosion rescue, and elevator rescue. 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. The HAZMAT squad, for example, is responsible for managing hazardous materials as well as fighting fires caused by hazardous materials. HOME USA Europe Autre Contact Liens. All rights reserved. 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 157 in Flatbush. 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. Tom Richardson has served our city with valor for four decades. In the United States, for example, the types vary from one fire department to another. "Firefighters have a dangerous job in always-increasingly challenging conditions, and we look forward to continuing the open line of communication with the new Chief of Department and Chief of Operations, who will lead the greatestFire Departmentin the world, for the safety of the greatest city in the world," added Ansbro. As a Firefighter, he was also assigned to Engine Company 47 and Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. Introduction Dr. Rich Rotanz is president of the Emergency Management consulting firm, Rotanz & Associates, an adviser to maritime engineering company, Sea-Away, and Chief Advisory Officer with Maptelligent. Chief Richardson joined the FDNY in 1980. Michael Leo is the director of the FDNY Special Operations Command Robotics division, Mike Wall and Kevin OMalley are veteran FDNY firefighters and UAS pilots. Captain Rex Morris, FDNY Captain Rescue Operations Deputy Assistant Chief Bill Siegel, FDNY Special Operations Command (Ret.) He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNYs Fire Officers Management Institute, the FDNYs Mental Performance Initiative, and the Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point. The FDNY's Special Operations Command has direct control over the Marine Unit, which at the time was run by Chief John Esposito. Michael Wall, Michael Leo, and Kevin OMalley are members of one of the best known public safety departments in the world: FDNY. Chief Hodgens is a 36-year veteran who has most recently served as Chief of Fire Operations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. NYC also has over 560 miles of coastline, making maritime operations a key focus. Despite the challenges of operating in an urban environment, FDNY supports their responders from the air. Chief Richardsons appointment is effective immediately. Pheonix Fire Department Will Fly Skydio Drones to Help Manage an Early – and Intense- Season, The Next Generation of Drone Pilots is Already in Training, The Biggest Name in Drone Racing is Collaborating on Commercial Training, Drone Training Firm Reaches Out to Police, Report Challenges FAA 'Near Miss' Drone Claims, Week of May 1 7: Drone Industry Podcasts, Webinars, and Events, Apellix on the Drone Radio Show Podcast: Robotics Platforms for Painting, Coating, Cleaning and More, AUVSI Hill Day 2023: An Inside View of the Policies, Priorities, and Problems Under Discussion (DRONELIFE Exclusive), Drone News of the Week, April 28: DRONELIFE Headlines, All in One Place to Read or Listen, Drone Nerds Hosts ElevateUAV Summit this Summer: the Drone Tech Industry Conference You Wont Want to Miss, CrewID: Giving Drone Teams the Identification and Access They Need, DroneUp and Elsight Halo: Connectivity for Large Scale Drone Delivery, Global Mapper Mobile: New GNSS Device Support, HiTec New Servo Actuator Gives the Precision Required for Commercial and Military-Grade Fixed Wing Drones, Top Tips to Implement an Enterprise Drone Program: From the Experts at DroneNerds. 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. "It is a tremendous honor to serve as chief of fire operations, and I look forward to working closely with my fellow leaders in the department to further advance our lifesaving mission.". 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. In 1990, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in Battalion 16 in Harlem for a year before returning to Brooklyn when he was assigned to Engine Company 235 in Bedford Stuyvesant. 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.