On Friday, Oct. 16, the FDNY Phoenix Society hosted its annual scholarship dinner in Queens, bringing together members, families and supporters for an evening of celebration, remembrance and community. This year's event honored 25 years of remembrance since September 11th and celebrated the organization's continued commitment to supporting future generations through education and scholarship opportunities. Congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our 2026 FDNY Open House Weekend! 🚒 🚑 We opened the doors to more than 200 firehouses and EMS stations across New York City, and we hope you enjoyed meeting our members, learning about fire and life safety, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the FDNY.

In response to a fatal fire on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 308 West 49th Street in Manhattan, the FDNY's Fire Safety Education Unit is in the neighborhood sharing lifesaving information in front of the Starbucks located at 776 Eighth Avenue. Members will be there until 2 p.m.

Just before 5:45 p.m. Saturday, the FDNY responded to a fire in a vacant warehouse at 6581 Hylan Boulevard on Staten Island. "Upon arrival, units encountered heavy fire throughout the building and immediately went into a defensive operation," Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said. "We set up multiple large-caliber stream tower ladders and handlines." It went to a fourth-alarm assignment with over 200 fire and EMS personnel responding. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. The fire was placed under control at about 8:30 p.m., and the cause remains under investigation by FDNY Fire Marshals.

Gone but not forgotten. Chief of Department John Esposito and FDNY members gathered Saturday for a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire. On Oct. 17, 1966, a 5-alarm fire that began in a storage area of the Wonder Drug Store at 23rd Street and Broadway in Manhattan led to the collapse of the building's ground floor. Twelve members, representing nearly every rank from deputy chief to probationary firefighter, made the Supreme Sacrifice that day. It was the greatest loss of life in FDNY history before the September 11th attacks. The FDNY will Never Forget Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly and Firefighter William F. McCarron of Division 3; Battalion Chief Walter J. Higgins of Battalion 7; Lieutenant Joseph Priore, Firefighters James V. Galanaugh, Joseph Kelly, Daniel L. Rey and Bernard A. Tepper of Engine Company 18; and Lieutenant John J. Finley, Firefighters John G. Berry, Rudolph F. Kaminsky and Carl Lee of Ladder Company 7.

In September, University of Iowa Professor Joe Sulentic returned to Engine 55 in Manhattan with more than 20 current and former students to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th. In the aftermath of 9/11, Professor Sulentic and his students raised funds to help the company rebuild and purchase essential items for the firehouse. They continued that tradition this year by raising additional funds for the house and by visiting New York City. During their visit, the group toured the firehouse, met with our members and reflected on a connection that has endured for 25 years. Thank you to Professor Sulentic and his students for their continued generosity and support. #NeverForget

🔥 October is Fire Prevention Month! Take five minutes to check off the FDNY's Top 5 fire safety tips. They can save your life. 🔌 ALWAYS plug large household appliances directly into wall outlets. 🍳 ALWAYS stand by your pan! Never leave cooking food unattended. 🔊 ALWAYS have working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. ⚠️ ALWAYS have an escape plan and practice it. 🔋 ALWAYS charge and store lithium-ion batteries responsibly. Where possible, do so outside. Visit FDNYSmart.org for more fire safety information.

The FDNY was proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Thursday at FDNY Headquarters, recognizing the rich culture, heritage and contributions of Hispanic members across our Department and New York City. Hosted by the FDNY Hispanic Society, the celebration featured an awards presentation honoring several members and musical performances. Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting members across the FDNY who embody this year's theme: "Together, we are more. (Unidos somos más.)" Lizzette Perez-Cruz, Unit Head of the Registrar's Office, plays an important role in supporting the education and professional development of Department members. As an Executive Board Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society, she takes pride in her heritage and the values of family, resilience, hard work and community. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we thank Lizzette for her dedication to empowering fellow FDNY members and fostering a stronger, more united Department.

Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and other FDNY members gathered at the EMS Academy on Wednesday to unveil a new memorial wall honoring the lives, service and sacrifices of fallen FDNY EMS members. The memorial recognizes members who died in the line of duty, those lost to World Trade Center-related illnesses, and members of the Bureau of Training who passed away while actively serving the Department. The project was inspired by Probationary Firefighter Haley Sato, a former EMS Drill Instructor who began her career with the Department at the EMS Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those who inspired her was EMT Idris Bey, her lead instructor, who died from COVID-19. Determined to honor his legacy, Firefighter Sato raised more than $13,000 through the sale of challenge coins in his memory. With the support of Ladder Company 120, FDNY EMS Drill Instructors and the Bureau of Training, her vision of creating a lasting tribute to fallen EMS members became a reality. "This wall is an important reminder of the fallen EMS members who served New York City. Their work was and always will be essential, and their contributions deserve recognition," Commissioner Bonsignore said.

FDNY firehouses and EMS stations across New York City will open their doors to the public Oct. 17-18! Stop by and meet your local first responders, check out their tools and apparatus, and learn more about the work they do every day to keep you safe. Find the FDNY Open House in your neighborhood: nyc.gov/site/fdny/education/…