History-maker. Chief Michele Fitzsimmons made FDNY history Thursday, becoming the highest-ranking woman in fire operations in the Department's history with her promotion to Deputy Assistant Chief. Her journey to this historic moment has included five promotional exams and more than 25 years of service to the FDNY. "To get to this position, I took a lot of tests, I spent a lot of years studying, and fortunately, I have had a lot of people who have supported me," Chief Fitzsimmons said after the promotion ceremony. "I worked at a lot of great places—a lot of busy firehouses—and I was able to move through the ranks by putting in the hard work and earning it." Chief Fitzsimmons joined the Department in 2001 and currently serves as Chief of the Fire Academy, overseeing training and operations at "The Rock" on Randall's Island. Firefighting runs deep in her family. Her great-grandfather joined the FDNY in 1909. Her grandfather followed in 1932. And her sister joined the Department in 2006. In 2025, Chief Fitzsimmons became the first woman to reach the rank of Deputy Chief in fire operations. Congratulations, Chief, on this well-earned promotion!

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.)" Lieutenant Willie Bedoya, of the FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit, helps bring lifesaving education directly to New Yorkers. His commitment to community preparedness helped launch the Department's "Control the Bleed" program, providing bystanders with the skills and knowledge needed to take action during life-threatening bleeding emergencies. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we thank Lieutenant Bedoya for his service, leadership and continued commitment to keeping New Yorkers prepared and safe.

TRAVEL ADVISORY: Coastal and basement residents, a nor'easter brings strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding to NYC from Friday through Sunday, and the storm has moved closer since this morning. The highest-risk periods are the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides. Preparing now keeps you and your neighbors safe: know your way out, move your car away from streets that flood, and stay out of floodwater. Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 for alerts, and if you live in a basement apartment, sign up at nyc.gov/notify for automated phone calls during flooding.

After six years as a Deputy Chief in Division 1, Chief Kevin Murphy was promoted to the rank of Deputy Assistant Chief on Thursday at a ceremony on Staten Island. He now takes over as the Manhattan Borough Commander. "At the FDNY, we are problem solvers," Chief Murphy said. "We help the people who help people, and to do that on a daily basis is pretty rewarding. It's a tremendous honor being promoted."

Promotion day in the FDNY gives our members a chance to celebrate their achievements, to thank their families for their support, and to look toward shaping the future of our great Department. On Thursday, we promoted a group of fire officers at a ceremony on Staten Island. Leadership in the FDNY means being part of the legacy that is passed on to future generations—something that continues to ring true as the Department recently marked the 25th anniversary since September 11th. As leaders, we are charged with meeting the moment. All of the challenges and obstacles become ours. And when we are given difficult situations and hard days, we always endure. Today, we celebrate the milestone of our newly promoted members. Then they will get back to work doing excellent things, protecting life and property in our great city. Congratulations!

The FDNY promoted members on Thursday at a ceremony at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island, welcoming members into leadership and promoting members to higher ranks. "Some of you are already officers moving on to the next rank with years of experience leading others. Many of you are taking the first step to lieutenant and starting your climb," Chief of Department John Esposito said. "Whether it is your first promotion or your fourth or fifth, leadership is more than a rank or a title. It is a responsibility every time you start a tour to make sure that your members are prepared and to do everything in your power to make sure that every member makes it home safely." The group included promotions to the following ranks: Deputy Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain, Supervising Fire Marshal, Lieutenant and Marine Engineer. The promoted members will be assigned to units across New York City.

In response to a fatal fire on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 1484 Montgomery Avenue in the Bronx, the FDNY's Fire Safety Education Unit is in the neighborhood sharing lifesaving information at 1704 University Avenue. Members will be there until 2 p.m.

FDNY Promotion Ceremony for fire officers nitter.net/i/broadcasts/1AGRnZEYQ…

From running engine operations to assuming incident command, FDNY Captain James Winters reflects on a career shaped by leadership, mentorship and service. As he prepares for promotion to Battalion Chief, Winters looks back on the officers who taught him how to lead, including his father, Lieutenant James Winters of Engine 278, and his brother-in-law, Firefighter Carl Molinaro of Ladder 2, one of seven members of the company who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11th. Winters carries their example with him. He understands that leadership means more than ensuring operational success and the safety of the membership. It also means giving others someone to look up to and aspire to become. On Thursday, Captain Winters will trade in his double-bar collar brass for gold oak leaves—closing one chapter with pride and beginning the next.

At about 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, the FDNY responded to reports of a fire at a six-story building at 1484 Montgomery Avenue in the Bronx. Upon arrival, units encountered a heavy fire condition and began an aggressive interior attack. "During the course of the fire, it spread to an adjoining apartment, two apartments above, and up into the cockloft space, which is the area between the top floor's ceiling and the roof," Deputy Chief Andrew Holzmaier said. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and there were 10 other injuries. Six civilians were hurt, including one critically. Four firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries. About 46 fire and EMS units totaling 140 members responded to the 2-alarm fire. It was placed under control just before 10 a.m. The cause remains under investigation by FDNY Fire Marshals. Additionally, the FDNY's Bureau of Fire Prevention issued several summonses totaling $4,000 and towed a vehicle that was blocking a fire hydrant in front of the fire building. Blocking fire hydrants delays firefighters from getting water on a fire. It is dangerous and ILLEGAL. NEVER block fire hydrants.

First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn and FDNY members welcomed Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to Engine 10/Ladder 10 on Tuesday. The Prime Minister spent time with FDNY members at Ten House, thanking them for their service before joining First Deputy Commissioner Flynn at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. At the reflecting pools, Prime Minister Plenković laid flowers to pay tribute to the 343 FDNY members who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

FDNY officials provide update on fatal 2-alarm fire in the Bronx nitter.net/i/broadcasts/1yKAPwNLr…

1 MONTH AWAY! The 2026 FDNY High Rise Symposium is on the horizon, and you don't want to miss it. Limited availability remains. 🏙️ Secure your spot TODAY: fdnypro.org/high-rise-sympos…

All proceeds benefit the FDNY Foundation, the official nonprofit organization of the FDNY.

Austin wore this specially designed gear in the Yankees game vs. the New York Mets on Sept. 11 at Yankee Stadium. Bid now on your chance to win: yankees.auctions.mlb.com/iSy…. The auction closes at 8PM EST on 9/28.

There is still time left to bid on some FDNY-related baseball memorabilia. The @Yankees, in collaboration with the @FDNY, are auctioning off Yankees catcher Austin Wells’ game-worn catcher's gear to honor the fallen heroes of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.