STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A pair of . 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 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 Downeys leadership, strategic vision and his devout Catholic faith, love for his family, the FDNY and competitive sport continue to inspire fire officers, military leaders, coaches, and citizens today. There are only 14 of us, so we need someone who meshes well with the crew, points out Kevin OMalley. Chief Hodgens joined the Department in 1986, and his first assignment was at Ladder 11 in Manhattan. This page is not available in other languages. [10] Another example is the McKinney Fire Department's TIFMAS squad. Working the Streets Rapid Response Vehicle Operations As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Hodgens will oversee the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 Firefighters, Fire Officers and Chiefs. On the morning of September 11, 2001, 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. Additionally, he will be responsible for four major bureaus: Fire Operations, EMS Operations, Training and Fire Prevention. All Rights Reserved. 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. This circumstance led to the establishment of new rescue squads or companies, not just by the FDNY but also by other fire departments, such as those in Boston. "I am honored Commissioner Nigro has selected me to serve as the 37th chief of department," said Richardson. He was awarded the Emerald Society Medal for his heroic actions. A Part 107 shows that youve invested in yourself, says Kevin OMalley. Special Operations Command - FDNY Smart Special Operations Command Fire isn't just powerfulit's also unpredictable. 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. This website uses cookies and third party services. [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. Aside from special operations, other services include fire suppression, EMS, aircraft rescue and fire fighting, marine rescue and fire fighting, and/or wildland firefighting. I am truly honored and humbled to lead them as their Chief., Chief Hodgens is a 35-year veteran who has most recently served as Assistant Chief of Fire Operations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The HAZMAT squad, for example, is responsible for managing hazardous materials as well as fighting fires caused by hazardous materials. Richardson was promoted to battalion chief in September of 2000, theFDNYsaid. 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. Skills can be learned.. 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. "BothChief Richardsonand Hodgens have exceptional experience and are in-tune to the needs of the Department," saidJake Lemonda, president of theUniformed Fire Officers Association. The men and women who serve as FDNY Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics are the gold standard for all first responders. 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. Fire Marshal Bill Rohr, FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation Lt. Kevin Yoos, FDNY Squad 270 (Ret.) . Meet the new boss: Thomas Richardson named FDNY's new chief of His father,John J. Hodgens Sr., also rose to the rank of chief and retired in 1997 after 32 years of service. All rights reserved. He received his undergraduate degree at SUNY Empire State College. 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 is a big city department. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. He will also oversee theDepartments highly trained special units including Hazardous Materials, Marine Operations, Rescue Operations, and Specialized Operations Command. "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. 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. Chief Downey joined the Department in 1990, and his first assignment was at Engine Company 235 in Brooklyn. Chief Moore: My love for the Fire Department began when I was a young child chasing the fire trucks down the street at my home in Queensbridge and at my grandmas in East New York. Courage Under Fire | KofC.org 5. 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. He succeeds former Chief of Department Thomas Richardson, who retired earlier this year after 40 years of service. 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. 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. High-angle rescue squads are responsible for rescuing people from high places such as high-rise buildings and cable cars, and they are trained in rope rescue techniques. FDNY chief who oversaw fireboat involved in fatal crash forced to He was awarded the Emerald Society Medal for his heroic actions. 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 Company 11. Combined, they possess an incredible 125 years of experience fighting fires, providing medical care, and rescuing New Yorkers from life-threatening emergencies. I hate it, he says. 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. 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). You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and was assigned to Division 15 in Brooklyn and the Special Operations Command. John Hodgens has led by example at every level of our Department and has excelled at our lifesaving mission throughout his 35-year career. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. [3][4][5], The construction of high-rise structures was growing in the 1930s. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. Even at the FDNY, it can be challenging to have people available where they are needed. 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. Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Firefighter Melissa Bennett. 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. Lexipol. Kavanagh named Esposito as Blatus' replacement a month after . "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. 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. In 2006, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 38, where he and Chief Richardson served together for five years. You can go so long without an incident that you get a false sense of security, he says. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. At that incident, Firefighter Richardson was lowered by his lifesaving rope from the roof of a three-story brownstone and rescued the teenager who was trapped by a fire. Also a note of gratitude to those that have engaged with "Chaos" 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. StackPath. Special Operations Command (SOC) Location: 16 Hooper Street, Brooklyn (Engine 211/Ladder 119) . 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. Meet Battalion Chief Malcolm Moore, a 22-year veteran in our Department who serves in our Rescue Operations Battalion on Roosevelt Island as part of our Special Operations Command. Chief Downey was one of the 343 members of the FDNY who made the Supreme Sacrifice on 9/11 and left behind a legacy . 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 1 is the oldest special operations firefighters in modern firefighting history. Tom Richardson has served our city with valor for four decades. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They were joined on stage by representatives from the nine Fire Divisions, five EMS Divisions and the FDNY Special Operations Command, FDNY members from every rank. 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. By clicking OK, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. Leadership Under Fire: Remembering FDNY Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Later, other fire departments began to refer to their special operations units as "special operations" units. Meet the new Head Coach of the FDNY Bravest Football Team Firefighter, Our celebration of Black History Month continues with a spotlight on Squad 8 Firefighter Melissa Bennett, one of the highly-trained first responders in our Special Operations. As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Richardson has overseen the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 Firefighters and fire officers, as well as dozens of high-ranking Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. He retired in 1997 as an Assistant Chief after 32 years of service. In the future, FDNY sees the possibility of having drone stations on boats in the summer, where they already place resources; or throughout the city. "Tom Richardsonhas served our city with valor for four decades," said Nigro. 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. They are subject matter experts in urban operations: from the wind tunnels in Manhattan to dealing with traffic. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. It is a tremendous honor to serve as their Chief of Fire Operations.. 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 September of 2000, he was promoted to Battalion Chief. On You can stay in your lane and focus on the training that you need and develop subject matter experts. Home | Bronx | Brooklyn | Manhattan | Queens | Staten Island | Special Units | Other States | PICs for Sale | Links. You must log in or register to reply here. They understand the needs of FDNY Firefighters, who put their lives and safety on the line to protectNew York'sover eight million residents.". 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. ", "John Hodgenshas led by example at every level of our department and has excelled at our lifesaving mission throughout his 35-year career," added Nigro. Chief Raymond Downey was a highly decorated member of the Department and an expert in technical rescue. FDNY is an equal opportunity employer. Most of the training takes place in public parks. "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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. NYC also has over 560 miles of coastline, making maritime operations a key focus. 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. Manpower is always a challenge there is never enough. In the United States, for example, the types vary from one fire department to another. 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During that time, their work description included "performing civilian and firefighter rescues at structural fires as well as operating at "odd jobs"". 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. FDNY Chief of Fire Operations John J. Hodgens said, Each day, our Firefighters perform incredible acts of bravery, battling fires, providing emergency medical care, responding to dangerous incidents, and carrying out elaborate rescues. FDNY Foundation Congratulates new FDNY Chief of Department Thomas J On 8 March 1915, Rescue Company No. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. 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. 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. Downey, chief of special operations command, was a firefighter for nearly 40 years and was the . Our members are out there each and every day, focused on our mission of saving lives and protecting the citizens of this great city. Joseph Ostapiuk He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee. Richardson joined theFDNYin 1980 and was first assigned toEngine Co.227 inBrooklyn. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". His first assignment was at Engine 227 in Brooklyn, and he later worked at Ladder 102 and Rescue 2. This process is automatic. Safety Battalion Shop : FM 02004 . "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.". FDNY At Ground Zero | Firehouse The Special Operations Command is a team of specialists who help out the regular firefighters in unique or highly critical situations. "Tom Richardson has served our city with valor for four decades. 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. He was awarded the Dr. Albert A. Cinelli Medal for his heroic actions. Micro Training could be a model that leverages the skill sets of departments around the country. 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. Demoted FDNY chiefs: Rift can't be fixed by Kavanagh; mayor needs to He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003 and assigned to Battalion 49 and Ladder Company 136 in Queens. Richardson, the department's chief of fire operations, will be sworn in as the newest chief of department at FDNY headquarters Thursday, replacing current Chief of Department John Sudnik. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. 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. About Chief of Department John J. HodgensChief Hodgens is a 36-year veteran who has most recently served as Chief of Fire Operations. 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. Special Operations Command - FDNY Smart HOME USA Europe Autre Contact Liens. Chief Moore is the first Black man to serve as Chief of Special Operations. 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. 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. Fire Department, City of New York. Michael Wall, Michael Leo, and Kevin OMalley are members of one of the best known public safety departments in the world: FDNY. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Beyond street operations, wearing this white hat also affords you the opportunity, on some level, to be involved in shaping policy for the Department. JavaScript is disabled. FDNY Special Operations Command Task Force run dual terror attack drill New York City (NY) Fire Services - The RadioReference Wiki 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. [1], The roles of special operations firefighters are self-explanatory based on the name of the squad. This position is known as "USAR technician" in the United States. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Captain Rex Morris, FDNY Captain Rescue Operations Deputy Assistant Chief Bill Siegel, FDNY Special Operations Command (Ret.) These training days are designed to build the skills that the FDNY needs in their unique environment. "The men and women from our Bureau of Operations risk their lives and go into harm's way for our city 24 hours a day," said Chief Leonard. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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.. FDNY appoints new department chief, operations chief - FireRescue1 Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh today appointed John J. Hodgens as Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the FDNY, and John M. Esposito as Chief of Fire Operations. 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. Trics Of The Trade: The Rescue/Pumper and the FDNY Squad Concept - Part This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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., To view todays swearing-in ceremony, visit: bit.ly/20210624SwearingIn. He has been cited for bravery twice in his career. this final day of Black History Month, we have a very special story for you. NY, New York City. Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh Appoints John J. Hodgens As 96. It doesnt happen every day, but when those moments come and you land on the plus side of problem solving, it can be truly gratifying.
fdny special operations command chief