FDNY Pro

On Sunday, June 17, 2001—Father’s Day—FDNY members in Queens responded to a telephone alarm reporting a fire in a hardware store at 12-20 Astoria Boulevard. What initially appeared to be a routine cellar fire in a small, two-story commercial occupancy quickly escalated into one of the most tragic fires in FDNY history. At approximately 1447 hours, a powerful explosion tore through the building. The large bearing wall and portions of the roof on the 14th Street side of the building sustained a total collapse, and portions of the front wall collapsed as well. Firefighter Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4 and Firefighter John Downing of Ladder Company 163 were buried in the collapse, and Firefighter Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4 fell through an opening into the cellar and became trapped beneath heavy debris. FDNY members mounted an historic rescue effort to remove the three trapped firefighters. But tragically, all three succumbed to their injuries.As we mark 25 years since the Father’s Day Fire, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone is joined by Assistant Chief Michael Meyers, the FDNY Chief of Training, and Captain Liam Flaherty, the company commander of Rescue Company 2. At the time of the Father’s Day Fire, Captain Flaherty was assigned as a firefighter in Rescue Company 4, and Chief Meyers had recently been promoted from Rescue 4. Together, they discuss this devastating historic fire, the lessons learned from it, and the remarkable resilience of the companies and members that suffered heartbreaking losses.

On May 1, 2024, FDNY members in Brooklyn responded to a fire that would challenge even the department's most experienced fire ground commanders. What would initially appear to be a minor roof fire involving an awning in front of a supermarket, quickly escalated into a serious multiple-alarm fire, ultimately involving five structures and requiring the equivalent of an eight-alarm assignment to bring under control. Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Duggan and FDNY Chief of Special Operations Malcolm Moore join host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone for a conversation.

Fires occurring in duct systems require specific considerations, especially in high-rise buildings. They can spread throughout the duct system to the structure itself, which can lead to a tactically complex operation. These fires can be difficult to extinguish, depending on the extent of the system and the occupancy of the building. FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello returns to the FDNY Pro Podcast to discuss best practices at these type fires.

We revisit conversations from our ninth season, including marking our 100th episode, of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. During the 2024 season, pride and professionalism remains ever-present in FDNY training and operations, and continues to be reflected in the stories and lessons shared here on our podcast. We thank all the members who contributed this season as well as and reaffirm our commitment to offer resources to our peers in public safety and help save lives.

Dr. Tony Shallash has had an extensive career in emergency medicine which gained momentum when, in 1974, he joined the first-ever paramedic class in New York City. Through a pilot program established by Dr. Sheldon Jacobson, the group trained at Jacobi Medical Center and graduated in August of that year. Dr. Shallash discusses his love for emergency medicine, becoming a paramedic, the first paramedic coordinator for New York City EMS, starting medical school in his forties, and finally coming back to the FDNY to work as a physician in the Office of Medical Affairs. Captain Randy Li hosts.

In the early evening hours of August 23, 2023, Lt. Kyle Van Nostrand (Station 44) and Station 39 Rescue Paramedics, Giovanni Cummings and Sharona Hagler, responded to a call for two unconscious pediatric patients who were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. In this episode, they discuss how they confronted this potentially deadly situation, which required immediate action and included a full evacuation of the patients’ four-story apartment building. Captain Randy Li hosts.

In this episode, Chief of Safety Michael Meyers and Deputy Chief James Canty discuss low-intake high-exhaust (LIHE) events that firefighters may encounter on the fireground. They discuss their inherent dangers and strategies to control, prevent and operate safely within them. Captain John Ceriello hosts.