Video Transcript
Firefighter Casey Chan is Serving the Community that Raised Her
(DESCRIPTION)
A firefighter with a face shield and helmet turns in a hallway with a headlamp as her only light source.
[DEEP BREATHING] (SPEECH)
CASEY CHAN: When I first told my family that I wanted to be a firefighter, they took it a little rough.
(DESCRIPTION)
She peers around darkness through a gas mask.
(SPEECH)
They didn’t love the idea. And they didn’t really know how to react. Seeing me go through Academy, graduate, and really enjoy going to work every day has changed their minds.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, This is a story of a real Firefighter in the FDNY.
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Text, Profiles in Bravery, Casey Chan, E-15. Casey holds the head of a fire hose in full gear.
(SPEECH)
Since I’ve gotten on the job, I got assigned to an area that was close to the area I grew up in.
(DESCRIPTION)
She jogs through a parking lot in an FDNY shirt.
(SPEECH)
One of the most rewarding things about being on this job and working in my community is being able to help people in multiple languages. I think that that is a really big part of being in my community.
(DESCRIPTION)
She and a fellow firefighter walk outside a station house.
(SPEECH)
Going into, honestly, any emergency where somebody who can only speak Cantonese and I try my best– I’m not the greatest at it. But it offers them a little bit of security that they otherwise wouldn’t have had.
(DESCRIPTION)
Enters a building with a fire hose, coming out of bright daylight into a dark corridor.
(SPEECH)
For me growing up, if my parents were in that situation, if we did encounter firefighters or an emergency situation and somebody was able to speak to them, that would have changed everything about it. It’s nice to be able to be that for people.
(DESCRIPTION)
Wind blows her hair as she stands outside a brick building in a heavy jacket. A group of firefighters stow a fire hose on the truck.
(SPEECH)
I really didn’t see firefighters growing up, especially female firefighters. My probie school class graduated 16 women. And that was a really rewarding experience.
(DESCRIPTION)
She walks along the top of the fire truck in her fire jacket.
(SPEECH)
If someone said that they didn’t think that this was something they could do, I would tell them that it absolutely is
(DESCRIPTION)
She and another fireman spray a fire with a hose inside a warehouse.
(SPEECH)
because I have proved it to myself that I’m able to be here and able to do the work. And I have to show other people that it’s possible.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, FDNY. ALL HEROES WELCOME. For more information, visit JoinFDNY.com.
Video Transcript
Firefighter Tyrin Torres Says the Fire Academy Teaches You to Never Give Up
[SIREN] (DESCRIPTION)
Orange flames billow under the trunk of a model car. A firefighter in full protective gear opens the trunk’s lid using a Halligan bar, and orange flames jump out of the trunk. The number 123 is in large white font on a red rectangle at the front of the firefighter’s helmet. The number 8554 is below that in smaller white font.
(SPEECH)
[MUSIC PLAYING] TYRIN TORRES: I grew up in Coney island, Brooklyn, 10 brothers, five sisters, 16 of us, and one apartment. Came up pretty rough.
(DESCRIPTION)
He closes the trunk’s lid using the Halligan bar.
(SPEECH)
I felt like it was my turn. I was running out of options.
(DESCRIPTION)
He turns around and walks away from the car.
Text, this is a story of a real Firefighter in the FDNY.
(SPEECH)
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Text, Profiles in Bravery, Tyrin Torres, L-123. A black and white photo depicts Tyrin about to hit something with his Halligan bar. He stands next to an SUV that has a smashed windshield.
(SPEECH)
You got to be competitive in a household that’s so big. Everything was a competition in the house. Who could do the most push-ups, who could run the fastest.
(DESCRIPTION)
He does some push-ups on a floor.
(SPEECH)
We would get off school, and we lived on the 23rd floor. So we would go from the ground floor, race up to the 23rd floor.
(DESCRIPTION)
He climbs some stairs. Then he uses a treadmill. He wears a dark T-shirt with FDNY printed in white on the back, and a logo on the upper arm. In the next scene, he speaks with a lit FDNY logo on a wall behind him.
(SPEECH)
We used to call my brother Slow Mo because he used to always lose. So his name was Quentin. We called him Slow Mo.
(DESCRIPTION)
He does some chin-ups.
(SPEECH)
I wasn’t the fastest, but I was one of the strongest.
(DESCRIPTION)
He lowers himself and hangs from the bar.
(SPEECH)
Going into public school, I prepared by going into a lot of fat programs, switched up my workout. The things that I was doing was different from the things that I would need to do coming into public school. I wasn’t doing burpees and jumping jacks. I was more just calisthenics, push-ups, pull-ups, and dips.
(DESCRIPTION)
He walks wearing his firefighter suit.
(SPEECH)
When I went there, they told me, if I won a Fitness Award, that I would be able to pick what firehouse I would go to. So I told them, I was like, yeah, I’m going to win the Fitness Award.
(DESCRIPTION)
He strikes an already broken car windshield using his Halligan bar. Another firefighter stands beside him. A firetruck is behind them.
(SPEECH)
When I came to probie school though, and I seen, most of the guys was much younger than me. And I was just like, you know what? I’m not even about to get in competition with these young guys.
But when I went out there to do my baseline push-ups, one of the DIs came to me and told me that 80 was my number to beat. So she flipped on the competition, that competitive nature in me. And that just made me go.
(DESCRIPTION)
He stands and stares down at flickering flames, as rising heat turns the air into a mirage.
(SPEECH)
I won the Fitness Award.
Fitness matters in the fire department because it’s strenuous work.
(DESCRIPTION)
He lifts a large dumbbell to his chin then stands.
(SPEECH)
The elevators might be out. It’s a fire. The fire is on the 30th floor.
(DESCRIPTION)
He climbs a fire escape ladder.
(SPEECH)
You got to get up there and you still got to do your job. There’s still people that need saving up there.
So it’s not just making it to the top floor and being gassed. The brain will tell you that you’re done, but the body still got 50% more to go. You still got a job to do.
(DESCRIPTION)
He reaches the landing of the fire escape. He holds his Halligan bar and enters a room through a window.
(SPEECH)
This is serious work. There’s no time for nobody to be nervous. The person behind that door in that fire, they’re nervous. They don’t have time for you to be nervous. So come in here brave, and come in here ready to work.
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
He stands before the window, and he and the Halligan bar are silhouetted against the blue sky.
Logo, FDNY. Text, ALL HEROES WELCOME. For more information, visit JoinFDNY.com.
Video Transcript
Firefighter Shanah Laroche is Inspiring Future Trailblazer
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Two firefighters walk around the front of a firetruck. One tugs a hose towards a simulated car fire. Another puts on gloves, a gas mask and a helmet with the number 309 above a smaller number 9711.
(SPEECH)
SHANAH LAROCHE: I was in college. I was going for pharmacy tech.
(DESCRIPTION)
The first firefighter aims a stream of water at the back of the car on fire. The second firefighter directs a second stream of water toward the flames.
(SPEECH)
I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was just going for it just to try to get a career. And then when I met Melissa Bennett and went to workouts with her, I got a lot more comfortable.
FDNY was throwing a mobile academy, where we came out Randall’s Island. And they brought us to building one, and they were doing the rescue. So they put the rope around us and we went over the building.
When I tell you, I was like, yup. I could do this every day. [LAUGHS] I was like, this is the job for me. And it was just green light from there.
(DESCRIPTION)
She aims her hose at the flames.
(SPEECH)
I grabbed my sister and was like, we’re going to go through this journey together.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, This is a story of a real Firefighter in the FDNY. Profiles in Bravery. Shanah Laroche, E-309.
(SPEECH)
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
In a black and white photo, she aims a fire hose into the distance. She examines the folded hose in the back of a fire truck as someone else stands behind her.
(SPEECH)
I remember going to certain runs and I would see little Black girls. They’ll see the firefighters at first. And then they’ll look at me and they’ll be like, oh, my gosh. There’s a woman, someone like me.
(DESCRIPTION)
With her helmet off, Shanah looks from side to side.
(SPEECH)
At one point, I heard two little girls running down the street. “Mommy, mommy, there’s a girl firefighter! There’s a girl firefighter!”
And that makes me happy, because I feel like I’m making a difference.
(DESCRIPTION)
Shanah smiles at a fellow firefighter.
(SPEECH)
Seeing that opens up doors for other Haitian female firefighters. And saying that, hey, this is something that I could do myself.
[MUSIC PLAYING] Don’t give up. Keep going. Push yourself.
It’s going to be hard. Just take a second and know that you can do this job like anybody else. You’re putting so much good in this world helping others. This is a non-selfish job. So why wouldn’t you want to do it?
(DESCRIPTION)
She and a second firefighter work together to put out a fire in a darkened smoke-filled room.
[MUSIC PLAYING] (SPEECH)
I feel like I leave home to come home. FDNY is my family. FDNY is my career. FDNY is my life.
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Logo, FDNY. Text, ALL HEROES WELCOME. For more information, visit visit JoinFDNY.com.
Video Transcript
Firefighter Emmanuel Zuaznabar Mentors the Next Generation
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
In a dark room, bright orange flames lap up from a raging fire.
A firefighter pauses as he stands beside a concrete wall to the left of the fire.
(SPEECH)
EMMANUEL ZUAZNABAR: I think the one trait that you should have is grit because you need to be able to push yourself.
(DESCRIPTION)
His helmet displays the number 110 above the smaller number 13950.
(SPEECH)
The moments when your body wants to tell you that you’re done, you’re not. And you have to be able to push past that. So you need grit.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, This is a story of a real firefighter in the FDNY. Profiles in Bravery.
In a black and white photo, Emmanuel Zuaznabar, L-110, climbs a ladder in full firefighting gear.
[MUSIC PLAYING] (SPEECH)
I work in the neighborhood where I spent the majority of my teens here, Fort Greene.
(DESCRIPTION)
He walks down the sidewalk with two other firefighters.
(SPEECH)
Even now, the firehouse that I serve– I told the senior man– I was like, I remember you. I was stuck in the elevator and you pulled me out. And I’m now– I’m that guy.
(DESCRIPTION)
Emmanuel uses the jaws of life on a vehicle.
(SPEECH)
I feel like I’ve been in a lot of situations where I can inspire kids, where we’ve come on a run and the kid asked me to shoot a basketball in the projects. They have a basketball hoop. He’s like, hey, shoot for me real quick, firefighter. And I was like, yeah. I stand to the side. I take a shot. I miss. But it still motivates him just that the community hangs out with them. And that was a big part of me getting in.
(DESCRIPTION)
He examines the exterior of a firetruck.
(SPEECH)
Firefighters around my neighborhood always spoke to me, spared some time if I had questions for them, made jokes about them cooking, can I come over. And now I’m that same guy in the supermarket.
(DESCRIPTION)
Emmanuel smiles as he stands in front of a large bridge. He speaks and points at an unseen object.
(SPEECH)
My first fire, getting on the rig, it’s a high-adrenaline situation. Now it’s real. You get out of probie school. And the tones for a fire come out. And your adrenaline is pumping. And your fingers are shaking.
I dressed up. I get on the rig. And I feel like something’s missing. And I’m fumbling. There’s nothing wrong with my uniform. But in my head, I feel like there’s something– like I’m not prepared.
But then I look across. And the guy said, breathe. I took two seconds. And I remembered– it sounds corny to some people. But all you have to do is take that second to breathe. I stopped, looked at myself, realized I’m good. And we pulled up to the building. I looked up. And I did my job.
(DESCRIPTION)
Logo, FDNY. Text, ALL HEROES WELCOME. For more information, visit JoinFDNY.com.
Video Transcript
Firefighters were Manuel Zuaznabar’s Role Models, Now He Gets to Be One, Too
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
A firefighter in full gear emerges from the darkness as a flame blasts overhead and casts light down onto them.
(SPEECH)
MANUEL ZUAZNABAR: My mother and father are both immigrants. My dad came from Santo Domingo. My mom came from Havana, Cuba. So we’re first generation.
(DESCRIPTION)
The firefighter stands still and looks long into the distance as the pulsing flame illuminates their face.
(SPEECH)
It was eight of us in the household, so we were just raised in the house. It was packed all the time. My sister was a second mom, surviving in New York.
I was inspired to be a firefighter just growing up in my neighborhood. They was always around saving people. I was in a poor neighborhood, so they used to do events to help us out. They actually had an event in the park, and I signed up from there.
And
(DESCRIPTION)
A firefighter addresses us.
(SPEECH)
I went to tutorial sessions. I went to the fitness awareness program. I went to CPAT sessions, a mentor barbecue. I actually– I had a mentor getting on to the job, and now I’m a mentor myself. So it’s all been given back to me.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, this is a story of a real firefighter in the FDNY. Profiles in bravery. Manuel Zuaznabar, L 123.
(SPEECH)[MUSIC PLAYING]
I have a twin brother. His name is Emmanuel Zuaznabar . We came on the same time. We went to probie school together. I used to wake up in the morning, knock on his door to tell him to hurry up so we could make it on time. We trained, we studied, and then we passed together.
(DESCRIPTION)
Video of the two brothers standing in front of a fire engine beside another colleague, all in gear.
(SPEECH)
The best thing was having him in the academy with me because, one, the competitiveness. If he could do it, I could do it. On our medical day, we had the Stairmaster, and I didn’t get off that Stairmaster because I saw him still on it. So I said if he could do it, I could do it.
And it was vice versa because if I saw that he was about to fail, I was going to push him through. If I carry him on my back, he would have made it through that academy no matter what.
New York is a melting pot of culture, and if you’re serving a community, you should represent that community. Growing up, when I saw a Spanish firefighter, that inspired me, like if he could do it, I can do it. Or you go to an accident and you see somebody who seems like you, you feel more comfortable, you feel more safe, you feel like they have your best interests at heart, and that’s why we need something like that.
(DESCRIPTION)
The firefighter climbs a black staircase on the outside of a New York building.
(SPEECH)
We need to know that the fire department is open to everybody in the city and we want everybody in the city to join. I feel like my job makes a difference, and it helps people and then motivates others. A kid sees me every kid who ever seen a firefighter, they come in, they want to go in the truck. They want to touch the tools. So you have somebody role model without them even knowing who you are, and that’s probably the best enjoyable part for me.
I was raised in Brownsville. I’m in Crown Heights now, and I’m actually serving the Crown Heights community. My firehouse is four blocks from my house. So anytime I respond to a first due fire in my neighborhood, it’s in my neighborhood by my house. I’ll go jogging in the park and people stop me, hey, don’t know you remember me. I had the fire in my AC. Thank you so much. Or, hey, I had a fire in the laundromat.
It’s great. Everybody in the neighborhood knows me. Everybody knows what we do. And they’re happy to see a diverse firehouse. They’re happy to see people that represents the community.
I want to help people. I want to give back to the city that made me. Heck, I was born and raised in New York. It taught me so many things, and I want to give back.
[MUSIC PLAYING](DESCRIPTION)
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Video Transcript
Firefighter Destini Torres is Breaking the Mold
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Flames rise up from a vehicle fire as a firefighter sprays down the truck with a fire hose.
(SPEECH)[WATER SPRAYING]
(DESCRIPTION)
She wears a face mask and full uniform.
(SPEECH)
DESTINI TORRES: Most people think firefighters are usually, like, 6 foot plus men. I don’t fit that description.
(DESCRIPTION)
She and another firefighter aim the hose together.
(SPEECH)
Being smaller, being a woman, I don’t want anyone to do anything for me. I can do this myself too. And so it is a very physical, demanding job. It’s just figuring out what works for your body type.
(DESCRIPTION)
The flames send ripples of heat up into the sky. Text: This is a story of a real firefighter in the FDNY. Profiles in Bravery. Destini Torres, E-4.
(SPEECH)[UPLIFTING MUSIC]
(DESCRIPTION)
Destini aims the fore hose as another person stands behind her and supports its weight.
(SPEECH)
Other people have their perceptions of me being smaller. So I have to have that reinforcement for myself. I don’t want to go into the mindset of I can’t do something because then I’m already failing because I’m coming from a place of I don’t even believe in myself.
I would joke around, you know, eh, I’m short, or whatever. Aha. Like, we all know. It’s not– it’s a fact. One of the firefighters was like, well, you’re the person I’m going to be calling if I need to go into a small space. There’s a job for everyone out there.
(DESCRIPTION)
She climbs into the back of the firetruck.
(SPEECH)
I feel like anyone can do it if they have the drive and support to do it. Anything on this job, no matter your body type, is figuring out what works for you and how to do the job and get the job done. That’s the biggest message for me to anyone is, if you want to do this, then you have to put in the work.
(DESCRIPTION)
She bears her last name Torres on the back of her jacket.
(SPEECH)
It’s all about what kind of message and conversation you’re having with yourself. The biggest thing is the drive and the motivation to get there.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text: FDNY, All heroes welcome.
For more information, visit join FDNY dot com.
Video Transcript
Firefighter Constance Fripp Says This Job Brings Out Who You’re Meant to Be.
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
The face of firefighter Constance Fripp is reflected in the rear view mirror on the fire engine. She stares thoughtfully into the distance and then retreats back into the darkness of the cabin.
(SPEECH)
CONSTANCE FRIPP: Are you the type of person that is willing to give up yourself for somebody else? Because that’s the biggest part of this job, is making sure that, you know, becoming a New York City firefighter means giving of yourself beyond everything else.
(DESCRIPTION)
She puts her hands on the wheel. Text: this is a story of a real firefighter in the FDNY.
(SPEECH)[UPLIFTING MUSIC]
(DESCRIPTION)
Text: Profiles in bravery. Constance Fripp, E-283. Background image, Constance is about to step out of a fire department vehicle. Video: two firefighters hold a fire hose and spray a controlled fire.
(SPEECH)
When I had my first nozzle job, it just felt like this is the moment I’ve been working for, especially as an engine firefighter. I feel like being in the engine is the best thing possible on the fire department because you’re the one that puts out the fire. It’s nerve wracking to think that one thing you could possibly mess up and injure somebody else. That’s really what the major thought is behind having the nozzle. It’s like, you’re it. If the fire doesn’t go out, it’s kind of on you because you’re the one aiming hose. You’re the one stretching that line.
(DESCRIPTION)
Fripp, in uniform, uncoils the hose that is attached to the fire hydrant.
(SPEECH)
I became an engine chauffeur, which is amazing. I get to see a whole other part of the job. It definitely changes your perspective in that I’ve always thought that nozzle was the person that really gets everything done, but it does fall on the chauffeur as well, because if the chauffeur doesn’t get that rig into pumps, doesn’t get hydrant water into that rig, there’s nowhere for the nozzle to go. Most
(DESCRIPTION)
Fripp spins a large wrench on a fire hydrant.
(SPEECH)
engines only carry about 2 and 1/2 minutes worth of water. So after that 2 and 1/2 minutes, it’s all on the chauffeur to make sure that the fire goes out.
You’re going into people’s houses normally on the worst days of their life, whether it’s a fire or an EMS run where someone’s injured. You have to be able to say, I’m here to help you. I don’t care who you are or what you look like or what you’ve thought about me, what you’ve ever said to anybody I might know. You’ve got to understand that you’re there to help them, and that’s what they’re depending on to do, whether they like you or not or whether you like them or not.
This job changes you. It brings out who you’re meant to be in terms of being able to help people and understanding people, as well as the physical demands of the fact that you’re walking around carrying essentially another person. You could be carrying up to 150 pounds of gear. You have all of that weight literally on your shoulders and figuratively on your shoulders as well.
(DESCRIPTION)
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Video Transcript
Ashley Laroche Says Courage is Essential to Being a Firefighter
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Flames engulf a car in a parking lot.
Firefighters wearing breathing masks extinguish the flames.
(SPEECH)[BREATHER WHOOSHING]
(DESCRIPTION)
Ashley Laroche
(SPEECH)
ASHLEY LAROCHE: When you see someone doing something that you never thought you were able to do, I think it creates inspiration and allows people to take a chance on themselves.
(DESCRIPTION)
They spray the burning car.
(SPEECH)[HEARTBEAT] [WATER WHOOSHING]
Once I saw a woman firefighter, I was just like, oh, maybe I can do this. And then having the resources that we have, I was able to just dive in and do the tutorials, do the training programs and everything. And the more I did it, the more it became real for me, like it was a possibility.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, This is a story of a real Firefighter in the FDNY.
(SPEECH)[MUSIC PLAYING]
(DESCRIPTION)
A swirl of smoke appears. Title, Profiles in Bravery
Two firefighters hold a hose together. Text, Ashley Laroche, E-2 36
(SPEECH)
I am a believer that representation matters. I think every Black girl should know that they’re able to do whatever it is that they want.
(DESCRIPTION)
An image shows Ashley in firefighter gear with a breathing mask.
(SPEECH)
Honestly, when I see a woman firefighter put on that gear and look like a hero, it’s inspiring only because I’ve personally never seen that. So when I do put on that uniform, I try to represent being a firefighter, being a Black woman firefighter to the best of my ability because I do think it matters.
There’s been so many times I’m either on the rig or we’re getting groceries or just me and the rest of the members in the firehouse, where even grown people just stop me, or little girls stop me or whoever. And they’re like, OK, I see you, Black girl. And I’m just like, we are here. Trust me, we are here. And this could be you, too. This could be too. You know what I mean?
So I get that so much. And in the beginning I used to shy away from it because I used to be like, oh, no, let me just blend in in the firehouse. But then I realized that I’m literally the only woman. I’m the only Black woman. So yeah, yeah, look at me. This could be you. I’m not going to shy away from it anymore because I think it’s very important.
(DESCRIPTION)
A clip shows Ashley walking and laughing with another Black female firefighter.
(SPEECH)
I felt like throughout my career that I needed to represent that because that is a part of who I am. And so other Black women need to know that, yeah, all of this that comes with us, we can still do that and still be a firefighter and be in this department.
(DESCRIPTION)
The women point a hose at rising flames.
(SPEECH)
You don’t need to be the most vocal. You don’t need to be the strongest, per se. But you’ve got to have some level of courage, some level of courage for you to want to be a firefighter. I do feel like I am courageous now, especially because of the department.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text, F D N Y, All heroes welcome.
For more information, visit join F D N Y dot com.
Video Transcript
Firefighter Jason Powell Says Joining the FDNY Means You’re Joining Another Family
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Two firefighters in full gear aim a hose at a controlled fire in a vehicle.
(SPEECH)
JASON POWELL: I saw the documentary on 9/11 that was focusing on the 911 dispatchers talking about how the dispatchers were dealing with PTSD because they had to tell people that they were– to say where they are and shelter in place, they were going to be OK, that someone was coming to save them, even when they didn’t believe that was the case.
(DESCRIPTION)
Jason Powell has short dark hair and the dresses us against the backdrop of a brick wall and a fire department emblem.
(SPEECH)
During the documentary, there’s audio of one of the captains calling in, saying where he was because the radios were down. He says that they’re on the 51st floor, and that they’re continuing up. In that moment, it felt like that captain knew that him and his men were probably not going to make it. They still went up. It was the first time I thought about what a firefighter’s job is. The only time they’re working is if someone needs help. So I looked into the process of becoming a firefighter, and the next application period was the following year.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text: this is a story of a real firefighter in the FDNY. Profiles and bravery. Background image: a black and white fire engine. Two firefighters in full gear handle the hose. Text: Jason Powell, E-44.
(SPEECH)
A lot of my mother’s children were away from home. And she felt like this was just another child who’s going to be in a lot of danger. Three months after I got on the job, my sister passed away. She was 36. She had a heart attack. And I hadn’t even worked with everyone in my house yet. I was in a double house with a chief. I hadn’t even met everyone yet. Everyone who wasn’t working came to the funeral, and they introduced themselves to my mother. Some of them introduced themselves to me. They told my family, anything they need. After that, my mother loved the job.
(DESCRIPTION)
Jason in full gear looks up as a colleague points up. They stand near a building.
(SPEECH)
I’m in Engine 44 now, so we’re on 75th between Second and Third. There are five major hospitals around us, and so a lot of retired guys who are getting treatment for 9/11 cancers or treatment for anything else on the job, they’ll park at the firehouse. Every time they park, we have a plate for them. They are part of the meal. If we see them, we’re inviting them in, and it’s genuine. It’s like, we buy enough for a seventh person, even though six people work, because we know that a lot of people are in the area.
I am a writer. I am a published writer. My agent suggested that, as an active firefighter, if I wrote about firefighting, it might be easier to sell.
(DESCRIPTION)
Jason lifts a part of an empty hose over his shoulder.
(SPEECH)
I wrote a book about a probationary firefighter’s first week on the job during a chronic 1092 box, which is a false alarm that eventually becomes a fire. So it’s like a boy who cries wolf scenario. And she sold it to a publisher, and it came out last year, and we had our book launch in Barnes and Noble.
I go to Union Square often, and there’s a Barnes and Noble in Union Square. And I went there– I was asking if I could do my book launch there. They’re like, we only do celebrities. We need to guarantee that there’s at least 100 people. And I told the guys from 44, which is my new firehouse, and I told the guys from the firehouse that I was assigned to, 6928, and Barnes and Noble ordered 100 copies, and they sold 108. They had to order eight online because they ran out of books in the store, all in two hours.
No one’s ever looking for you to be Superman. No one’s ever looking for you to come out as a probie and know as much as the guys with time. They’re looking for you not to give up. In probie school, if one of your squadmates does something wrong, the whole squad is responsible. The point of that is there’s no individuals at a fire scene. We work as a team. When I’m telling high school students about the job, I tell them the best thing about this job is you’re joining another family.
(DESCRIPTION)
Logo, FDNY. All heroes welcome. For more information visit join FDNY dot com.
Video Transcript
Firefighter Darren Grant Served His Country and Now Serves His Community
[MUSIC PLAYING] (DESCRIPTION)
Flames rise up from within a building as a firefighter stands nearby.
(SPEECH)
DARREN GRANT: I grew up in the Northern Bronx, in Wakefield. I realized early on that there were a lot of things that I didn’t want to be a part of. I wanted to pursue something that was greater.
Serving for me has always been something I’ve been passionate about, being a part of the community and being able to help others. From my early days of being a Boy Scout, being able to do things in the community, Boys and Girls, I realized that was something I was always passionate about. Helping others has always been something that made me feel good.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text: This is a story of a real firefighter in the FDNY. Profiles in Bravery. Darren Grant, SQ-18. In a black and white photo, Darren poses in his uniform.
(SPEECH)[UPLIFTING MUSIC]
I joined the Navy when I was 20 years old. I served in the Navy for nine years as an operations specialist. In that training, we were able to navigate ships, navigate different threats, intelligence from overseas, communications. We had a plethora of information that we were able to receive and disseminate through our different strike groups.
(DESCRIPTION)
He approaches a fire escape.
(SPEECH)
The transition from the military to the fire department was a pretty seamless transition for me. Having that background was welcomed by all the members of the firehouse because I was assigned to Manhattan and we were a water rescue unit. Having that experience, having that water experience, having that shipping experience did come in handy, and the members of the firehouse were able to rely on me and reflect on some of the other members that served into their experience.
I think the biggest trait to have to be successful as a New York City firefighter is to be selfless, is to be able to do something that is greater than whatever your personal needs are and to understand that your job is not to be there for yourself but to be there for the community that you’re serving.
(DESCRIPTION)
His name appears on his back.
(SPEECH)
Diversity in the firehouse, it’s a reflection on the city. The city is made up of diverse populations, backgrounds, and that’s what the firehouse is reflecting. Firehouse reflects people that come from different states, different countries, different ethnicities. And we come together, and sometimes we show up on scenes, and it’s welcoming for people that we show up to to see something familiar in those firehouses and to be able to come assist them.
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He walks around the corner of a brick building.
(SPEECH)
We haven’t met a firefighter yet that didn’t enjoy what they do, and it’s the reward you get from helping others.
(DESCRIPTION)
Text: FDNY, All heroes welcome.
For more information, visit join fdny dot com.
Ashley Laroche, Ladder 236
Being a firefighter has truly changed who I am as a person.
OUR CULTURE
THE CULTURE OF THE FDNY
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
DE&I at Work
The FDNY is committed to equitable recruiting and service fulfillment, and we work hard to foster diversity. We’re looking for qualified individuals from all communities who will be proud to maintain its long tradition of responding to all those in need, no matter their race, creed, nationality or religion.
SUPPORTIVE TEAM
Find Your Fit
Beyond working as a firefighter, we offer numerous ways to be part of the FDNY. With one of the strongest unions in NYC, multiple sports teams and more than 30 affiliations, you’re sure to discover your community within the FDNY. There’s something for everyone. For specific DE&I affiliations, check out our FDNY DE&I affiliations list.
OUR BENEFITS
Taking Care of Our Own
We offer advantages for Firefighters and their families that go beyond employment. Besides creating a meaningful and fulfilling career, the FDNY offers a generous salary and pension after retirement. This includes medical and dental benefits for you and your eligible dependents even after retirement. Plus, with college scholarship opportunities for you and your children, flexible work schedules, and career growth options, there’s never been a better time to join.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
DE&I at Work
The FDNY is committed to equitable recruiting and service fulfillment, and we work hard to foster diversity. We’re looking for qualified individuals from all communities who will be proud to maintain its long tradition of responding to all those in need, no matter their race, creed, nationality or religion.
SUPPORTIVE TEAM
Find Your Fit
Beyond working as a firefighter, we offer numerous ways to be part of the FDNY. With one of the strongest unions in NYC, multiple sports teams and more than 30 affiliations, you’re sure to discover your community within the FDNY. There’s something for everyone. For specific DE&I affiliations, check out our FDNY DE&I affiliations list.
OUR BENEFITS
Taking Care of Our Own
We offer advantages for Firefighters and their families that go beyond employment. Besides creating a meaningful and fulfilling career, the FDNY offers a generous salary and pension after retirement. This includes medical and dental benefits for you and your eligible dependents even after retirement. Plus, with college scholarship opportunities for you and your children, flexible work schedules, and career growth options, there’s never been a better time to join.
Emmanuel Zuaznabar, Ladder 110
I have no regrets.
I would do this 10 times over.
OUR PODCAST
Check out our podcast
Hear more from FDNY employees, listen to stories and discussions about their on-the-job experiences, and learn what you can do to prepare to join the FDNY.
Getting Ready
Join FDNY Podcast, Episode 8
Hear our 2022 Fitness Award winner’s steps for peak health & fitness.
Join FDNY Podcast, Episode 8
From U.S. Armed Forces to the FDNY
Join FDNY Podcast, Episode 11
Hear insights from former U.S. Armed Forces members and their journeys to becoming members of the FDNY.
Join FDNY Podcast, Episode 11
Mentorship Advantages
Join FDNY Podcast, Episode 13
Listen to advice from current mentors to those preparing for the Fire Academy.
Join FDNY Podcast, Episode 13
