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NOV E MBE R 2 0 2 5 FIRE COMMISSIONER Robert S. Tucker FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Mark Guerra CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT John M. Esposito
5-5-5-5 DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
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PARAMEDIC
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FIREFIGHTER
SALIH ABDUR RAHMAN
PATRICK D. BRADY
STATION 16
LADDER COMPANY 120
Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman died Oct. 29 after finishing a shift at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. Paramedic Rahman began his career with the FDNY in October 2002. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. n
Firefighter Patrick D. Brady died Nov. 8 after suffering a medical episode while operating at an all-hands fire in Brooklyn. Firefighter Brady joined the FDNY in July 2014. He worked out of Ladder 120 since 2022. He is survived by his parents, his wife and his two brothers, who are also FDNY firefighters. n
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5-5-5-5: fdny PARAMEDIC SALIH ABDUR RAHMAN's line of duty death funeral
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It was a pleasure to have our City partners from DDC, DCAS and City Planning to break ground on the future home of FDNY Engine Company 268/ Ladder Company 137. The new firehouse represents resilience, progress and a commitment to protecting the people of the Rockaways.
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The FDNY celebrated the life of Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman at a Line of Duty Death funeral on Nov. 1 at the Islamic Cultural Center in Manhattan. Paramedic Abdur Rahman, 46, of Manhattan, died Oct. 29 after finishing a shift at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. “Today, we gather to honor the life and service of Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman—a dedicated member of the FDNY for 23 years,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “Salih lived his life in service of others. For more than two decades, he answered the call—helping people in their most desperate, vulnerable moments. For more than two decades, he was a calm voice, a steady hand and a reassuring presence when New Yorkers needed it most. More than a first responder, he was a husband, a father, and a man devoted to his family. When we lose one of our own, we feel it deeply across the entire Department because the FDNY is a brotherhood and a sisterhood bound by shared purpose and sacrifice.” Acting Chief of EMS Operations Paul Miano said: “In the New York City Fire Department, we talk about brotherhood, sisterhood and family so often that the words can almost lose their weight. But every once in a while, someone comes along who truly defines what they mean. Salih was that person. He was
larger than life, but never loud about it. A leader and mentor whose influence didn’t come from rank or title. It came from how he carried himself; it came from his actions. Salih reminded us that this job is about people. It’s about humanity. It’s about courage. And, most of all, it’s about kindness. He embodied that from his first tour until his last.” Paramedic Abdur Rahman was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving five years in Japan. He joined the FDNY in October 2002 and was assigned to Manhattan Division 1 and then worked at EMS Station 8 in Kips Bay. During the course of his career, he worked at Station 16 in Harlem and Station 13 in Washington Heights before being promoted to Paramedic in 2021. He then worked out of both Station 8 and Station 4 in Lower Manhattan. He was assigned to the Fire Academy at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. Paramedic Abdur Rahman is the 1,162nd member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty. The FDNY Foundation has set up a scholarship fund for Paramedic Abdur Rahman’s children. To make a donation, please visit FDNYFoudnation.org/Donate and scroll down to select the fund titled “Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman Children’s Scholarship Fund.” 100% of donations go to the Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman Children’s Scholarship Fund. n
5-5-5-5: fdny FIREFIGHTER PATRICK D. BRADY's line of duty death funeral Continued from Page 1
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25 DID YOU KNOW? The number of years Rabbi Joseph Potasnik has been an FDNY chaplain. On Oct. 27, he was named the Department’s first-ever Chief FDNY Chaplain in its 160-year history.
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UPCOMING HOLIDAYS 27 Nov. | Thanksgiving Day 25 Dec | Christmas Day 1 Jan. | New Year's Day UPCOMING PAYDAYS 21 Nov., 5 Dec. and 19 Dec.
The FDNY celebrated the life of Firefighter Patrick D. Brady at a Line of Duty Death funeral on Nov. 15 at Church of St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor. Firefighter Brady, 42, of Queens, was operating on the roof of a building at an all-hands fire Nov. 8 in Brooklyn when he suffered a medical episode and went into cardiac arrest. He was transported to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he died. During the funeral service, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker posthumously promoted Firefighter Brady to the rank of Lieutenant. “In the week since Pat’s passing, we have spent a lot of time together, and so I feel I’m in a good place to speak with some authority on the gift that is Patrick Brady,” FDNY Commissioner Tucker said. “Some of you in this church have had Pat your whole lives. Others, like me, just got the gift in his passing. But he has given me something I didn’t think I would have in my final days as your Fire Commissioner. He has given me the keenest
inside look at friendship, family, pain, loyalty and—most of all—what it means to be a member of the FDNY family.” New York City First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, speaking on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams, said: “What does it mean to be a firefighter? Because when firefighters rush into burning buildings and climb those ladders to get to the roof, they don’t ask who is in the building. They only care about saving lives. And, to me, that’s the definition of a hero. Patrick Brady was a hero.” Lieutenant Brady was an 11-year veteran of the Department, receiving his appointment on July 14, 2014. After graduating from the FDNY Fire Academy, he was assigned to Engine 227 in Brooklyn before transferring to Ladder 120 in 2022. He is survived by his parents, his wife and his two brothers, who are also FDNY firefighters. Lieutenant Brady is the 1,163rd member of the FDNY to make the Supreme Sacrifice. n
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(1) FDNY members proudly marched in the 2025 New York City Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 in Manhattan. (2) The FDNY held a graduation ceremony Oct. 21 for its second class of 2025 probationary emergency medical technicians. The event was held at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. The newest FDNY EMTs were assigned to units throughout New York City. (3) The FDNY welcomed its latest class of fire protection inspectors to its ranks at a graduation ceremony Nov. 3 at Department Headquarters in Brooklyn. The FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention is tasked with preventing fire conditions by enforcing the Fire Code and inspecting buildings, small businesses, schools and construction sites. Instructors are the first line of defense in preventing fires across the five boroughs. (4) The FDNY promoted members of Fire Operations at an Oct. 27 ceremony at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island. Additionally, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, who has been an FDNY chaplain for more than 25 years, was named the Department’s Chief Chaplain. Rabbi Potasnik became the first Chief FDNY Chaplain in the agency’s 160-year history. (5) On Oct. 28, Department and New York City officials officially broke ground on the site of the future home of FDNY Engine Company 268/Ladder Company 137 in Queens. The new firehouse will be built at 116-11 Beach Channel Drive, replacing the existing building located on Beach 116th Street. The state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2027. (6) The FDNY’s Bureau of Technology Development & Systems and Bureau of Health Services have incorporated new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help streamline the administrative workload of some of the Department’s clinical staff. The new tool helps scan reports and extract information that was previously manually inputted, allowing more time for patient care. Kudos to the team members who oversaw this project! n
We Are FDNY
THE FDNY INSTALLS BRUSH FIRE DETECTION CAMERAS IN HIGH-RISK AREAS
MEET YVETTE GONZALEZ, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, LABOR RELATIONS 1. What is your name, title, and how long have you worked at the FDNY? Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities? My name is Yvette Gonzalez, and I am an administrative assistant for the Office of Labor Relations. I have been with the Department for over 35 years. I began my career as an EMT with EMS in 1989, and in 2000 became an investigator with CID. In the Office of Labor Relations, we handle the Department’s grievances and conduct hearings for uniformed and civilian members. We also coordinate several events each year, including the Employee Recognition Ceremony, New York Blood Center/FDNY blood drives, Health and Wellness Fair, and Book Fair.
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2. What called you to a life of public service at the FDNY? I knew at a very young age that I wanted to help and care for people and respond to emergencies. Working as an emergency medical technician for the EMS was a calling for me. Over the years, I have continued to volunteer with the local hospitals and the Coalition for the Homeless. 3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at the FDNY? I have worked for the Department for many years, so it’s difficult to select one. I began my career in the South Bronx in 1989 as an emergency medical technician. A few memorable experiences for me were saving a life, delivering a baby and extricating a patient from their mangled vehicle. I also worked in EMS Operations at the OEM Command Center in preparation of snowstorms, presidential visits and the NYC Marathon—and, to this day, I have established lifelong friendships with NYPD. Also, as an investigator in CID, I interviewed and processed the hiring of our future firefighters, EMTs and civilians who are now the face of the FDNY. And last, in the Office of Labor Relations, in addition to scheduling and preparing for grievances and hearings, we now organize the FDNY blood drives, where I have met many caring and generous blood donors who all have the same goal: to save a life.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker on Oct. 23 announced the Department has installed multiple brush fire detection cameras in select New York City parks as part of its continuing efforts to combat brush fires across the fire boroughs. The solar-powered cameras, which use artificial intelligence to detect smoke and flame activity, are positioned high above the ground, similar to traffic cameras, and provide live video feeds to the Fire Department Operations Command. n
podcast highlights
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you? Pride. There is a strong sense of pride and camaraderie in this Department. This is your family. I am honored to work for the FDNY and blessed to be here. 5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)? Organizational skills. Being prepared, organized and resourceful. I use my superpowers to oversee and manage the events that are conducted through the Office of Labor Relations and the Quality of Work Life Committee. It brings me much joy to see our employees come together at such events. 6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY? My role in supporting the Office of Labor Relations is to ensure that all FDNY members are satisfied with the decisions and actions that are made by both labor and management. n
Complex high-rise firefighting operations in New York City with FDNY Captain Chris Collier and Lieutenants Dan Gordon and James Pirot
“Compassion will get you a long way in this job.” - JoinFDNY Podcast Episode 34
Throwback FDNY to the origin of the Bureau of Fire Prevention in 1911
THE WRAP THE FDNY HONORS 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 23RD STREET FIRE
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The New York City Fire Department held a wreath-laying ceremony on Oct. 17 to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire. The fire, which happened in 1966, was the greatest loss of life in the FDNY’s history prior to the September 11th attacks. The ground floor of the Wonder Drug Store located on the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway in Manhattan collapsed during a 5-alarm fire that originated in the storage area. Twelve members from nearly every rank—from deputy chief to probationary firefighter—made the Supreme Sacrifice that day. n
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The FDNY welcomed the public into its EMS stations and firehouses over the weekend of Oct. 18-19 across New York City as part of the Department’s citywide 2025 Open House Weekend. Members educated the public about fire and life safety, conducted demonstrations, discussed careers in the FDNY and offered tours of firehouses and EMS station apparatus. Check out a photo gallery by scanning the QR code. n