The Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) celebrated its 160th birthday on the 31 July 2025.
As the largest fire department in the United States, the FDNY has shared how it aims to continue to set the standard for fire protection, emergency medical service and public safety.
Since it was founded in 1865, the FDNY has worked to protect life and property across New York City‘s five boroughs.
Each year, the Department responds to millions of emergency calls—ranging from fires and medical emergencies to large-scale disasters—making it the busiest fire department in the world.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said: “With every call, FDNY members show what it means to serve with honor and courage.
“Over the decades, the Department has changed—and we continue to evolve as an all-hazards public safety agency. With new challenges every day, like lithium-ion battery fires, we continue to advance our firefighting techniques and the ways in which we inform the public about fire and life safety.
“This milestone is a celebration of our proud history and a recommitment to the people of New York City. We will always be there when they need us most.”
With a workforce of more than 17,000 professionals, both uniformed and civilian, the Department operates state-of-the-art training facilities, including the Fire Academy on Randall’s Island the EMS Academy at Fort Totten.
The FDNY celebrated its 160th birthday on the 31 July 2025, with Commissioner Robert S. Tucker saying that the department has changed to combat new challenges every day, concluding that the milestone is a celebration of commitment to the people New York City.
