The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) held a graduation ceremony for its newest fire protection inspectors on 29 January 2026.
The ceremony was held inside the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Auditorium at Department headquarters in Brooklyn.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore explained: “Today, we are here to talk about a very special group of the FDNY—the real people who are out there on the streets who are making sure that the people in our city are safe and that is you.
“And I want you to know you are just as much a hero as anybody else in this Department, because without prevention, we would be in a much worse place in our city.
“What you do is incredible. I want to make sure that you understand that we all know that you protect our city and you prevent tragedies.”
Chief of Fire Prevention Thomas Currao said: “I want you to think of yourselves as life safety professionals, because that’s truly what you represent.
“The Bureau of Fire Prevention plays a pivotal role in the FDNY‘s mission because preventing a tragedy from occurring is the very best way that we can deliver on our commitment to protect life and property.”
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.
Inspectors are the first line of defense in preventing fires across the five boroughs.
The newly graduated inspectors will be assigned to units throughout New York City.
