On October 2, 2024, the FDNY held a ceremony to honor dispatchers who played key roles in responding to three major incidents in New York City.
The event took place at the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Auditorium.
The incidents include the January 2022 Twin Parks high-rise fire in the Bronx, an April 2022 active shooter event in the Brooklyn subway, and the March 2023 rescue of five children from a sewer tunnel in Staten Island.
Dozens of dispatchers managed these complex emergencies with professionalism and composure, ensuring timely responses from first responders.
Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker emphasized the dispatchers’ importance in these operations, stating: “As dispatchers, you’re the first link in the chain of survival for New Yorkers in need.”
He also highlighted their critical role in helping FDNY units respond swiftly and safely.
During the ceremony, Chief of Department John Esposito reinforced the significance of teamwork within the FDNY, particularly the dispatchers’ contributions to the department’s operations.
He noted the high volume of emergency calls the department handles, given its size and the scope of the city.
Esposito stated: “Teamwork is the foundation of the FDNY and you, our dispatchers, are a critical part of that team and truly unsung heroes in our city.”
The FDNY is the largest and busiest fire department in the United States, and dispatchers are tasked with fielding thousands of emergency calls each day.
This recognition event marked the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the FDNY has held a dispatcher-specific ceremony.
The three incidents that formed the focus of the ceremony represent some of the most complex emergencies the FDNY has faced in recent years.
The Twin Parks fire in the Bronx, which occurred in January 2022, resulted in multiple fatalities.
Dispatchers played a vital role in coordinating the emergency response as firefighters worked to contain the fire in a densely populated residential building.
In April 2022, dispatchers were again instrumental during an active shooter event in the Brooklyn subway.
Their ability to relay accurate information helped first responders address the unfolding situation.
Finally, in March 2023, dispatchers assisted in the rescue of five children trapped in a Staten Island sewer tunnel, contributing to a successful outcome for this high-stakes operation.
Both Commissioner Tucker and Chief Esposito used the event to commend the dispatchers for their ongoing commitment to public safety.
Commissioner Tucker explained the key role dispatchers play in supporting the FDNY’s mission, stating: “Without your help, it can be very difficult to get the job done.”
The dispatchers’ ability to remain calm under pressure and ensure smooth communication between emergency units was emphasized as a critical factor in the department’s overall success.
Chief Esposito echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of their work in daily operations, as the FDNY responds to thousands of calls for help.
The department’s leadership made it clear that these professionals are an essential part of the emergency response system.
In a ceremony held on October 2, 2024, the FDNY honored dispatchers who played crucial roles in managing the response to three significant incidents: the 2022 Bronx high-rise fire, the 2022 Brooklyn subway shooting, and the 2023 rescue of children from a sewer tunnel in Staten Island.
Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker and Chief of Department John Esposito praised the dispatchers’ ability to handle high-pressure situations and ensure effective communication with first responders.
This ceremony marked the first formal recognition of FDNY dispatchers since the pandemic.
