FDNY Pro

Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of fire-related deaths. Fire victims are exposed to toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. High levels of cyanide can cause rapid symptoms like confusion, breathing problems and collapse. The body’s cells can’t use oxygen efficiently, which can quickly lead to cellular death and organ failure, so rapid treatment is vital. CYANOKITS containing the powerful and effective antidote to cyanide, hydroxocobalamin, have been carried by our FDNY ALS Units and EMS officers since 2008. In late 2020, REMAC protocols changed, requiring all ALS units in New York City to carry the kits. And lives have been saved. Captain Randy Li welcomes EMS Special Operations Command’s Captain Joseph Spinelli to the podcast to discuss this life-saving treatment.

To kick-off Season 11 of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Lillian Bonsignore returns to the podcast as the new Fire Commissioner. She discusses her priorities and offers a look ahead at the upcoming year with our host, Elizabeth Cascio. The Commissioner was sworn in as the Department’s 37th Fire Commissioner on January 6, 2026, by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. She is the first member of EMS to be named fire commissioner in the FDNY’s 160 years and brings with her three decades of experience as a uniformed member of EMS. Among other topics, we find out what inspired her to pursue emergency medicine, hear recollections of her most memorable responses and incidents, and why she’s always loved this Department and its members.

We revisit conversations from our tenth season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. As we reflect on this milestone season, we remain honored to share these operational stories and training tips with all of you. Thank you to all the members who contributed their expertise and experience.

On the morning of November 12, 2023, FDNY members in Manhattan executed a dramatic dive rescue in the Hudson River. As initial FDNY units arrived, a witness reported that a man had climbed over the railing and fallen backward into the water. After a brief struggle, he disappeared beneath the surface. Within moments, FDNY surface swimmers and a SCUBA diver entered the river and located the victim 15 feet below.
In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone speaks with Firefighter Jacob Dutton—the SCUBA diver involved in the operation—along with Captain Frederick Ill and Battalion Chief Thor Johannessen. All three are veteran rescue divers from FDNY Special Operations Command. They discuss the FDNY SCUBA program in depth, including the decision-making process for operationalizing a dive, the specialized equipment used by the Department and the extensive training required for these high-risk water rescues.

New York City is home to thousands of high-rise buildings, from legacy skyscrapers to modern glass towers. Their heights can range from seven stories to more than 100 stories, with vastly different interiors. The FDNY responds to fires and emergencies in all of them. Over the years, the FDNY has developed proven strategies and tactics but continues to adapt as they city’s skyline and building technologies evolve. Three experts in the field—Captain Chris Collier, and Lieutenants Dan Gordon and James Pirot—join host Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello for a discussion on common challenges and best practices in these complex buildings.