For the first time in Department history, today’s FDNY EMS Academy graduation count on deck is led by a woman - FDNY Drill Instructor Madonna Yellico. | New York City Fire Department (FDNY)

Today the FDNY remembers one of the worst tragedies in Department history, when six Firefighters were killed in a fire at a Brooklyn Waldbaum’s on August 2, 1978. Nearly 20 Firefighters were on the roof of the supermarket when the central portion gave way, plunging 12 members into the flames. Lt. James E. Cutillo of Battalion 33, Firefighter Charles S. Bouton of Ladder 156, Firefighter Harold F. Hastings of Battalion 42, Firefighter James P. McManus of Ladder 153, Firefighter William O’Connor of

Ever wondered why it’s FDNY, not NYFD? It’s not just a quirky New York City thing – it’s actually rooted in history dating back to 1648. Back then, the fire department was run by volunteers and called the “Volunteer Fire Department of the City of New York” or the “Fire Department, City of New York.” Citing massive population growth and the need for a paid, permanent force, the state took over the fire department and renamed it the Metropolitan Fire Department. Five years later, the City of New Y