Empire State Building Lights Tower to Commemorate EMS Week 2026

May 17, 2026

The Empire State Building, in partnership with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), will be illuminated in yellow, white, and blue with their signature heartbeat effect at sunset, today, Sunday, May 17 in celebration of National EMS Week 2026.

"Our EMTs, Paramedics, and EMS Officers perform incredible work every single day. EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize our extraordinary members, who answer thousands of calls for help every day with skill and compassion," said FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. "These heroes deserve recognition for their incredible work, not just this week, but every day. For the 18th consecutive year, we are proud to light the Empire State Building in their honor and thank them for their service to New York City."

EMS Week is a national week-long celebration of the lifesaving efforts of EMS. In New York, the Week promotes public safety and recognizes the incredible efforts of more than 4,400 members of the FDNY's Emergency Medical Service. The theme of this year's FDNY EMS Week is "Improving Outcomes, Together." The 2026 EMS Week poster features members from across every rank—from EMT to the Fire Commissioner. The poster honors members who have served in EMS since before the Department's merger with New York City EMS and members who responded to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and worked during the rescue and recovery efforts.

This is the 18th consecutive year the Empire State Building has partnered with FDNY to celebrate National EMS Week.  For more information on the Empire State Building and the Lighting Partners program, visit www.esbnyc.com.