The FDNY holds 30th Annual Second Chance Ceremony

May 19, 2026 — Survivors to be Reunited with the Rescuers who Saved Their Lives

Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore will preside at the 30th annual Second Chance Brunch on Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at Nicotra's Ballroom on Staten Island. Held in celebration of National EMS Week 2026, this special event reunites patients who have survived cardiac arrest with the Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, FDNY EMS Officers, Firefighters, Dispatchers, bystanders, and other first responders who helped save their lives.

The survivors include an FDNY Lieutenant training at the FDNY Fire Academy, a young basketball player who experienced cardiac arrest during a game, and a New York City public school teacher.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn, Chief of Department John Esposito, Chief of EMS Operations Paul Miano, Chief Medical Director Dr. Glenn Asaeda, survivors, their families and the first responders who saved them

WHERE: Nicotra's Ballroom, 1100 South Avenue, Staten Island NY 10314

WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – 10 a.m.

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