Empire State Building glows yellow, white and blue to kick off EMS Week 2025

May 18, 2025

For the 17th consecutive year, the Empire State Building lit up the New York City skyline in yellow, white and blue—with red in the mast—on Sunday, May 18, 2025, to kick off National EMS Week 2025.

"EMS is the backbone of our Department," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "FDNY's EMTs, paramedics and officers respond to more than 1.6 million medical emergencies each year with skill and professionalism. Emergency medicine is not easy, and it is vital to public safety in New York City. No matter the conditions, our EMS members are there for the New Yorkers who need them. We are grateful for the work they do every day, and lighting up the Empire State Building in their honor is a great opportunity to thank them for their service."

The Empire State Building has partnered with the FDNY for its tower lighting since 2008 to celebrate EMS Week, which runs through May 24. This year's theme is "We Care. For Everyone." See the poster and rewatch the unveiling event.