Empire State Building glows in yellow, white and blue to kick off EMS Week 2026

May 17, 2026

For the 18th 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 17, 2026, to kick off National EMS Week 2026.

"Our EMTs, paramedics, and EMS officers perform incredible work every single day," FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. "EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize our extraordinary members who answer thousands of calls for help every day with skill and compassion. These heroes deserve recognition for their incredible work, not just this week, but every day."

The Empire State Building has partnered with the FDNY for its tower lighting since 2008 to celebrate EMS Week, which runs through May 23. This year's theme is "Improving Outcomes, Together."

The FDNY unveiled its EMS Week poster on May 14. The photo for this year's poster was taken at the FDNY's EMS Academy at Fort Totten and 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.

Watch the EMS Week poster unveiling.