Department celebrates 23rd graduating class of the FDNY Officers Management Institute

May 28, 2025

The FDNY and the FDNY Foundation celebrated the 23rd class of the FDNY Officers Management Institute (FOMI) during a graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the Commissioner Robert O. Lowery Auditorium at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.

FOMI was established in 2002, developed based on a recommendation in the McKinsey Report that was completed in the wake of September 11th. Funded by the FDNY Foundation, FOMI aims to make the FDNY more resilient and stronger by giving high-ranking officers and executive staff a solid foundation in management principles and leadership strategy.

"I know that FOMI hasn't been easy—working full-time and spending time away from your families," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. "In this, you have become the next generation of leaders in the FDNY—even beyond your rank. This experience has taught you management skills, efficiency, and out-of-the-box thinking. Congratulations—over 400 members came before you, and you're a part of what we call the FOMI alumni. You're in really good company."

Chief of Department John Esposito said: "This class represents another exceptional chapter in the legacy of the program, and it continues to shape the future of the Department. We know that (FOMI) was borne out of the aftermath of September 11th. More than two decades later, it still remains as vital as ever—preparing us to lead, adapt to change and strengthen the Department as a whole. Our greatest strength has always been our people. With hundreds of graduates, FOMI continues to improve our workforce through education, leadership and collaboration."

Deputy Assistant Chief Christopher Ritchie, the class speaker for the graduating class, said FOMI will help strengthen bonds within the Department.

"At the surface, FOMI teaches us how to be better leaders," he said. "It teaches us how to be better versions of ourselves; how to look inward and see what our strengths and weaknesses are ... More importantly, it teaches us how to interact with all avenues of our FDNY family."

The six-month program is offered through Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and includes instruction from educators at Columbia, NYU, Wharton and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as business leaders from major corporations.