Overview

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and is universally recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. Annually, FDNY responds to millions of emergency calls.

The Department's primary mission is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, fire prevention, and other critical public safety services to both residents and visitors in New York City's five boroughs. It also responds outside of the City's borders to assist neighboring municipalities, and nationally/internationally on special assignments.

Since its inception in 1865, the FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest large city in the country. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property. They aim to prevent emergencies by continually educating the public in fire and life safety, and disaster preparedness, as well as enforcing public safety codes.

The head of the Department is the Fire Commissioner, the second in command is the First Deputy Commissioner. The Chief of Department is the highest ranking uniformed member. Currently, the FDNY has more than 17,000 employees, including approximately: 11,000 firefighters and fire officers; 4,500 EMTs, paramedics and EMS officers; and 2,000 civilian employees, including fire protection inspectors.

Spread across New York City's 302 square miles, the FDNY has 218 firehouses, 39 EMS stations, and additional support facilities, including ones housing fleet services, fire alarm and emergency medical dispatch, and health services for its membership. The Department's Fire Academy (also known as "The Rock") is located on Manhattan's Randall's Island, and its EMS Academy (also referred to as "The Fort") is located at Fort Totten in Queens. FDNY headquarters, housing its Fire Department Operations Center (FDOC), is located in Brooklyn.

The Department has a fleet of more than 1,300 apparatus, specialty vehicles, ambulances and fireboats.