NVFC announces 2026 fire service achievement awards recipients
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 fire service achievement awards, recognising individual and programme contributions across the volunteer fire service.
The NVFC confirmed that Roger Beedy, Frank Leeb, Grace Isakson and Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 have been selected across four award categories.
Roger Beedy has received the William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award for over five decades of service, including 54 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Cedar Canyons Volunteer Fire Department in Indiana.
Beedy has served in operational and leadership roles, supported department activities including training, maintenance and fundraising, and contributed to statewide efforts through the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Frank Leeb has been named recipient of the Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award for his work in firefighter health, including contamination reduction protocols and cancer prevention education.
Leeb has served more than 40 years in the fire service, including a 31-year career with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), where he held roles such as chief of the fire academy, chief of training and chief of safety.
Grace Isakson has been selected as Junior Firefighter of the Year, having completed more than 330 service hours in 2025 while undertaking EMT training and serving as captain of Plano Fire Explorers Post 215.
Isakson has contributed to training, ambulance ride-outs and community events, alongside mentoring other programme members and supporting outreach activities.
Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 has received the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award, recognising its structured training programme and community engagement.
The programme includes classroom instruction, practical training and station assignments, with Explorers completing more than 3,200 service hours in 2025.
Recognition ceremonies and NVFC leadership comments
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “Fire service volunteers make a significant impact in their communities every day, and we are excited to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of our 2026 award winners.
“This year’s recipients showcase commitment and service from those just starting out to those who have spent a lifetime giving back.
“They exemplify what makes our nation’s volunteer fire service so outstanding.”
Beedy, Leeb and Isakson will be recognised during the NVFC spring conference on May 16 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 will be recognised at a separate local ceremony to enable all members to attend.
Two London firefighters took part in the third International Battle of the Badges charity boxing match at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Dominik Burridge and Shane Mendoza were selected to represent London against American opponents at the event, which raised $50,000 for several American firefighter charities.
Cruiserweight Mendoza, from North Kensington Blue Watch, faced Sam Kelly from New York Fire Department (FDNY) Engine 1.
Light heavyweight Burridge, from Fulham Green Watch, faced Gavin Conner from the Denver Fire Department.
Burridge lost on a split decision. Mendoza lost against a more experienced boxer.
Just over half of the 14 bouts on the card were won by FDNY and the American firefighters.
This is believed to be the first time firefighters from London and New York have officially met in the ring in almost 40 years.
In 1987, firefighters from both services met at a charity event hosted by the Brigade in Bloomsbury.
Boxing team coach on the London bouts
Firefighter Charlie Beatt, coach of the Brigade’s boxing team, said: “It has been an amazing opportunity for the Brigade’s boxing team to be invited to take part in this event, facing up against the best New York has to offer.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work that Dominik and Shane put into preparing for their bouts, and while we didn’t win, they showed the determination you find in every London firefighter.
“Now it is all about what comes next, and what a potential rematch might look like in the future.”
Outreach plans linked to Brigade boxing
London Fire Brigade also said boxing within the Brigade supports work with young people across London.
LFB Boxing runs a 10-week programme centred on coaching, positive role modelling and regular exercise for young people.
The club is led by Beatt and is seeking to expand the boxing outreach programme across London.
Plans include turning space at one of the Brigade’s fire stations in the London Borough of Croydon into a community boxing gym.
Boxing clubs with facilities that can help set up the scheme are being encouraged to get in touch.
Join FDNY Podcast explores career paths and personal stories in firefighting
FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast titled “It’s a great platform for me in my life.”
The episode, released on Monday 29 September 2025, continues the series’ focus on career paths within the Department.
The Join FDNY Podcast was established in 2023 to highlight the diverse experiences of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, fire protection inspectors, cadets and civilian employees.
The podcast aims to inspire potential recruits by showcasing the personal stories and professional journeys of those serving in the largest fire department in the United States.
Episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres
The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who served with the FDNY for nearly 30 years.
During the interview, Torres discussed his career progression from Engine 302 in Queens to Rescue 4, where he worked for 16 years before retiring in 2021.
He spoke about the support he received early in his career from the FDNY Hispanic Society, an organisation that he continues to serve as historian.
Luis Torres, retired FDNY Lieutenant, said: “Getting on right away, I joined the Hispanic Society, which gave me a trampoline more or less of help, mentorship within the fire department.”
“It helped me to learn from others who had been through the process and gave me a sense of belonging in the department.”
Torres explained that the Hispanic Society continues to preserve its history dating back to 1962, supporting members and sharing lessons with new recruits.
Luis Torres added: “We put together paperwork, information and photos from back then and organise it for the next generation to understand what we’ve been through and how we unite with the department.”
Sharing lessons across generations
Torres reflected on the experience of serving in his local community and seeing his son now working in the same firehouse.
He described this as a personal highlight of his career and a continuation of his family’s connection with FDNY.
Luis Torres said: “It was an honour to be in Rescue 4, seven blocks from where I grew up most of my life.”
“My son now works there too, which means a lot to me because he was born and raised in that same area.”
Torres encouraged all new recruits to find mentorship through the Department’s affinity groups.
He said: “I would recommend any individual, no matter if they’re Hispanic or not, to reach out to the fraternal organisation that represents them and join.”
Focus on mentorship and giving back
The episode also highlighted the Hispanic Society’s ongoing role in supporting mentorship and community engagement.
Torres explained that its work includes charitable initiatives such as toy and turkey drives, as well as events that bring together members from across different FDNY organisations.
He said: “You want to feel like you can give back after joining a great organisation like the fire department.”
“That’s where the organisations come in, because they support the community and each other through events and drives throughout the year.”
Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown praised Torres for his commitment to mentoring new firefighters and preserving the Department’s cultural history.
Captain Lee said: “Lieutenant Torres is very impressive, even after retirement, still wanting to give back just like he did on the job.”
Captain Brown added: “Every conversation he has is teaching, and it’s important for everyone to pick up on the lessons he shares.”
Additional feature on Chief Mike Meyers
The episode also revisited a previous conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers.
Meyers discussed his 34-year career and his advice for new recruits entering the FDNY Academy.
Chief Mike Meyers said: “Enjoy every day that you’re here and enjoy all the people around you.”
“I’ve never had a bad day on this job, not one day, not going through academy, not going through flips. I enjoyed every single one.”
Meyers reflected on the variety of experiences he has had during his career, from deployments to major incidents to leading training for thousands of firefighters and EMTs across New York City.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The Join FDNY Podcast offers a detailed insight into the structure and culture of one of the world’s largest fire departments.
Its focus on recruitment, diversity and career progression may be of interest to fire service leaders responsible for workforce planning and training.
Senior officers and training coordinators can observe how FDNY uses public-facing communication to attract and support candidates from varied backgrounds.
The discussions about mentorship, affinity groups and intergenerational service highlight approaches that contribute to firefighter retention and engagement.
Fire training institutions may also find value in the perspectives shared by Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who described the importance of consistent learning and maintaining physical fitness through all stages of a firefighting career.
FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths: Summary
The Fire Department of New York released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast on Monday 29 September 2025.
The podcast, established in 2023, highlights the experiences and career paths of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, inspectors and civilian employees.
The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who discussed his 29-year career, mentorship through the FDNY Hispanic Society and his continued role as its historian.
Torres reflected on serving in Queens and the pride of seeing his son now working in the same firehouse at Rescue 4.
Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown commended Torres for his ongoing mentorship and dedication to preserving FDNY’s history.
The episode also included a conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who reflected on his 34-year career and offered advice to new recruits entering the academy.
This article contains information from the following source: Join FDNY Podcast
The International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Fire Department of the City of New York and FDNYPro marked the 24th anniversary of 9/11 with reflections and remembrance events in the United States.
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) has reported that it has carried out a weeklong evaluation of drone technology in partnership with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL).
The tests, conducted from July 30 2025 in Manhattan, assessed drones approved on the Department of Defense “Blue UAS Cleared List,” which are certified as cyber-secure and compliant with DoD policy.
According to FDNY, the aim was to identify viable alternatives to drones from restricted manufacturers and to provide operational feedback to guide industry improvements.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said the department has used drones since March 2017 and now deploys them across all five boroughs.
Tucker said: “The FDNY has fully embraced drone technology.”
He added: “We have been at this a long time, but the technology has evolved. Today, we’re using drones across all five boroughs.”
Autonomous deployment plans for firehouse-based drones
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Kaz Daughtry, stated that New York City is preparing to station drones on firehouse rooftops to enable automatic deployment to fire scenes.
According to Daughtry, the concept involves drones launching when a 911 call is received, reaching the incident before firefighters and transmitting live imagery to responding crews.
Daughtry said this would allow incident commanders to conduct a scene assessment while en route, giving them an operational advantage before arrival.
The Deputy Mayor added that the initiative builds on earlier police department programmes, where drones were launched autonomously from multiple precincts to assist in law enforcement operations.
Use of drones in operational firefighting and rescue
FDNY explained that drones are used at every second alarm fire or larger, as well as during rescue operations.
According to the department, drones provide aerial imagery, thermal imaging and heat detection, with video feeds shared citywide to assist in decision-making.
FDNY stated that drones help locate hotspots, assess building stability and identify hazardous areas inaccessible to personnel.
Commissioner Tucker said that expanding drone technology across the city would enhance the department’s ability to arrive with prior situational awareness, improving safety for both firefighters and the public.
Broader public safety applications
Zach Iscol, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner, said drones have also been used for building collapse assessments, storm damage mapping and beach monitoring.
Iscol stated that drones assist lifeguards in identifying swimmers in distress and have been employed in coastal storm response exercises.
According to Iscol, the technology’s potential for public safety operations continues to expand.
He said its versatility allows it to be applied across diverse scenarios, from firefighting to environmental hazard monitoring.
Testing and evaluation process
FDNY Robotics Programme Administrator Mike Leo said the DHS-hosted assessment involved operational testing of multiple drone models to establish performance benchmarks and inform future procurement decisions.
Leo explained that the process focused on evaluating existing technology for suitability in urban emergency environments rather than immediate modifications.
He noted that the metrics gathered will be applicable to public safety agencies nationwide.
Leo added that the department monitors emerging drone technology to ensure it is reliable for public safety use before deployment.
Security standards and equipment replacement
FDNY confirmed that the evaluation also addressed cyber security concerns raised in DHS guidance regarding certain foreign-manufactured drones.
The department said it is phasing out such models in favour of alternatives meeting its security criteria.
Officials explained that testing in New York City’s dense urban environment serves as proof of concept, ensuring technology functions in areas with complex radio and cellular signal conditions.
Daughtry stated that if a system performs effectively in New York, it is expected to work reliably in other US cities.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The FDNY’s drone technology programme provides a model for integrating unmanned aerial systems into urban fire and rescue operations.
It demonstrates how early scene intelligence can be gathered before first responders arrive, enhancing tactical decision-making.
The approach also shows the importance of cyber-secure equipment procurement and operational testing in challenging environments before large-scale deployment.
Fire and safety professionals can assess how autonomous drone deployment could be applied to their jurisdictions, considering local geography, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
FDNY expands autonomous drone technology for emergency response in New York City: Summary
The New York Fire Department has conducted a weeklong drone technology assessment in partnership with the NYPD and DHS NUSTL.
The evaluation tested Department of Defense-approved drones from the Blue UAS Cleared List for cyber security and operational suitability.
FDNY said the project aims to identify replacements for restricted drones and inform manufacturers on operational needs.
Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry outlined plans to place autonomous drones on firehouse rooftops for pre-arrival scene assessment.
Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said drones are deployed across all five boroughs for firefighting and rescue operations.
FDNY uses drones for thermal imaging, hotspot detection and structural stability assessment.
Zach Iscol from NYC Emergency Management said drones are also used for storm damage mapping, building collapse surveys and beach safety monitoring.
FDNY Robotics Administrator Mike Leo said the testing provided performance benchmarks and informed procurement planning.
The department is replacing certain foreign-made drones with models that meet its security standards.
Testing in New York City ensures drones can operate reliably in dense urban environments with complex signal conditions.
Correction: An earlier version of this report misattributed remarks to Cass Dorie. The correct name is Kaz Daughtry, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.
New York firefighters featured in new calendar release
The FDNY Foundation has announced the return of the Calendar of Heroes, featuring 25 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics from the Fire Department of New York.
The calendar was relaunched on 26 June 2025 during a public event at One Vanderbilt in Manhattan, according to the FDNY Foundation.
The Foundation stated that this is the first edition of the calendar since 2021, marking a four-year pause in its release.
The FDNY confirmed that proceeds from the calendar will fund fire and life safety education, training programmes and equipment support for the department.
Copies of the calendar are available now via FDNYShop.com, with each copy secured through a $25 donation to the FDNY Foundation.
FDNY leadership supports calendar relaunch
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said: “There’s a lot of enthusiasm about this calendar, and I’m really excited to bring it back.”
He continued:
“ I think it’s really important that we highlight fitness in the FDNY. ”
“ The more physically fit you are, the better you can do your job. ”
FDNY Foundation Chairman Matt DiLiberto said: “We’re so thrilled to bring this back.”
He added:
“ It’s been a long time coming. ”
“ There has been a lot of requests for it, and thanks to Firehouse Subs for wanting to be a part of bringing it back. ”
Corporate support from Firehouse Subs
Mike Hancock, President of Firehouse Subs U.S. & Canada, said: “As a brand founded by firefighters, this is something obviously very near and dear to our hearts.”
He continued:
“ What better way to make a splash in New York and partnering with the FDNY, supporting an amazing cause like the Calendar of Heroes. ”
Dena vonWerssowetz, Chief Marketing Officer at Firehouse Subs, added: “Since our founding, Firehouse Subs has been committed to supporting the brave men and women who keep our communities safe.”
She said:
“ Partnering with the FDNY on this year’s calendar launch is an incredible opportunity to give back to the nation’s largest fire department—ensuring these heroes are well-equipped, well-resourced and well-fed. ”
Calendar aims to boost public engagement and fitness awareness
The FDNY explained that the calendar not only serves as a fundraising tool, but also raises awareness of the department’s focus on fitness, preparedness and community safety.
The department stated that all individuals featured in the calendar serve as firefighters, EMTs or paramedics within the FDNY.
It noted that the calendar has been a longstanding initiative to increase public support and recognition of emergency responders’ work.
The Foundation added that previous calendar campaigns have helped fund public education materials, first responder equipment, and training resources.
Proceeds directed to safety and education programmes
The FDNY Foundation confirmed that all funds raised through the 2026 Calendar of Heroes will go towards its charitable work in support of the department.
It outlined that donations will be used to enhance operational readiness through fire safety education, responder training, and life-saving resources for FDNY staff.
The Foundation also noted that the calendar is being positioned as a visible and accessible method for the public to contribute to the department’s goals.
Distribution will take place exclusively through FDNYShop.com, with each $25 contribution funding one copy of the calendar.
FDNY relaunches firefighters calendar to support safety and training: Summary
The FDNY Foundation has relaunched the Calendar of Heroes.
The announcement was made at One Vanderbilt, Manhattan, on 26 June 2025.
This is the first edition since 2021.
The calendar features 25 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics.
All proceeds support FDNY education, training and equipment programmes.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker highlighted the focus on physical fitness.
Firehouse Subs partnered in the calendar’s return.
The calendar is available via FDNYShop.com.
A $25 donation is required per copy.
Funds go directly to the FDNY Foundation’s charitable activities.
Proceeds support public safety education and first responder training.
The calendar is intended to increase public engagement with the department.
Distribution is limited to online purchase through the official store.