Deputy Chief Inspectors Thomas and Rogers Make Department History

Shout-out to newly promoted FDNY Deputy Chief Inspectors Chinelle Thomas and Emanuela Rogers, who recently made history in our Department by advancing to their current rank. They are now two of three women Deputy Chief Inspectors serving in our Bureau of Fire Prevention, which consists of highly-trained specialists who help to protect life and property citywide by inspecting buildings and ensuring compliance of regulations.

“I was born in Trinidad and migrated to the United States when I began high school. I always knew that I wanted to have a career associated with fire. I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a bachelor’s in fire science, and I’m now approaching my seventh year with the Department,” said Thomas, who works in our District Office 11 where she oversees the inspection permits for street fairs, microturbines, generators and A/C units in buildings throughout sections of Brooklyn.

“I was born in Bucharest, Romania and moved to the United States when I was four. I went to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where I studied fire science and I’m the first in my family to graduate from college and join the FDNY,” added Rogers, who started in our Department in 2015. “Working in the Code Development Unit, we work together as a team. We put out new fire codes and make sure that the codes are being implemented and followed. We want to be proactive rather than reactive and we want to avoid emergencies that put life and property in harm’s way.”

And for both of these women, working in the largest municipal fire department in the country has been a dream come true.

“Working for the FDNY is the greatest job in the world. Every day you learn something new and see something new. It’s unlike any other job. There are also so many different positions here at the Bureau of Fire Prevention. You can learn so many things, and the Department encourages career development and advancement. If you are considering joining, just know that there are no obstacles that you cannot conquer if you are persistent and don’t give up,” said Rogers.

“Being a member of the FDNY was something I always wanted to do, and it was one of my dreams to wear the uniform of a chief and help the city. For those considering a career in Fire Prevention, you will never go wrong with following your dreams. The Department has a lot of opportunities for its members. If you apply yourself, the sky is the limit,” Thomas added.

Take a few minutes today to learn how you can get your career started in our Bureau of Fire Prevention by clicking here.