FDNY Mobile Academy brings Proby School training to New York City neighborhoods

The FDNY Mobile Academy kicked off its stops across New York City by taking part in the Department’s 2025 block party events, bringing the path to a career in public service directly to communities in all five boroughs. The Mobile Academy made stops at each block party, giving prospective members a hands-on look at what it takes to join the FDNY.

“The summer block parties are about opening our firehouse and EMS station doors and meeting New Yorkers where they are, and the FDNY Mobile Academy plays a huge role in making that connection,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said. “By bringing hands-on elements of our Proby School training directly into neighborhoods across the five boroughs, the Mobile Academy gives prospective candidates a real look at what it takes to join the FDNY.”

The FDNY Mobile Academy is an interactive initiative that brings components of Proby School training into neighborhoods, helping educate and inspire the next generation of firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. Attendees can experience demonstrations, learn about the physical and mental demands of the job, and speak directly with FDNY members about careers with the Department.

In between Mobile Academy sessions, members of the public were also able to take part. Anyone attending a block party was able to interact with Department members and hear more about a career with the FDNY.

This year, the stops were at the following locations:

• Saturday, July 12: Engine 235/Battalion 57 – Brooklyn
• Saturday, July 19: Engine 308/Battalion 51 – Queens
• Saturday, July 26: Engine 84/Ladder 34 – Manhattan
• Saturday, August 9: Engine 157/Ladder 80 – Staten Island
• Saturday, August 16: Engine 64/Ladder 47 – Bronx

The FDNY’s summer block parties also include fire and life safety education information, tours of Department apparatus, and the chance to interact with the Department’s official fire and life safety mascots, Hot Dog and Siren.

Community outreach at the summer block party program is made possible by the generous support of the FDNY Foundation, the FDNY’s official nonprofit organization.

After stops at the block parties, the Mobile Academy continues its tour with additional stops around the City.