Meet Firefighter Damien Byfield from Engine 264 in Far Rockaway, Queens.
Byfield joined the FDNY in 2007 and he is the first in his family to become one of New York’s Bravest.
“I became a Firefighter because I wanted to help people and it seemed pretty exciting to fight fires. I wanted to also help pave the way for others and I really enjoy working here,” Byfield said. “I can’t fully explain the feeling of being a Firefighter, it’s such a rewarding and awesome career.”
In addition to protecting life and property in the city, he has worked in our Office of Recruitment and Retention and visited schools throughout the city to encourage students to work for our Department.
“If you are thinking of becoming a Firefighter, find a mentor or someone who has gone through the process. Talk to members at your local firehouse and ask them questions,” he said for his advice to prospective Firefighters. “The Fire Academy is very physical, so the earlier candidates prepare, the better. Candidates should take advantage of all the resources offered by the FDNY to prepare themselves for Proby School. The training is vigorous mentally and physically, but they can get through it and join us on this job.”
Firefighter Byfield also served in our Office of Recruitment and Retention where he helped students from around the city learn more about joining the FDNY. In 2017, he was part of a team that educated city teens about Firefighter training during visits to their physical education classes.
