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As we pause today to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, meet one FDNY member who is helping to advance his principles through his work in our Department. Annual Medical Coordinator Wadell English and his team in our Bureau of Health Services strive daily to navigate our candidates through a challenging health screening process. This 22-year member also continues to bring hope to those who are dedicated to living out their dream by working for the FDNY. In addition, he works closely with the aspiring first responders in our Exploring Program.
Join FDNY: What does your average work day look like?
Coordinator Wadell English: Candidates start off the day with medical documentation then we take time to explain the steps of everything they should expect for the day. We try to make sure they take care of the essential parts of the process first and guide them through this process accordingly. As a coordinator, I help the daily flow of each exam station. My team and I ensure all the boxes are checked and everyone is satisfied with their experience here. I approach the candidates to find out if they had any issues and deal with it right away.
JF: What should our candidates remember before they come to see you?
CWE: Be prepared for a full day of activities. We will have an early day and we want everyone to get through the process steadily and efficiently.
JF: How does the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspire you in your daily work?
CWE: As a community advocate and a leader within my unit, I have a passion for shining the light of Dr. King’s message to everyone I encounter. His legacy and message of peace, sharing and caring impacts us all. We need to continue to implement behaviors and traditions that pay homage to Dr. King’s name even if it’s in a small way. If it wasn’t for the legacy and message of Dr. King, I can’t imagine where we would be without the impact he has played in our lives.
As a Post Advisor, English joins the FDNY Explorers in assisting at community events throughout the year.
JF: What does it feel like to be working with our awesome youth in the Exploring Program?
CWE: The Exploring Program exposes our youth to the different aspects the job has to offer and it’s just an incredible experience to know these young people and to be able to help support them through any part of their lives. We love these kids and we will do anything for them. I love helping our youth to evolve and I’m proud to see them having the successful careers as first responders. We want them all to end up wearing this prestigious uniform.
