FDNY Veterans

T he FDNY is classified as a paramilitary agency because our organizational structure, tactics, training and culture resembles that of the U.S. Armed Forces. To date, there are more than 1,400 members in our Department who are veterans or military reservists. The Department’s Office of Recruitment and Retention remains committed to continuing efforts to recruit more service members into the FDNY. Through our ongoing outreach initiatives, many of our first responders who have served in the military also take an active role in educating veterans throughout New York State about working for our Department.

U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program

Since September of 2018, the FDNY and U.S. Army have continued to develop its partnership by way of the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program. The PaYS Program is designed to help soldiers prepare for a career after the Army by connecting them with employers who understand the skills, discipline, and work ethic that military service members bring to a business.

The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the Army and a cross-section of private industry, academia, and state and local public institutes. FDNY’s partnership guarantees U.S. Army PaYS Program soldiers a job interview with the Office of Recruitment and Retention and possible employment after their service in the Army. The PaYS Program provides America’s youth with the unique opportunity to simultaneously serve their country and prepare for their future.



On the Job

May 9, 2023

Celebrating #APAHM: A Spotlight on Firefighters Ken Ng and Jesse Shan

Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month with us today by meeting Engine 326 Firefighter Ken Ng and Ladder 160 Firefighter Jesse Shan. The two first responders, whose […]
December 13, 2022

#TransformationTuesday: Time to Catch Up With Paramedic Kim

On this Transformation Tuesday, the spotlight is on Paramedic Ki Hyun Kim. When you first met him, he was working as an Emergency Medical Technician at […]
November 11, 2022

Celebrating Veterans Day: A Spotlight on EMT Naytasha Doyle

On this Veterans Day 2022, meet Division 3 Emergency Medical Technician Naytasha Doyle, a 13-year U.S. Army Reservist. “Every day at work, my goal is to […]
June 4, 2022

Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month: A Spotlight on Proby EMT Imani Gonzalez

“Every day I try to put my best foot forward, and provide the best care that I can with each patient that I interact with during […]
May 17, 2022

EMT Kim Uses His Love for Fitness to Help Others

Our celebration of EMS Week and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month continues today by meeting EMT Ki Hyun Kim, who has been “Rising to the Challenge” […]
February 24, 2022

Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Firefighter Cameron Peek

Our celebration of Black History Month continues today with a spotlight on Rescue 2 Firefighter Cameron Peek, a United States Army veteran who made history in […]
January 30, 2022

The FDNY Celebrates National Mentoring Month

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, join us below in meeting members of the FDNY Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program. This initiative pairs Firefighter Candidates with Fire […]
January 17, 2022

FDNY Heroes Continue Dr. King’s Legacy Through Their Service

On this third Monday of 2022, we’re joining the rest of the nation to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In recognition of […]
June 20, 2021

Join Us in Celebrating Father’s Day 2021

Happy Father’s Day! It’s that time of year again where we join those near and far to say thank you to all of the hard working, […]