Sergeant Mykka Richardson
Vehicle Coordinator, EMS Operations
1. Please introduce yourself—your name, your title and the year you joined the FDNY.
My name is Mykka Richardson. I am an EMS sergeant, and I joined the FDNY in July of 2009.
2. Where are you currently assigned, and what are your main responsibilities?
I am currently assigned to EMS Operations as the vehicle coordinator. My responsibility is to make sure we have vehicles and command cars so that EMTs, paramedics and officers can respond to emergencies when assigned.
3. What inspired you to choose a life of public service with the FDNY?
I’ve always loved the medical field. My favorite show as a kid was “Rescue 911,” so I’ve been drawn to this field ever since I was a little girl. Helping my family members when they became sick made me realize that helping people in their time of need is my passion. It was especially confirmed for me when my late grandmother became ill, and I would take care of her on my days off after work. She said, “Mykka, you have a heart for this work; never stop!
4. Can you share one of your most memorable moments on the job?
My most memorable moments of this job would be working with amazing partners—responding to emergency calls with someone where you don’t even necessarily have to say anything; you just know what to do next or what to say at the right time, knowing it will always make a world of difference. Having great partners is a godsend!
5. When you hear the words “We Are FDNY,” what does that mean to you?
“We Are FDNY” means that we represent the bigger picture. There are so many different moving parts to the Fire Department, but together, we all help the Department run smoothly. Everybody plays a part, a role, and everybody’s contribution is a very important component in helping the Department move forward.
6. What would you say is your “superpower”—a strength or skill you bring to your work?
I would say my superpower is my willingness to learn new things and help others. No one man or woman is an army. The more you learn, the more you can be of resource to others. You never know who you can help with the information you’ve learned.
7. How does your role help advance the FDNY’s mission of public safety?
My role helps the FDNY’s mission of public safety by making sure units have vehicles for emergency response. The vehicle is the second most important resource after our members’ training and service. Having both allows us to better serve the public.