DEPUTY CHIEF CHINELLE THOMAS
Bureau of Fire Prevention
1. What is your name, title and years at FDNY? Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities?
My name is Chinelle Thomas. I am a deputy chief inspector in the Bureau of Fire Prevention and based in the District Office Headquarters. I’ve been with the FDNY for almost 10 years.
My role is executive officer to the District Office director. This job entails assisting the management of the operations for the 10 subdivision units across the five boroughs. I assist all of the units with any issues or questions with the Accela program and/or inspections in the day-to-day operations. I also create tutorials and conduct training sessions with our inspectors and supervisors.
We unveiled a new inspection program called Accela, which I oversee for the District Office. Accela will enhance the way we conduct inspections. We are no longer using paper and pencil to conduct inspections in the field; we are now completely digital and using an iPad.
As part of the Bureau of Fire Prevention we are everywhere all at once. We are forever growing, and we just really want to make sure that the public knows we’re here conducting inspections to keep NYC residents safe.
2. What called you to a life of public service at FDNY?
It started from my time in college, when I went to John Jay School of Criminal Justice and majored in fire science. That major and related experiences made it clear to me that I should be working for FDNY—and then the opportunity came for me to become a fire prevention inspector. I saw the requirements and thought to myself, “Yes’, this is it.” Two years after college, I joined FDNY.
3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY?
One of the most impactful moments I had was during the COVID pandemic. I witnessed the appreciation the New York City public had for our job in a time of great need and anxiety, and we were able to offer support and give back.
During that time, we were giving out PPE masks, hand sanitizer and related items to help keep people safe. The fact that the community was so grateful, and that we were able to help save lives with that scale of the operation is something that I will never forget.
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you?
We Are FDNY means to me that we are just like a family. And when I say family, it really means we are family. From the time I’ve started in the Department to my current position, I’ve always felt camaraderie, respect for my colleagues and an atmosphere where we are all rooting for everyone to do better.
We are No. 1. Whatever you are going through, we are ready to help. It is like this not just in fire prevention, but across all FDNY bureaus and units.
5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?
My superpower is elasticity. I can work with all kinds of people under pressure with flexibility, doing a million things all at once and still be very level-headed.
6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?
I support the mission of FDNY through helping the inspectors every day with their operational tasks and making sure that they’re able to do their jobs well. If they do their jobs well, that means I’m doing my job well supporting them, and we are all protecting life and property.