October 2, 2024

Photos from the Ceremony can be found HERE

NEW YORK, NY - Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) Commissioner Robert S. Tucker today presided over the department's first Dispatcher Recognition Day ceremony since it was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the ceremony, 31 fire and Emergency Medical Services dispatchers were recognized for their work on three notable incidents involving FDNY operations helping to keep New Yorkers safe.

"Dispatch is an integral part of the FDNY that allows this department to carry out incredible, lifesaving work every day. Being a dispatcher is incredibly challenging work - moving from call to call, providing a reassuring voice on the other end of the phone, and helping someone during what can be the scariest moment of their life. As dispatchers, you're the first link in the chain of survival for New Yorkers in need," said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. "These heroes allow our units to get to emergencies quickly and safely and help save countless lives each year. Today, and every day, we say thank you for the extraordinary work you do to keep our city and our members safe."

A breakdown of the three incidents dispatchers were honored for can be found below:

Fire Dispatch Operations: Brooklyn
On April 12, 2022, Brooklyn Fire Dispatch received a call for smoke from a train on the BMT N Line at 36 St and 4th Ave. What was believed to be smoke from a train quickly escalated to an active shooter incident requiring units to respond to multiple locations. The tour was able to adjust to a complicated and fluid situation in a timely manner. Dispatchers assured that all responding companies were given information provided in real-time, including the description of the shooter. The entire tour acted as a cohesive unit working towards a common goal of trying to keep FDNY units safe while they provided care.

Fire Dispatch Operations: Bronx
On January 9, 2022, Bronx Fire Dispatch received multiple calls for a fire at Twin Parks, a 19-story high-rise multiple dwelling. Dispatchers quickly loaded up the box, due to the quantity and qualities of calls, and prepared for the inevitable escalation. The fire rapidly increased to a third alarm, with multiple injuries.

Fire Dispatch Operations: Staten Island
On March 21, 2023, Staten Island Fire Dispatch received a call for five children stuck in a sewer tunnel 200 feet below street level. The ARD (assignment receiving dispatcher), with the assistance of other dispatchers who knew the area, were able to obtain a location where the children entered the tunnel. Due to the unknown scope of the emergency, the dispatchers assigned a Major Matrix. The ARD remained on the line the entire duration of the incident, keeping the children calm while gaining pertinent information that the Radio-Out Dispatcher relayed to the units on the scene. That cohesive effort eventually led to a successful team effort, and the rescue of the five children.

Uniformed Fire Alarm Dispatchers Benevolent Association Citation: Fire Alarm Dispatcher Bill Ladell
Joining the FDNY in 1971, Fire Alarm Dispatcher Bill Ladell was honored today for his more than 50 years of remarkable service to the department. During his time in the FDNY, Dispatcher Ladell helped develop the Starfire MDT System, which is a computer aided dispatch system the department still uses today. He also helped the city navigate emergency response efforts to the New York Telephone Company Fire in February 1975, the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993, and the attacks on September 11, 2001. He has helped train generations of emergency fire dispatchers coming up through the ranks behind him and while he is still on the job, his contributions to the FDNY will last a lifetime.

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