As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, the FDNY carries both profound pain and enduring pride. We remember the 343 members who were killed that day, those we have since lost to World Trade Center-related illnesses, and the families whose lives were forever changed.

Alongside that grief stands an extraordinary legacy of courage—the bravery of members who, in the face of unimaginable danger, helped as many as 25,000 people escape the World Trade Center. Twenty-five years later, we honor both the lives we lost and the lives their courage helped save.

To help preserve that history, the FDNY Foundation presents “Never Forget 9/11: Reflections from the FDNY,” a five-part podcast series hosted by Gary Sinise. Combining interviews from FDNY Pro archives with newly recorded accounts, the series explores the response, the recovery, the rebuilding of the Department and the responsibilities that remain a quarter of a century later.

In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone welcomes Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore to discuss the special podcast series, and what it means to be at the helm of this Department on this momentous anniversary.

Listen here: Never Forget 9/11: Reflections from the FDNY

On the morning of February 18, 2025, FDNY EMS units responded to a report of a barricaded suspect incident inside a Manhattan NYCHA apartment that rapidly escalated into a high-risk, multi-patient operation. BLS and ALS units responded to this active and evolving scene. As operations progressed, EMS units were moved from staging to inside the building, ultimately advancing to the upper floors in close proximity to the threat when multiple gunshots were fired without warning. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, host Captain Randy Li is joined by Captain Alexander Khalef, and the Rescue Paramedics Paul Yoon and Jose Parra, who responded to this incident and treated those on scene, including a downed officer and the suspect. For their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty, they were recognized with the Tracy Allen Lee Medal at the 2026 FDNY Medal Day Ceremony in June.

On the evening of June 22, 2025, FDNY members operated at Bronx Fifth Alarm Box 3360 for a rapidly advancing fire in a two-and-a-half-story private dwelling. As units arrived, heavy fire was consuming multiple e-bikes on the front porch and extending up the front of the building, threatening both exposures.

Rescue Company 3, led by Lieutenant Joseph Light, was initially assigned to check for fire extension in the adjacent house before being redeployed to the rear of the original fire building. Inside, members encountered intense heat, dense black smoke, and rapidly deteriorating conditions. As fire conditions worsened, Lieutenant Light heard a Viber-alert from another firefighter's SCBA. What followed was a dangerous firefighter removal operation under punishing conditions.

On today’s episode, host Battalion Chief Jason Cascone sits down with Lt. Joe Light to reflect on this challenging operation, his remarkable 40-year career with the Department, and what it meant to receive the Hugh Bonner Medal and the Honor Legion Medal at this year’s Medal Day ceremony in recognition of his actions during the fire.