Public Employee Press


WE NEVER QUIT

DC 37 members share a deep commitment to public service and work 24/7 to make New York City a global capital.

New York is the city that never sleeps. Around the clock, emergencies need responses. Streets need cleaning. Families need care. Students need well-run schools. our neighborhoods demand safety. That's why DC 37 members Never Quit. To nominate someone to participate in this campaign, contact PEPeditor@dc37.net.

PEOPLE NEVER really think about the tragedies that don't happen and the lives that aren't put at risk. Disasters are avoided because of the job my coworkers and I do as Fire Protection Inspectors.

New York City is constructing some of the tallest buildings in the world, and we make sure those buildings are up to all safety standards. This helps incidents from happening, and also means that if there ever is an emergency, such as a fire, our uniformed Firefighters in the FDNY can safely do their job and save lives. We are at an all-time low for deaths caused by fires right now.

I have always had an interest in public safety. Before joining FDNY over 22 years ago, I was a journeyman plumber by trade. As a plumber, we protect the health of the nation. Transitioning into a role protecting the residents of New York City from potentially devastating events has been extremely rewarding.

Every day I go into buildings and I have to know everything about that particular location to guarantee all of the systems, including elevators and standpipes, are in place to keep people safe.

After the heartbreaking events of 9/11, we were asked to help develop the Emergency Action Plan, which was designed to evacuate occupants of high-rise office buildings, like the World Trade Center towers were, in the event of an explosion, natural disaster, or any other life-threatening situation. The EAP makes sure that people are prepared if catastrophe strikes, making it invaluable as a life-saving measure.

Recently, I was offered a promotion to a role in management. I turned it down. Being in uniform as a Fire Protection Inspector is already a prestigious job to me.

I like being out around the city, interacting with the public and building developers. Sometimes people are confused and have questions regarding structures they are building, the use of hazardous materials, or even safely watching displays such as the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and the weekly Friday night summertime fireworks on Coney Island. The public comes to us with their concerns, and we provide answers that just might save a life from being put in jeopardy.