FDNY Insider Newsletter: Fire Cadet Brianna Denis

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is home to Marine 6, a storied firefighting and rescue division on the waters. It’s where you can find the fireboats, The Bravest and the William Feehan, moored on the docks. The firehouse is on the second floor of a red brick warehouse. Beneath that, a garage and a storage area holds neatly arranged aisles and drawers of everything needed to keep the ships and boats running. It’s also where Fire Cadet Brianna Denis reports for her work rotation. 

 “My job is taking inventory. I make sure the parts and the orders come in and make sure they’re placed where they need to be so that they can easily be found so the boats can be fixed,” said Denis. “It’s cool to see this other side of the FDNY where you’re not fighting fires, but you’re still an important part of the Department.” 

Denis has always dreamed of being a Firefighter, so an added perk is interacting with the members. “They always answer my questions or help me if I need anything. They’re always saying, ‘Don't be scared to ask about anything. You know, we're all here together, working together, and we're here to help you.’” 

“It’s pretty cool for us, too. It’s great to have a new face around. She catches on really quick. It’s good to have young people come through here. Being able to mentor and teach someone is a great feeling,” said Lieutenant Ilya Zerakhto. 

The work rotation is just one facet of the two-year Fire Cadet Program. There’s lengthy classroom time to learn about the history, the organization, and the core values of the FDNY as well as fitness training to prepare them to take the Promotion to Firefighter exam.  

The last time the FDNY entrance exam was given, Denis was still in high school, and too young to take it. Now a Fire Cadet, she sees momentum towards her goal of helping

FDNY Insider Newsletter: Fire Cadet Joshua Lee

The Fire Cadet Academy has drawn nearly 100 young people from all different backgrounds from all five boroughs to pursue a career in the FDNY. As Fire Cadets, they are currently learning the traditions and culture of the FDNY through classroom time, physical training, and various work rotations throughout the Department. It can be an intense experience. 

“Day one, you’re lined up at the Rock. You’re in your uniforms and it was kind of a culture shock because it’s kind of like boot camp,” said Fire Cadet Joshua Lee. “But I understand that it’s all a part of discipline and being highly organized. You get the feeling they really want you to succeed in this process.” 

Lee is first generation Korean American. He says he got the idea to join the program after speaking to FDNY Firefighter and friend Jason Kim. “It told me that if he can do this, I can do this too. And I think that’s what definitely motivated me to join this program. By doing this, I want to send a message that as long as you have a good heart and willing to put in the work, anything is possible.” 

There are approximately 265 Asian American firefighters in the FDNY. Firefighter Benjamin Chou, President of the Phoenix Society, FDNY’s Asian affinity group, says there have consistently been about eight Asian Probationary Firefighters per class at the Fire Academy, but his group is trying to change that.  

“The Phoenix Society is trying to make an active push in demonstrating that firefighting is a plausible career for young Asian Americans. We have been conducting a lot of our outreach into the Asian communities and working to project a positive image that there are Asian American firefighters and that it is possible for them to do it too,” said Firefighter Chou. 

Lee says his parents were initially very worried about his decision to pursue firefighting. “They were a little shocked. My parents were worried that it’s very dangerous, which is funny to me because a lot of men in Korean households serve in the military,” said Lee. “The idea of going into a burning building is insane but at the same time, it’s noble. This whole organization is just amazing because you’re working with some of the bravest, kindest, and hardworking people.” 

Upon completion of the two-year Fire Cadet Academy, graduating Cadets are given the opportunity to take the Promotion to Firefighter exam, allowing them to propel into the Fire Academy. It’s something that Cadet Lee is looking forward to so he can also inspire others. “As an Asian-American, I can imagine there are other people who can say ‘Wow, I have a chance to do that as well,’ just as how I saw my friend told me about this program.” 

Lee’s first work rotation, one of six, is with the Office of the Fire Commissioner. He does a lot of data entry, updating profiles and databases, and he likes it. “There’s so much going on behind the scenes. It’s a group effort and people really take pride in what they do. It’s very rare to be working amongst great people. I really appreciate the camaraderie that we have, and I know that’s going to build more relationships and bonds.”

I spearheaded a 125th anniversary magazine for Englewood Health. It was an insert magazine that was distributed to 500,000 households in the South Jersey area. I was tasked with producing, editing, and writing articles and profiles for this magazine under a tight deadline of two months.