FDNY Foundation honours members and raises $4.2 million at annual dinner
Iain Hoey
Share this content
FDNY Foundation dinner highlights service and fundraising
The FDNY Foundation has reported that its 2025 FDNY Foundation Dinner and Fire Commissioner’s Humanitarian Awards raised more than $4.2 million.
The event took place on 4 September 2025 at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island in New York City.
The Foundation stated that more than 1,450 people attended, marking its largest fundraising dinner to date.
FDNY Foundation Chairman Matthew J. DiLiberto said the partnership between the Foundation and Commissioner Robert S. Tucker has helped build momentum with new audiences and donors.
FDNY Commissioner Tucker added that the event is an opportunity to thank donors who provide resources for training, equipment and education across the Department.
Humanitarian award presented to Nasdaq CEO
According to the FDNY Foundation, Adena T. Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, received the 2025 Fire Commissioner’s Humanitarian of the Year award.
Friedman said the Foundation provides equipment, family support and educational resources to ensure FDNY members are prepared for their work.
She explained that the Foundation helps both the Department and the families of its members by supporting training needs and outreach programmes.
The Foundation added that Guy Adami, a CNBC commentator, served as the evening’s host.
Service recognition for fire and EMS members
The FDNY Foundation reported that Service Recognition Awards were presented to members from fire and EMS operations for actions carried out in 2024.
Firefighter Michael D. Kotzo, of Ladder Company 28, was honoured for performing two rope rescues during a top-floor fire in Manhattan.
EMTs Amber M. Black and Mitchell Tarnapolsky, of Station 43, received awards for an ocean rescue that saved two young people at Coney Island.
FDNY Commissioner Tucker said: “We are grateful for their service and bravery, and we thank them for their quick-thinking actions.
“We know they saved lives.”
Awards for ceremonial and community work
The Foundation confirmed that Lieutenant Joseph LaPointe, Assistant Commissioner Dominique Joseph and Director Pascale Etienne were honoured as “Team Never Forget.”
Their award recognised their roles in memorials, ceremonies and family support efforts through the Ceremonial Unit, the Family Assistance Unit and Special Events.
Commissioner Tucker said: “We honor the men and women who help make us good on our promise to Never Forget: the Ceremonial Unit, the Family Assistance Unit, and our Special Events team.
“With the support of the FDNY Foundation, these three groups consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every event at the FDNY has the signature standard of greatness, care and honor befitting the greatest fire department in the world.”
Fire and life safety education awards
According to the FDNY Foundation, Public School 78 on Staten Island received the Chief William M. Feehan Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Education Award.
The school worked with the FDNY and the Police Athletic League during Fire Prevention Month in 2024 to host community events.
Retired Firefighter Darrel Patterson, of Ladder Company 118, also received the Chief Feehan Award.
He was recognised for more than 20 years of outreach work through the Fire Safety Education Unit, continuing after his retirement in 2001.
The Foundation stated that Patterson has spoken at schools, senior centres and community organisations on fire safety and prevention.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The FDNY Foundation Dinner illustrates how charitable partnerships provide resources for equipment, training and public education.
The awards highlight operational achievements alongside community-based contributions to fire and life safety education.
This coverage offers a model for how professional recognition and community engagement can strengthen public trust and departmental capacity.
FDNY Foundation honours members and raises $4.2 million at annual dinner: Summary
The FDNY Foundation has reported that its 2025 Foundation Dinner raised more than $4.2 million.
The event took place on 4 September 2025 at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island.
More than 1,450 people attended the event, making it the largest dinner to date.
Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena T. Friedman was named Humanitarian of the Year.
Service Recognition Awards were presented to Firefighter Michael D. Kotzo and EMTs Amber M. Black and Mitchell Tarnapolsky.
Lieutenant Joseph LaPointe, Assistant Commissioner Dominique Joseph and Director Pascale Etienne were recognised as “Team Never Forget.”
Public School 78 received the Chief William M. Feehan Award for fire and life safety education.
Retired Firefighter Darrel Patterson was also honoured with the Chief Feehan Award for more than 20 years of safety outreach.
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker thanked donors and emphasised the link between the dinner’s success and the daily work of FDNY members.
FDNY Foundation Chairman Matthew J. DiLiberto credited the Foundation’s relationship with the Commissioner for strengthening donor engagement.