Why one firefighter called the FDNY “a perfect fit”

Join FDNY Podcast explores career paths and personal stories in firefighting

FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast titled “It’s a great platform for me in my life.”

The episode, released on Monday 29 September 2025, continues the series’ focus on career paths within the Department.

The Join FDNY Podcast was established in 2023 to highlight the diverse experiences of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, fire protection inspectors, cadets and civilian employees.

The podcast aims to inspire potential recruits by showcasing the personal stories and professional journeys of those serving in the largest fire department in the United States.

Episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres

The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who served with the FDNY for nearly 30 years.

During the interview, Torres discussed his career progression from Engine 302 in Queens to Rescue 4, where he worked for 16 years before retiring in 2021.

He spoke about the support he received early in his career from the FDNY Hispanic Society, an organisation that he continues to serve as historian.

Luis Torres, retired FDNY Lieutenant, said: “Getting on right away, I joined the Hispanic Society, which gave me a trampoline more or less of help, mentorship within the fire department.”

“It helped me to learn from others who had been through the process and gave me a sense of belonging in the department.”

Torres explained that the Hispanic Society continues to preserve its history dating back to 1962, supporting members and sharing lessons with new recruits.

Luis Torres added: “We put together paperwork, information and photos from back then and organise it for the next generation to understand what we’ve been through and how we unite with the department.”

Sharing lessons across generations

Torres reflected on the experience of serving in his local community and seeing his son now working in the same firehouse.

He described this as a personal highlight of his career and a continuation of his family’s connection with FDNY.

Luis Torres said: “It was an honour to be in Rescue 4, seven blocks from where I grew up most of my life.”

“My son now works there too, which means a lot to me because he was born and raised in that same area.”

Torres encouraged all new recruits to find mentorship through the Department’s affinity groups.

He said: “I would recommend any individual, no matter if they’re Hispanic or not, to reach out to the fraternal organisation that represents them and join.”

Focus on mentorship and giving back

The episode also highlighted the Hispanic Society’s ongoing role in supporting mentorship and community engagement.

Torres explained that its work includes charitable initiatives such as toy and turkey drives, as well as events that bring together members from across different FDNY organisations.

He said: “You want to feel like you can give back after joining a great organisation like the fire department.”

“That’s where the organisations come in, because they support the community and each other through events and drives throughout the year.”

Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown praised Torres for his commitment to mentoring new firefighters and preserving the Department’s cultural history.

Captain Lee said: “Lieutenant Torres is very impressive, even after retirement, still wanting to give back just like he did on the job.”

Captain Brown added: “Every conversation he has is teaching, and it’s important for everyone to pick up on the lessons he shares.”

Additional feature on Chief Mike Meyers

The episode also revisited a previous conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers.

Meyers discussed his 34-year career and his advice for new recruits entering the FDNY Academy.

Chief Mike Meyers said: “Enjoy every day that you’re here and enjoy all the people around you.”

“I’ve never had a bad day on this job, not one day, not going through academy, not going through flips. I enjoyed every single one.”

Meyers reflected on the variety of experiences he has had during his career, from deployments to major incidents to leading training for thousands of firefighters and EMTs across New York City.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Join FDNY Podcast offers a detailed insight into the structure and culture of one of the world’s largest fire departments.

Its focus on recruitment, diversity and career progression may be of interest to fire service leaders responsible for workforce planning and training.

Senior officers and training coordinators can observe how FDNY uses public-facing communication to attract and support candidates from varied backgrounds.

The discussions about mentorship, affinity groups and intergenerational service highlight approaches that contribute to firefighter retention and engagement.

Fire training institutions may also find value in the perspectives shared by Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who described the importance of consistent learning and maintaining physical fitness through all stages of a firefighting career.

FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths: Summary

The Fire Department of New York released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast on Monday 29 September 2025.

The podcast, established in 2023, highlights the experiences and career paths of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, inspectors and civilian employees.

The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who discussed his 29-year career, mentorship through the FDNY Hispanic Society and his continued role as its historian.

Torres reflected on serving in Queens and the pride of seeing his son now working in the same firehouse at Rescue 4.

Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown commended Torres for his ongoing mentorship and dedication to preserving FDNY’s history.

The episode also included a conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who reflected on his 34-year career and offered advice to new recruits entering the academy.

This article contains information from the following source: Join FDNY Podcast