The Future of Firefighting: Preparing for Tomorrow's Emergencies Today

By Jaxon Richards, New York City Fire Department, Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs, and Community Affairs Fellow

Between October 29 and November 12, 2024, New York City experienced an unprecedented surge in brush fires, with the FDNY responding to 229 incidents—the highest number ever recorded in just two weeks. This sharp increase in emergencies highlights the growing challenges posed by a changing climate and the vulnerabilities of urban environments. Yet, New York is not alone in facing these escalating crises. On the West Coast, Los Angeles is currently enduring its own disaster, with tens of thousands evacuated, thousands of structures destroyed, and damages soaring into the billions. These events signal the onset of a new reality: emergencies are becoming more frequent, intense, and complex. In this context, robust emergency management systems are no longer optional—they are essential. Supporting the FDNY in its mission to lead by example has been an honor, as their unwavering dedication to public safety continues to set the standard nationwide.

During my time with the FDNY as part of the John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service, I've had the privilege of working within two vital civilian units: Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) and Community Affairs (CAU). While I'm not on the front lines, I have found that firefighting goes beyond the heroics of fighting fires—it's also about policy prevention, community mitigation, and coordinated recovery. Under Director Sandra Sanchez, the CAU plays a pivotal role in many phases of emergency management— mitigation, preparedness, and recovery. From coordinating Fire Safety Education initiatives that promote risk mitigation to supporting CPR training and smoke alarm installations that enhance community preparedness, CAU ensures that New Yorkers are equipped to handle emergencies. Liaising with all 59 of New York City's community boards, I help disseminate fire safety tips, build partnerships, and promote neighborhood-specific programming tailored to each community's unique needs.

In the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs unit, I've supported the FDNY's engagement at the City, State, and Federal levels. Under the direction of Madison Hernandez, my work includes preparing for City Council hearings, conducting legislative analysis, and strategically positioning the FDNY to advance public safety and emergency management priorities. Highlights of my time so far include attending executive swearing-in ceremonies, open houses at firehouses, City Council hearings, and even touring a burning site with several city councilors and the FDNY Commissioner. Through these experiences, I've come to deeply appreciate the intricate coordination required to sustain an agency as impactful as the FDNY. It's not just about individual efforts but the collective strength of collaboration—across government, communities, and internal teams—that lies at the heart of what makes the FDNY's mission possible. It's a testament to the value of shared responsibility and the power of teamwork in achieving our common goal of public safety.

My time with the FDNY has provided invaluable insights into the complexities of emergency management and the critical role of collaboration in safeguarding communities. Whether working on legislative initiatives, fostering community partnerships, or continuing to volunteer as an EMT, I'm seeing firsthand the importance of proactive planning and cohesive teamwork. Overall, it's more evident than ever that the strength of our response lies not in individual efforts but in collective action guided by a shared commitment to resilience and public safety.