Professional Development
The gap between the FDNY’s needs and the support available remains wide. Funding from the FDNY Foundation ensures that the Department can continuously fund advanced training programs. Since 9/11, the Department has emphasized an all-hazards approach to training, placing it at the forefront of public safety in New York City, while simultaneously setting standards for the nation. Funding from the FDNY Foundation helps the FDNY participate in specialized courses, technical training programs and curriculum centered on disaster readiness.
The rebuilding efforts undertaken after 9/11 were unprecedented in scope and magnitude. 25 years later, FDNY is more resilient and stronger than ever. This remarkable accomplishment was facilitated by the Foundation-funded FDNY Officers Management Institute (FOMI). Developed in the wake of 9/11, the innovative program provides high-ranking Officers with a solid foundation in management principles and leadership strategy, especially in emergency and disaster situations. FOMI has proved to be an indispensable tool for the Department and a nationally recognized model for teaching leadership principles and disaster readiness. The six-month program is offered through the Columbia Business School and includes coursework from experts in the corporate community, government and homeland security.
I-LEAP’D is a five-day program that has been customized for first line supervisors and mid-level managers from Fire, EMS, Fire Prevention, Communications, and various civilian bureaus. I-LEAP’D addresses the gap of leadership and strategic management training currently available for the members at these levels. It’s also a unique opportunity for members throughout all bureaus to work together. Topics include the following: leadership, strategic communications and public speaking, health is wealth and critical decision making.
The FDNY Foundation supports Department members who are pursuing continuing education, a critical step in professional growth and advancement within the FDNY. The FDNY Foundation formally launched the Never Forget Memorial Scholarships to pay tribute to those lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001, and honor the enduring legacy of the Department’s leadership and officers killed on that day and those who have since died of illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts. In 2026, the Foundation awarded $250,000 in financial aid to FDNY members.
Websites and publications devoted to training, safety and preparedness help the Department keep its members informed of the latest tactics and information from FDNY experts. FDNY DiamondPlate Training and WNYF Magazine are both important tools that have helped educate members, thanks to funding from the FDNY Foundation.
Member Support
The health and well-being of the Department’s members remain important, and the Foundation helps to fund the Family Assistance Unit and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit to assist current and retired members and their families.
The FDNY Family Assistance Unit (FAU) educates, promotes awareness, provides screening and raises critical funds to support cancer research for those FDNY members affected by 9/11-related illnesses. FAU works to assist FDNY families when an FDNY member experiences a serious accident, illness or untimely death including supporting scholarships for children of current FDNY members.
The Counseling Service Unit (CSU) assists all Uniform and Civilian FDNY members, and their families in reaching their optimal level of mental health through assessment, intervention, treatment planning, treatment, and referrals. CSU is committed to providing free, effective and confidential services. CSU offers a unique peer program, which allows current and retired members to meet other members of the FDNY at their firehouses and EMS stations. They are also available for emergency responses to hospitals or following difficult calls resulting in a fatality.