March 16, 2026

The FDNY commemorated 30 years since it merged with New York City EMS with a special event on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten.

The two storied institutions became one three decades ago, on March 17, 1996, creating the most sophisticated emergency medical system in the world.

The merger transformed the FDNY into the world's premier all-hazards response agency, effectively bringing an emergency room to New York City sidewalks, roadways, the subway system, businesses, homes and everywhere in between.

"It's a pleasure to gather here today to recognize the extraordinary lifesaving medical work performed by the members of our Department and to mark an important milestone in FDNY history. Thirty years ago, the EMS and FDNY merger brought together two proud workforces with a shared mission: protecting life. The impact of that partnership has been extraordinary," FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. "As I look toward the next 30 years, I am more than optimistic. I am determined. We have accomplished so much, but our evolution isn't over. We will continue to modernize and innovate and to fight for the resources and the professional respect that every member of this Department deserves. We have proven what we can do together, now let's focus on what we can achieve next."

Chief of EMS Operations Paul Miano added: "Today, we mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most significant moments in the history of emergency response in New York City. Anniversaries like this give us the chance to pause and reflect. To bring together two large public safety systems was not simple. It required leadership, patience, and a willingness from thousands of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and officers to come together and build something stronger. It meant learning from one another, recognizing each others' value and understanding that while our roles may differ, our mission is the same."

Over the last 30 years, FDNY EMS has added 24 stations and four additional divisions across the five boroughs. The Department had equipped its EMTs and paramedics with the highest level of personal protective equipment and has replaced old stretchers with state-of-the-art mechanical stretchers.

To keep up with the evolving needs of emergency medicine, the FDNY also launched the elite Rescue Paramedic Program, Haz-Tac Units and Mobile Respiratory Treatment Units.