FDNY and Make-A-Wish team up to make a 17-year-old girl an Honorary Firefighter

June 12, 2024

With her hand raised and a smile on her face, 17-year-old Abigail Leone, who is battling cystic fibrosis, was sworn in as an FDNY Honorary Firefighter on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.

The FDNY partnered with Make-A-Wish Metro New York to turn Abigail's dream into reality.

Abigail took the Oath of Office, which was administered by Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, and then headed to the Fire Academy to train with FDNY members. She's no stranger to the gear, though: For the past 10 months, Abigail has served as a Fire Explorer for her hometown fire department in Portland, Connecticut.

"Her aspiration to join the FDNY as an Honorary Firefighter stems from a close bond with a fire captain in her hometown firehouse who has become a friend and father figure to her," Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said. "We are thrilled to have her with us as she explores what it's like to be a member of the FDNY."

"Being here, right now, it's very overwhelming, and I think to be offered what she has been offered today has just been a wonderful experience for her," said Abigail's mother, Elizabeth Raiola.

The FDNY proudly welcomes Abigail and her family to the Department.