Department holds graduation ceremony for Fire Protection Inspectors

February 20, 2019

On Wednesday, February 20th, 2019, the Department held a graduation ceremony for 32 Probationary Fire Protection Inspectors at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.

“Every single one of the dedicated men and women who serve as Fire Inspectors are absolutely critical to the Department’s ability to protect life and property in our city,” said First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “Simply put – our Bureau of Fire Prevention makes our city safer every single day.”

“I decided to become a Fire Protection Inspector because I have seen the effects of what a fire can do to someone. I really wanted to find a job that was meaningful,” said Fire Protection Inspector, Michelle Lee, who graduated as Valedictorian of her class. “Starting this training was very nerve-racking and I knew it would be difficult, but my classmates and I were instrumental to each other’s successes. These are amazing people. I’m excited to protect the residents of the city I not only live in, but that I was born and raised in.”

The Bureau of Fire Prevention’s more than 250 Inspectors are extensively trained in inspection oversight and reporting, including training pertaining to the NYC Fire Code, the NYC Building Code, and various administrative and field related protocols.

“With every successful inspection you perform, you are preventing a fire, an injury, or even a potential loss of life,” said acting Chief of Department John Sudnik.

Probationary Fire Protection Inspectors receive eleven weeks of training at the Fire Academy, more than one hundred hours of New York State Peace Officer training, and have been schooled in fire protection enforcement activities which entail the issuance of violations, FDNY Summonses and serving NYS Criminal Court Summonses. After receiving basic training, they may be assigned to several units within the Bureau of Fire Prevention, including District Officers, Fire Suppression Units, the Bulk Fuel Safety Unit, and the Hazardous Cargo Inspection Unit. Fire Protection Inspectors identify, monitor, and inspect various locations, conditions or equipment that may pose a fire safety hazard to life and property.

“My father is in the Department and growing up, I would always visit him on the weekends and he would show me the rigs and what he did to keep New Yorkers safe every day,” said Fire Protection Inspector, Dennis Pillet. “He was the one that told me about the Bureau of Fire Prevention and how I can make a difference in other people’s lives. I can’t wait to grow as a person in this career.”

For pictures of the graduation ceremony, click here.