Odelmo Paltooram Photography

05/27/2025

12/07/2021

FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced the death of Assistant Chief of EMS Alvin Suriel, a 32-year veteran of Emergency Medical Service, who succumbed to World Trade Center-related cancer on December 7, 2021. Chief Suriel, who was 52-years-old, is the 264th member of the FDNY to die of WTC-related illness.

"Al Suriel spent three decades providing pre-hospital emergency medical care throughout our city. He saved an untold number of lives in his time as an EMT and Paramedic, and through his inspirational leadership in our bureau of EMS,” said Commissioner Nigro. “He was there for New Yorkers on September 11th, he was instrumental in our Department’s extraordinary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he administered outstanding care to every single patient who ever called for his help. His dedication to duty was immeasurable and his loss is a painful blow to our entire Department.”

Chief Suriel most recently served as Assistant Chief of EMS Operations – the first Hispanic member ever appointed to this rank. He was promoted to the position in May 2019. In this role, he served as the Chief of Field Operations, assisting in the supervision of 4,600 Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, EMS Officers, and civilian employees. He oversaw operations, planning, strategic initiatives, and logistics in the Bureau of EMS. He worked closely with the Department’s Counseling Services Unit. Here, he led the way in developing the largest active member peer support group in the nation to address the mental health needs of the FDNY EMS workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Suriel began his career in 1989 as an Emergency Medical Technician first assigned to Harlem. He completed his Paramedic training in 1993 and was assigned to Station 14 and Station 26. He later became Paramedic Coordinator for the Bronx. As a Paramedic on September 11th, 2001, Chief Suriel responded from the EMS Academy at Fort Totten in a convoy of FDNY EMS members to the World Trade Center. He spent many days at the site, taking part in the Department’s World Trade Center rescue and recovery efforts.

09/12/2021

The FDNY EMS Training Academy at Fort Totten in Queens is home to ambulance Unit 343 in remembrance of the 343 FDNY members to make the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

09/12/2021

The Tribute in Light shines for all innocent lives taken on September 11, 2001 #343

07/07/2021

This kid is my hero today !

05/03/2021

"After three decades with the Department, I'm so grateful for having had the opportunity to be there for the people in this city and my community. Emergency Medical Services as a whole are a group of dedicated and compassionate professionals who want to help those at their worst but what got me through so many tough calls were my coworkers. The people I worked with are the backbone of why I made it to where I am today. I am overwhelmed by all their love and support." says FDNY Lieutenant Angela Jones, EMS Bureau of Training, who worked her last tour on April 30, 2021 after 31 years with the Department. The FDNY wishes you a happy and healthy retirement.

04/30/2021

Rest easy tommy -

02/18/2021

02/11/2021

It is with deep regret the department announces the passing of Active EMT Thomas C. Akerberg OF EMS BOT, lost to us on occurred on February 2, 2021. EMT Akerberg comes from a line of FDNY first responders; his father Thomas Akerberg Sr retired FF E-58 & Brother Eric retired FF L-127. EMT Akerberg served this great department for 18 years!
May his soul rest in eternal peace!

02/09/2021

EMS life - Ready ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••