Alex Mason :
After a four-year hiatus, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) officially relaunched its Clergy Advisory Council, bringing together faith leaders from across the city to strengthen collaboration on public safety, emergency preparedness, and community engagement.
The meeting, hosted by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, took place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 9 Metrotech Center, Room 8S-7, marking the council’s first gathering since 2022. The relaunch signaled a renewed commitment to building stronger partnerships between the FDNY and New York City’s diverse religious communities.
The session focused on several critical public safety initiatives, including fire safety education, EMS recruitment, community engagement, CPR awareness, and the department’s Stop the Bleed campaign. Organizers emphasized that while these life-saving programs are essential, their impact grows significantly when trusted community leaders help deliver these messages to congregations and neighborhoods throughout the city.
In remarks shared following the meeting, Jéneen K. Gilliam, Director of External Partnerships for the FDNY, thanked council members for their participation and reaffirmed the department’s appreciation for their continued partnership. She noted that clergy members serve as ambassadors for the FDNY within the communities they lead, helping ensure that important public safety information reaches people across cultural and religious backgrounds.
Organizers described the gathering as the beginning of renewed momentum for the advisory council. They also expressed their intention to expand participation in future meetings by welcoming additional faith leaders, broadening the council’s reach, and strengthening trust between the department and the communities it serves.
The relaunch reflects the FDNY’s recognition that effective emergency preparedness extends beyond emergency response. By partnering with religious institutions and community leaders, the department aims to improve public awareness of fire prevention, emergency medical services, and life-saving preparedness initiatives while fostering stronger communication with New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds.
As the meeting concluded, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting safety, preparedness, and community resilience throughout the city. The FDNY announced that the next Clergy Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for Fall 2026, continuing the renewed partnership between the department and New York City’s faith communities.
The successful relaunch highlighted the vital role that collaboration between public agencies and religious leaders plays in protecting lives and strengthening neighborhoods, laying the foundation for an even more connected and resilient New York City.
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