To the heroic men and women of FDNY EMS & Fire Prevention,
On July 24, 1995, I entered the EMS Academy to begin the career I had dreamed of since childhood. Like you, I was drawn to the profound reward of saving lives—delivering babies, treating the injured, and reviving those in need. While the pay often falls short of the sacrifices made, we do this work because we love our field and the impact we have on others.
Unlike today, back then, you had to park at the jetty and walk a mile up the hill to the academy. That was brutal.
My journey into union leadership began when I realized the disparity in our benefits and pay. While our counterparts in the NYPD and FDNY retire after 20 years of service, I was told EMS members must work until age 62. Knowing my body could not sustain this for 40 years, I began attending union meetings in 1999 to push for change. Inspired by the leadership of former President Patrick Bahnken, I joined his team and helped our union successfully secure a 25-year retirement pension.
September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day for our department and the worst terrorist event in our nation’s history. An event ingrained in my mind. We lost so many colleagues and friends, not just that day, but in an ongoing event that feels like it will never end. Our mission never wavered: to protect all our men & women who responded that day.
Since being elected President in 2017, I have led this local through nine years of immense challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a once-in-a-century event. Our members worked in a virtual war zone, and while we lost many great people, our resolve never wavered. During my term, we pushed for better wages and benefits, including filing a historic class-action wage discrimination lawsuit for our EMS and Fire Inspector members.
Our union team has accomplished a lot during my tenure. Although we aren’t where we need to be, we secured the highest raises this local has ever had. We established a 25-year service retirement for our Fire Prevention Inspectors; as they previously had to work until age 62. While there were many other achievements, I am most proud of the 27 years I served in an elected position for our union.
While work remains, I believe we are on the cusp of achieving the goals our union leadership has focused on, pay equity. I want to thank everyone who supported us through the years. I take great pride in these challenges and know that I gave this role my all.
Thank you for a great career, lifelong friendships, a lifetime of memories and the honor of leading the largest & busiest EMS service in the world.
May God continue to bless you.
With love and respect,
Oren Barzilay
President (R)
FDNY EMS Local 2507