As of Jan. 12, the duties of chief of the fire department for the city of New York (FDNY) were officially handed over to Edward Kilduff.

Yesterday, Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano presided over the promotions ceremony that advanced Assistant Chief Edward S. Kilduff to Chief of Department, the highest uniformed position in the FDNY.

A member of the department since 1977, Kilduff worked his way up through the ranks, most recently serving as the Brooklyn Borough Commander. He is now the 34th chief of the department in the agency’s 145-year history.

FRM: Firefighter safety is always a topic of concern among the rank and file. What plans do you have to improve and/or increase the health and safety of the FDNY?
Chief Kilduff: We’re using more video in the firehouses. We’re getting DVDs into the firehouses that discuss training and safety issues, and they have a good impact on the members. We also send dedicated training teams out to firehouses on a regular basis, which are specific to each unit and provide an all-encompassing safety overview.

FRM: How do you see the upcoming trials of the accused 911 terrorist affecting the operations of the FDNY in the coming year?
Chief Kilduff: Well, right now it looks like they may be moved from New York City, but we are fully prepared to provide the coverage that’s needed. We’ve done some impact assessments, and we now have a tiered response in place, so that if there was a terrorist event, we’d be able to blend into the overall city response. Right now, though, we’re on hold because the Obama administration is considering moving the trials out of New York.

FRM: What do you think has been the most important in preparing you for this position: specialized training, years of experience or a specific event?
Chief Kilduff: Experience comes first, then the ability to recognize the challenges that face the department; they both really prepare you for this job. You also need a good ability to understand the department’s objectives, and you need to be a part of the mix of people who address problems within the department. The ability to communicate is also important, but experience prepared me more than anything.

FRM: Who do you look up to as a mentor? Who or what event(s) do you credit most with helping shape you as a firefighter?
Chief Kilduff: I had several mentors as a firefighter. There were senior members, several company officers, battalion chiefs, people I wanted to emulate. I wanted to be just like them and I took that very seriously. I became a student of how these people conducted themselves, and they were through all ranks. I appreciated how they went about their business. They set an example for me. I think it’s very important to select a mentor and select people who you feel are doing well in the department.

FRM: Obviously, the most traumatic event for the U.S. fire service in recent years was 9/11. Where were you on 9/11? How is the event affecting the FDNY today?
Chief Kilduff: I was off duty at the time, and I came in that morning and was assigned to 1 Police Plaza because we lost our command center, so we set up a command center there. As far as the FDNY goes, I think we’ve recovered basically from an operational point of view, but all firefighters are 3-4 years less experienced than before. Emotionally, there are still a lot of scars and a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Firefighters still need to be counseled and receive medical exams. Of course, the families are still affected, so we’re treating family issues as well.

FRM: Any advice you’d like to give to future firefighters, fire chiefs?
Chief Kilduff: Obviously, the best advice is to always preach safety. But in addition to that, I think the best advice I could give is to learn and keep learning. Find mentors, and respect the traditions of your fire department, although that doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions. Get involved with your department, and work on your professional development. Select an opportunity, a leadership opportunity. There are lots of places where firefighters could get involved that would further their professional development.

FRM: What has been one of your biggest lessons learned during your career?
Chief Kilduff: The lesson I’ve learned is to always be conscientious, thorough, honest and considerate with everyone, because it will reap benefits throughout your career.

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