Fire Department of New York
NEW YORK — Mayor Bill de Blasio and Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced the issuance of a new Equal Employment Opportunity Policy that reaffirms and strengthens FDNY’s commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion throughout the Department.
The new EEO policy stipulates the legal rights and responsibilities for all employees in the workplace, highlights the functions and benefits of the EEO Office, and details the process and steps for making an inquiry, filing a complaint, or engaging in alternative workplace resolution options, such as mediation.
Together with the revised policy, the EEO Office is launching an initiative that will train and utilize FDNY employees in various units, ranks and titles — including chiefs, captains, lieutenants, firefighters, fire marshals, inspectors and EMTs — to act as EEO Counselors. These EEO Counselors will provide guidance, information and other workplace resources to employees on behalf of the EEO office.
“Anyone with the talent, tenacity and valor to serve in the FDNY should have the opportunity to do so, and Commissioner Nigro and I are determined to ensure that the Department continues to reflect the diversity of the five boroughs,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “That is why we are reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and to working to build firehouses that look like New York City. This updated Equal Employment Opportunity Policy will help us to achieve these goals and create a workplace where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
“One of our most important priorities is to ensure that the Fire Department draws from all segments of our City,” Commissioner Nigro said. “Every employee has an equal opportunity to contribute diverse perspectives and talents to our Department and our city, and we are committed to ensuring a workplace where all people feel that they are appreciated, valued and respected.”
Field-based EEO counselors and trainers will receive specialized training in EEO laws, regulations, and policies. The EEO counselor’s primary function will be to provide guidance, information and other resources on behalf of the EEO Office, including:
• Assist any employee — regardless of rank, title, location, or assignment — who wishes to make a workplace related inquiry
• Provide information on the FDNY EEO Policy, processes and procedures
• Offer guidance on available options — such as mediation — and, under appropriate circumstances, provide assistance in resolving disputes, facilitating mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
Trainers will be responsible for providing clear EEO guidance on the legal, rights, privileges, and obligations and procedures to all FDNY employees through presentations at the FDNY Fire Academy and FDNY Headquarters.