Executive Board

luis crespo fdnyFF LUIS CRESPO
FDNY Hispanic Society Treasurer
Firefighter Ladder 14

In 2004, I was called to serve my community in a large capacity by joining the FDNY. I was appointed to Engine 35 and shortly thereafter was assigned to Ladder14 both in the East Harlem section of the city. During my tenure as a firefighter, I've become an instructor at the PSS/Lifesaving rope unit at the Fire Academy, also working as an instructor on the mobile training vehicle apparatus. My love and passion for the job and helping others has afforded me the opportunity to donate my time training and equipping less fortunate firefighters around the world, with a not for profit group traveling as far as South Africa. As treasurer of the Hispanic Society, my mission is to instill a solid foundation for the current and future FDNY Latino constituents and assist the society in establishing financial stability and growth.

ulises pena fdnyFF ULISES PEÑA
FDNY Hispanic Society Sub Treasurer
Firefighter Engine 93

My career with the Fire Department started in January 1997.   Upon completion of the fire academy I was assigned to E89 in the Bronx.  I was part of the rotation program and worked in E93, L110 and back to E89.  In the fall of 2000 I transfer to E93 to current day.   

I have been a member of the Hispanic Society since day one.  I have seen many positive changes and hope to see many more.  It is my goal to help this  current board to continue the tradition of this society and  further assist on the  growth of of Latinos members to the FDNY.

Carlos Azevedo FDNYFF CARLOS AZEVEDO
FDNY Hispanic Society Recording Secretary
Firefighter Engine 316

I began my career in 2011 as an E.M.T. out of Station 46 in Elmhurst. I was promoted to the title of firefighter in July of 2013. We have a great job protecting all the people of New York City. I want to help everyone that wants to this job. It's tough but the rewards and friendships you make will always be a part of your life.

dennis mendez fdnyFF DENNIS MENDEZ
FDNY Hispanic Society Seargent-At-Arms
Firefighter Engine 46

FF. Mendez is Currently assigned to Engine 46 in the Bronx. Prior to that he worked in Engines 89, Engine 324 and Ladder 27.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from The City College of New York. He grew up in Spanish Harlem and is of Puerto Rican decent. Before Joining the Fire Department he worked for the Fedex Corp. for 14 years. He has 20 years with the FDNY.

Bernie Rodriguez FDNYFF BERNIE RODRIGUEZ
FDNY Hispanic Society 1st Vice President
Firefighter Engine 95

I’m Firefighter Bernie Rodriguez. I’ve been assigned to Engine 95 and have been an active member of the FDNY Hispanic Society since 2008. Because of my strong belief in the society and it's mission to diversify the FDNY, its continued years of service to and involvement in our communities, I was grated the privilege of serving on the board since 2012. As 1st Vice President, I will put all my efforts to work with our other Executive Board members and our general membership in assisting our President to take our beloved society to the next level. 

leo tineo fdnyLT LEO TINEO
FDNY Hispanic Society 2nd Vice President
Lieutenant Division 11
Community Outreach Coordinator Office of Community Affairs - FDNY

First and foremost I'd like to thank the membership that voted me in. I'm honored you have chosen me to represent you as 2nd Vice President of the FDNY Hispanic Society for the 2017-'18 term. I've been part of this society even before I became a Firefighter 17+ years ago. Most of my career I worked in Engine 231 in Brownsville, Brooklyn and later went across the floor to Ladder 120 before getting promoted in 2014.

Currently, I am a Lieutenant assigned to Division 11 doing a detail based out of FDNY Headquarters as Community Outreach Coordinator in the Office of Community Affairs. The main purpose of my position entails, amongst other things, acting as a "Latino Liaison" for FDNY and the many Hispanic communities it serves throughout the 5 boroughs.

As your 2nd Vice President and a proud Latino, I look forward to working with you and with this newly appointed Executive Board to build upon what our past leadership and members worked so hard to accomplish. I'm optimistic that collectively, we can help this society achieve new heights and accomplish goals that will benefit our vibrant and eclectic culture. As we move forward I'd like to express that an open forum and an expression of ideas will be expected from everyone involved. Gracias! See ya at the next meeting mi gente! Salud!

fabricio fdny

FABRICIO A. CARO
FDNY Hispanic Society FD Civilian Liaison
Director of Community Affairs - FDNY

As Director of Community Affairs for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Fabricio Caro oversees FDNY’s interactions with Community Boards and community/faith based organizations throughout the five boroughs. Through his leadership, the Community Affairs Unit has made a positive public relations statement for the FDNY, and has allowed the Department to build relationships in communities throughout New York City. Further under his direction, in 2016 the unit was recognized and recieved the Community Mayor’s Nick DeGaeta administrative award for spearheading a major department initiative ­– the FDNY's 150th anniversary community block parties. These public events brought needed interaction between FDNY and thousands of members of the public, and enhanced awareness on fire and life safety education and FDNY careers.

Prior to his work at FDNY, Fabricio served as Director of Center Programs for the Bronx-Westchester Area Health Education Center (BW-AHEC). He was responsible for the development and implementation of multiple and diverse programs in health careers education, student internships, and healthcare workforce professional development. His work served to improve health and healthcare outcomes of underserved communities in the Bronx and Westchester areas through recruitment, retention and enrichment for the healthcare workforce.

Fabricio has dedicated his career to public service. Upon graduating from Syracuse University in 2007, he returned to his native District of Columbia to work for the Mary's Center for Maternal and Child Care. He worked directly in youth development services, and coordinated teen health advocacy programs. Notably, he assisted in the establishment of the Urabnitos Scholarship fund, a philanthropic effort to promote the pursuit of higher education for underrepresented teens.

An avid hip-hop fan, he now calls the Bronx home. He enjoys spending time with his wife Rosiam and their two children Aaron and Aaliyah. 

joy garcia fdnyJOY GARCIA
FDNY Hispanic Society Secretary 

Lieutenant - Battalion 16 EMS | Manhattan

Joy Garcia started her career and EMS in 2001. She proudly became a member with the FDNY in the 2003 as an EMT. Since then shes served the department as a paramedic, and instructor at the BOT and currently the community of Harlem as a lieutenant. As a member of the Hispanic Society board she hopes to connect with communities as well as have a progressive intermingling of our Hispanic cultures in strength and unity throughout the Department.

felix manjarrez fdny

FELIX MANJARREZ
FDNY Hispanic Society Sgt. At Arms
Firefighter Engine 73 / FDNY Health & Fitness Unit

I have 15 years in the department 3 of which began with EMS. I'm assigned to Engine Co 73 in the South Bronx. Since 2015 I've been detailed to the Fire Academy, assigned to the Fitness Unit. My influence on the probies as a fitness instructor motivated me to take a more active role in our society. I intend to take my passion and make a more cohesive society. One day, I hope to influence the future Latinos on and off the job to follow in our foot steps. I want to thank those that voted me in as "Sergeant of Arms". I am humbled by this opportunity and will serve our membership with honor.

miguel flores fdny
MIGUEL ANGEL FLORES
FDNY Hispanic Society EMS Liaison
FDNY EMS Lieutenant
Being Hired by the Fire Department of New York in 1999, Miguel Angel Flores's Career quickly began to escalate. Being an EMT, he felt his career was becoming stagnant only after being an EMT for 1 year. He took it upon himself, to work as an EMT during the Overnights, as he attended Medic school during the evening. While In Paramedic School his motivation to help others was taken to another level, after he survived the 911 attacks In NYC. Many thought he passed away but later was found digging in the trenches with his fellow brothers and sisters that day. He searched along with many as he felt that bond of  "BROTHERHOOD" as they all strived to save as many lives that they could. Miguel's Motivation was one that took him to move up quickly with out looking back. in 2002, Miguel Became a Paramedic for FDNY, and later became a member of FDNY's elite Special Opertations Urban Search And Rescue  Task Force, and a member of FEMA New York Task Force1.     
    
During his career he has received numerous Pre-Hospital saves, and was a Recipient of The Jack Pintchik Medal, which is the Highest Life saving award, any member of the EMS command can receive.
 
Miguel Angel Flores is also the Team Captain of one of the most sought out teams The EMS Fire department Softball team, his team remains undefeated and they continue to hold that record. What does he do outside of the work element?
Miguel Flores is also a Course Lab Instructor, and has taught many EMT's, and Paramedic's life saving skills and lessons, who have also moved on to become Strong Reputable Fire Fighters. Not Only does he love the Job, he loves his roots and roots music.
 
Miguel Angel Flores is also Known as Miguelito, as he has performed with many Latin artists, including Latin Grammy nominee Fragancia From DLG, and has toured and work with the Famous Bomba Plena Fusion Group Yerba Buena. Miguel Angel Flores brings an element to the FDNY Hispanic Society, by helping bridge a Gap, of EMS and FDNY. He is followed by many, and is a very stand up indiviudal, and a Distinguished Gentleman, and is known to grab the bull by the horns, when people are bullied on the job, and is a very outspoken Latino! Miguel Angel Flores Recently was Promoted to Lieutenant in the EMS Command.
 
Miguel Angel Flores has Also represented FDNY/EMS by being interviewed by Channel 41, and Channel 47, and the Verizon network! "Estoy orgulloso por el puesto en Qual Presidente Jose Prosper me a dado. Juntos puedemos representar nuestros Latinos, en mucho medios en qual nunca se han dejado saber! Said Miguel upon a recent interview of his newly appointed position! For those that didn't understand reading Spanish, he said " I am proud of the position , in which President Jose Prosper has given me. I look forward in working with all my Latinos, in FDNY and helping us Create a name in which many will learn of!