By The Wave<\/p>\n
Last week, NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola was officially reappointed as the chair of the City Council\u2019s Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, a role that allows her to oversee legislation, advocacy, and oversight related to the FDNY and New York City Emergency Management.<\/p>\n
During her previous term as chair, Ariola, who represents the western half of the Rockaway peninsula in Council District 32, advanced key initiatives supporting the safety and well-being of New York City\u2019s first responders, including advocating for safer, carcinogen-free protective gear, stronger funding for fire and EMS operations, and progress toward EMS pay parity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am honored to continue serving as chair of the City Council\u2019s Committee on Fire and Emergency Management,\u201d Ariola said in a statement. \u201cOver the last four years, I have fought for safer equipment, fair pay for EMS, and the resources our first responders need to do their jobs safely. I look forward to continuing this work and serving as a strong voice for the men and women of the FDNY.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following Ariola\u2019s reappointment last week, many were quick to offer congratulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncilmember Ariola has a deep understanding of the Fire Department and how it works,\u201d said FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. \u201cThat makes her a perfect choice for chair of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management. We appreciate her consistent support and advocacy for our members, and we look forward to our continued partnership in the days to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UFOA would like to congratulate Councilwoman Joann Ariola on being retained as the chair of the Fire and Emergency Management committee,\u201d said James Brosi, the president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. \u201cCouncilwoman Ariola has proven herself to be a fierce advocate for health and safety standards that keep the lieutenants, captains, and chiefs of the FDNY safe. Her fierce commitment to public safety will help assure first responders have the resources needed to keep New Yorkers safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Uniformed Firefighters Association congratulates Councilwoman Ariola on her reappointment as chair,\u201d said Andrew Ansbro, the president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. \u201cThe councilwoman has consistently stood with our members on issues of safety, resources, and fairness, and she has repeatedly shown that she will not back down from a fight on behalf of this city\u2019s firefighters. We look forward to working closely with and fighting alongside her for another four years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncilmember Ariola has repeatedly shown that she will stand up for the members of EMS, and I along with the rest of Local 2507 are happy to see that she will remain on as chair for another four years,\u201d said Oren Barzilay, the president of EMS Local 2057-Uniformed EMT\u2019s, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors of the FDNY. \u201cI look forward to our partnership, and hope that we can continue to bring pressing issues like pay parity to the floor in the coming years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncilmember Ariola has a proven track-record of doing the right thing, and we fully support her continued role as Chair of this committee,\u201d said Matt Connor, the president of Bravest for Choice \u2013 an organization that supports firefighters, medics, and EMTs who were impacted by NYC\u2019s COVID-19 vaccination mandates during the pandemic. \u201cWhether it is defending workers\u2019 rights, speaking out boldly on our behalf at public hearings, or advancing legislation in the interest of first responder-safety, Joann Ariola is the leader we need, and we look forward to her continued support.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the coming years, Ariola plans to fight for the health and well-being of first responders and already has several pieces of legislation planned to enhance cancer-related health screenings, ensure safer roadways for service vehicles, and more.<\/p>\n