Michael Tracey
Job Description? Captains’ representative and Vice President for the New York City Fire Officers Union, the UFOA, the labor union that represents the leaders of the Bravest- Lieutenants, Captains, and Chiefs.
Why I chose this career? Firefighters get into this business to help people, whether they’re from their community or total strangers. I’m no different and the desire use my strengths to help those in need have driven me throughout my career. Moving to the union is no different: The point is to try to move the needle as much as possible, from pushing into a fire to defending the rights of the brothers and sisters and lobbying for legislation that makes firefighters safer, it’s all about making someone better off than when you found them.
Proudest moment of my career? When I first walked into a firehouse, I was really struck by the responsibilities the captain of the company had. Achieving that rank- especially having children who could attend the ceremony- made me the proudest. But obviously being tasked with developing a legislative strategy for our union makes me proud as well.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... Amongst numerous other opportunities the FDNY afforded me, I was able to attend law school while on the job. One of my first gigs as an attorney was my dream legal job- helping out the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in Woodside and Woodlawn. Helping the Irish community in New York City was a tremendous gift that I am always thankful for.
Biography: Born in New York City, I grew up in the Riverdale section of the Bronx attending Fordham Prep and University. Shortly after school I became a firefighter in 2005, assigned to Engine 47 in Manhattan. I attended law school on a lark, and began practicing after my promotion to Lieutenant in 2013, where I worked in Engine 67 in Washington Heights. In 2020 I was promoted to Captain, and assigned to the area in which I live, Engine 219, with my wife Caitlin and two children Sadie and Georgia. Before running for election with the UFOA I was lucky to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey where I was awarded a Masters in Counterterrorism studies. In 2023 I ran to be one of the Captains Representatives for my union, where I now serve as Vice President and chair of the Legislative Committee. I enjoy hockey and walking.
