Sean Michael
Place of birth: New York, NY.
Job Description? I am a Battalion Chief with the FDNY, assigned to Battalion 16 in Harlem, with nearly 31 years of service. I also serve as a Chiefs’ Representative for the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA), representing active and retired FDNY fire officers.
Why I chose this career? I joined the FDNY because I wanted a career that made a difference, that gave me the opportunity to serve people and maybe make their lives better. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest firefighters and fire officers in the world. Many became role models and mentors who taught me the importance of leadership, sacrifice, and taking care of one another. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career, from responding to emergencies to leading firefighters and helping fellow members and their families.
Proudest moment of my career? It is difficult to single out just one moment. Becoming a firefighter and earning each promotion and assignment was incredible, largely because of the extraordinary firefighters and officers I had the privilege of learning from along the way. Being promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Battalion 16 in Harlem was a defining moment of my career.
Equally meaningful has been my work supporting fellow September 11th responders and their families. As a World Trade Center responder myself, I understand and have seen the lasting impact that day has had on so many lives. Helping members receive the medical care, benefits, and recognition they earned and deserve has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my life's work.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... Before joining the FDNY, I worked on Wall Street in the financial services industry, beginning my career at Dean Witter Reynolds before choosing a career with the FDNY. Surprisingly, that financial background has come full circle in my role as a Trustee of the New York City Fire Pension Fund, where I help protect the retirement security of fellow firefighters and fire officers.
Biography: Sean Michael is a 31-year veteran of the FDNY, assigned as a Battalion Chief in Battalion 16 in Harlem and serving as a Chiefs’ Representative for the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA). As a September 11th World Trade Center responder, Sean has remained deeply involved in supporting those affected by the attacks and their aftermath. He serves on the Board for 9/11 Health Watch, Co-Chair of the World Trade Center Health Program Steering Committee, and Trustee of the New York City Fire Pension Fund. Sean lives on Long Island with his wife of 31 years, Karen. They are the proud parents of four children, Kathryn, Brian, Megan, and Shannon, and grandparents to Robert. He considers his family and the lifelong friendships developed throughout his FDNY career to be among his greatest blessings.
