Earlier this year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) named Chief Tom Richardson its official liaison to the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). As the FDNY liaison for the NFFF, Chief Richardson will serve as the primary point of contact to the FDNY leadership, the Counseling Service Unit, Family Assistance Unit, and the FDNY Foundation. Chief Richardson will be focusing on various initiatives, including support for the NFFF training programs for firefighters, the National Fallen Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and offering support and insight into other NFFF-related initiatives.

Chief Richardson retired in January 2022 as the FDNY’s Chief of Department after more than 40 years of exceptional service to the city. He received multiple bravery citations, including one for when he was lowered from the roof of a three-story brownstone in Brooklyn to rescue a 15-year-old from a fire. Richardson received his undergraduate degree at SUNY Empire State College and his Master of Arts degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School – Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

NFFF Chief Executive Officer Victor Stagnaro expressed his enthusiasm for Richardson’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Chief Richardson to the NFFF. His leadership experience and dedication to firefighter safety make him a valuable addition as we continue strengthening our long-standing partnership with the FDNY.”

Stagnaro also extended his thanks to the Foundation’s outgoing FDNY liaison, Joe Minogue. “As we build for the future, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who helped bring us to where we are today,” he noted. Minogue’s tenure with the NFFF ended in December of 2023.