Description

“The job is Irish.” In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, we pull up a stool with a true legend of the FDNY, Retired Chief of Department Ed Kilduff. Over a 37-year career, Chief Kilduff rose through the ranks—serving as a leader during the recovery efforts of 9/11 and eventually becoming the department's highest-ranking uniformed officer in 2010. He joins us to discuss the history, the grit, and the "commonality" that has defined the FDNY for over a century!

We step inside the "snug" for a deep dive into the DNA of the New York City Fire Department. Chief Kilduff shares the incredible story of his great-great-grandfather—a fireman/laborer—who served with the Fighting 69th during the Civil War. We explore how the grit and military tradition of these early Irish soldiers laid the vital groundwork for the FDNY to evolve into the world-class paramilitary organization it is today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Commonality" of the Kitchen: Why the Irish were historically drawn to the fire service and how that cultural bond—defined by the stalwart presence of those who came before—shaped the department's unique humor, loyalty, and grit.
• Legacy of the Civil War: The story of John Kilduff and the 69th New York Infantry at the Siege of Petersburg.
• A Living Memorial: The Chief’s emotional visit to the Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale, Ireland, where 343 trees stand for our fallen brothers.
• The Heart and Soul: The pivotal role of the FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band in rallying the department during times of mourning and celebration.
• Never Forget: A candid look toward the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of America—and how we keep the promise of "Never Forget" alive for the next generation.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Getting Salty Podcast (Chief Kilduff’s Career in Depth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gibHMm61vE
• Support the Mission: Help keep the promise of Never Forget. Join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for just $11 a month at http://t2t.org
• The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan: A must-read for any fan of Irish history.

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