New York City, NY




The NYC (FDNY) Chapter of FFC began in 1997

Chapter Leaders
Howie Holmes
Orlando Rodriguez

Chapter History

The NYC (FDNY) Chapter of FFC began in 1997. It was through a personal Tragedy that Jerry Sillcocks began to examine his walk with Christ and Decided to “really get serious with God!” He searched the World Wide Web looking to find a Christian Firefighter group and that was where he discovered FFC International in California.

 He reached out to fellow Christian FF’s in  the FDNY like Richie Klein, Carlos Velasquez and Mike Anson to name a few and expressed a desire to start a FFC Chapter in the FDNY. These men were all in agreement so Jerry called the number he found and John White answered the phone. Instantly there was a connection and John White gave Jerry information about the organization and encouraged him to Pray about it.

From 1999 through 2001 they distributed a bible to each Of the 212 FireHouses in the City of New York.

Then on September 11, 2001 our department, City and Nation Experienced the Terror attacks that would forever change our world. It was during this time that the light of Christ shined bright as our brothers in Christ From FFC international came from all around the world to not only minister healing through the gospel and prayer but also with boots-on-the-ground in the recovery effort at ground zero!

The importance of being a chapter

The heart of most firehouses is the kitchen! It’s where we gather together, It’s where the banter flys, we drill, share war stories, share meals and most importantly go to refill our coffee.

 FFC NYC (FDNY) is like the kitchen for our members. We talk about “the job,” real life situations, the challenges we face as first responders and most importantly Jesus. Whether they are a probie, on for 9/11 or a “War Year” retiree, male or female, Firefighter or Officer, “seeker” or “saved” all have a place at our table. We have seen time and again the faithfulness of God to his word that as we gather together (usually for breakfast) in his name he is there in our midst.

FFC NYC had its first meeting in the fall of 1998 in the basement of a church that Police Officers for Christ had helped arrange space for. The core group started to form with a solid 12 guys showing up Faithfully!

Then in 2004 FFC NYC took on the call of the Lord to once again distribute bibles to each of the Firehouses in the City. They delivered a leather-bound Bible which Was donated by FFC International. Our members shared a testimony, boldly proclaimed the gospel and prayed for each Firehouse. This time it took 5 years to reach all the companies.

Today we have the privilege of being included as a Affinity group within the FDNY. This opportunity Allows us to share, with each Probationary Firefighter and EMS class  the FFC mission statement as well as a gospel Message. We meet once a month at a local diner in Queens NY to share both a meal and the word of God. Our heart is to see FF’s, EMT’s and Paramedics come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and to live their lives for His glory!
The same way our departments depend on their policies and procedures as a Guide to mitigate emergencies and extinguish fires, we use The Bible as our guide and foundation for living lives of integrity and ever increasing devotion to Jesus. The verse that comes to mind for the FFC NYC (FDNY) chapter is:

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬


If you are interested in being involved in NYC (FDNY) Chapter or would like some information (when and where we meet) we'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to get started.