James Brosi, President of UFOA-IAFF Local 854, has been selected to be one of this years’ recipients for the distinguished EmblemHealth-LaborPress Heroes of Labor Award to be presented on October 23, 2025.
FDNY Deputy Chief Jim Brosi was elected president of the UFOA on August 30, 2023. The union represents FDNY’s lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, medical officers and supervising fire marshals.
President Brosi, a 32-year member of the FDNY and 22-year member of the UFOA, previously served on the union’s executive board as the recording secretary and pension trustee. He is currently assigned to Division Seven in the Bronx’s Fordham Heights section.
Being a New York City firefighter is a highly dangerous occupation. The nature of the job is unique and fire fighters continually face severe risks from chemical, physical, and psychological hazards. NYC Fire Fighters face distinctive dangers: Buildings often collapse while firefighters are putting out a fire. Toxic smoke within a blaze causes cancer. Continual intense stress can trigger a heart attack. Exposure to smoke or gases can damage lungs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common with fire fighters.
On September 11, 2001, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) lost 343 members in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The impact of 9/11 will continue for years since city fire fighters were involved in the cleanup and many suffered from cancer and lung disease. Over the years since 2001, the number of FDNY members who have died from 9/11-related illnesses has exceeded those killed on the day of the 9/11 attack and now has reached 370 deaths and climbing. The illnesses include lung cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, respiratory conditions and other chronic problems. New cases from NYC fire fighters are emerging daily.
President Brosi knows the effects of 9/11-related health disorders personally having watched his father, Joe Brosi, a former FDNY firefighter who spent 32 years with the department, succumb to cancer following an eight-year battle with the disease.
Deputy Chief Jim Brosi said that even though no one can change what happened on 9/11, those that suffer from health complications resulting from the World Trade Center terrorist attack, must receive the best health care possible.
