Opening Ceremony

Three-Quarter Boots, the Backstep, and the Back Page
Presented By: Lieutenant Michael N. Ciampo, Fire Department of New York 

In the past 45 years, since joining the fire service initially as a volunteer and then spending 39 years as a career firefighter in the FDNY and DCFD, Lieutenant Michael Ciampo has seen a host of changes in the fire service and updated tactics throughout his career. From stepping into the White House as a probie to working at the World Trade Center 1993 bombing and 9-11-01 terrorist attack, he has been subjected to more than fires and emergency calls. His passion for training has assisted the fire service in creating new means to help develop new and seasoned firefighters into battle-ready individuals. Being mentored by Fire Engineering legends and firefighters and officers in the firehouse, he has always tried to pass along knowledge, street smarts, and tactics to all he has taught. His On Fire column on the back page of Fire Engineering, where he has offered his random thoughts for the past 15 years, provides insight into incidents, tactical information, and lessons learned from the runs he has responded to. So, whether you’ve been on the backstep, jump seat, chauffeur seat, or officer seat, take a ride with Ciampo as he explores then and now, from booster lines to chemotherapy lines.  

Michael N. Ciampo spent 39 years in the fire service and retired as a lieutenant from the Fire Department of New York. Previously, he served with the District of Columbia Fire Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He wrote the Ladders and Ventilation chapters for Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II (Fire Engineering) and the Bread and Butter Portable Ladders DVD and is featured in “Training Minutes” truck company videos on FireEngineering.com. 

The Power and Impact of Organ Donation:  A Line-of-Duty Death Turned Call to Action
Presented By: Kristina Moon, President, Billy Moon Foundation

When you marry a firefighter, you tuck away in your head and your heart the "what-ifs" that may happen. In December 2022, Kristina Moon, wife of fallen Fire Department of New York firefighter Billy Moon, received the phone call no family wants to get. It's what she did after that call that has turned into a growing foundation and opened up the entire fire service and first responder communities to a need we didn’t realize existed. Hear how, through grief, Billy’s legacy and foundation were born, showing just how important and impactful organ donation can be.  

Kristina Moon is the president of The Billy Moon Foundation, which supports, advocates, and brings awareness to organ donation. Prior to that, she spent 20 years in the field of elementary education. Now, as she overcomes the grief of losing her husband in December 2022, she finds herself educating others on the importance of having hard conversations with loved ones as she shares her family’s story around the country through the foundation. Kristina’s husband, FDNY Firefighter William P. “Billy” Moon II, lost his life after a fall while preparing for a training exercise in the quarters of Rescue 2 in Brooklyn. She prides herself on spreading such an important message, celebrating the life of her husband and keeping his memory alive.