1. Chief of Counterterrorism
and Emergency Preparedness
Leadership Biography
Jillian Sala

2. Joseph Pfeifer - Background
- Born in New York
- Family history in the
FDNY
- Firefighter - Having
competency and knowing
what to do (logistics on
the scene).
- Officer - Know what to do
and be responsible for
the firefighters.
- “Leadership isn’t about
giving order but sharing
the danger.”

3. Accomplishments on September 11, 2001
and Beyond
• Commanded some of the largest fires and
emergencies in FDNY history
• First to the World Trade Center’s north tower
• Made the first official report, sounded the alarms and
setup command post in the tower.
• He sent the firefighters up to evacuate people from
the building and help those get down that couldn’t.
Post 9/11:
• Went to Harvard’s executive education program in
2006 and received his masters in public administration
in 2007.
• Founded FDNY’s Center for Terrorism and Disaster
Preparedness
• Assessed the September 11th response, improved
management practices, established partnerships with
other agencies to supplement those of the FDNY
• He is now finding new and innovative ways to prepare
for events like September 11th and making sure that
the modes of communication to all parties are
transparent.

4. Integrating all four domains
On 9/11 and now Joe Pfeifer is able to successfully aligns his domains because stays
true to the core values of the FDNY:
Service, Bravery, Safety, Honor, Dedication, Preparedness
• Work & Family – Joe was committed to the FDNY. The firefighters were a
family and went up into the towers together. Joe’s family is deeply rooted
in the FDNY.
• Community – The New York community entrusted in the firefighters to
keep them safe and allowed Joe Pfeifer and the other chief’s to
determine the best next steps for safety. Increase awareness of fire
safety in the community. Firefighters are all about the safety of the
people.
• Self – Through his training prior to the event he was prepared to lead his
team and guide them through this crisis. He poured all of his energy into
this mission critical event. He finds satisfaction in helping other people
and now he is preparing them for an event which has never occurred. He
makes sure he,as well as his men, is well prepared.

5. Lessons to be applied to my own life
• Building relationships and preparation allows for the different
domains in life to come together for mutual gain during crisis
• Staying true to core values will anchor yourself to what it is
that’s important and allow for greater synergies in life.
• Importance of having your co-workers be more than just
acquaintances and have them feel a greater sense of
responsibility for those around them.
• Constantly be looking for new ways to improve oneself, and
be mindful of how that influences other.
• Love what you do and do what you love