¡Prepárate! {Click to listen to episode 8}

November 22, 2021 ― Collaboration among City, state and federal agencies is one of the pillars of emergency management. Sharing resources, personnel, and equipment allows for a more efficient response before, during, and after a disaster. But collaboration also takes place during non-emergency events. In New York City, for example, there is a long tradition of collaboration between New York City Emergency Management and the New York Police Department, whether during large public events like the New York City Marathon, 4th of July fireworks, or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

On the latest episode of ¡Prepárate!, NYC Emergency Management’s Spanish podcast, co-hosts Inés Bebea and Yokarina Duarte spoke with NYPD Sergeant Juan Antonio Maldonado, an NYPD liaison who serves as director of security to NYC Emergency Management’s commissioner. As a 24-year veteran of the NYPD who also has experience as an emergency medical technician-paramedic (EMT-P) and as a citywide interagency coordinator, Maldonado shares his expertise and tips on how to stay alert and prepared for emergencies when attending large public events.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City institution for more than nine decades. The New York City Emergency Department and the New York City Police Department plan and prepare for this iconic and symbolic event, diligently in cooperation and in collaboration with a myriad of resources provided by multiple City agencies/stakeholders. From an emergency management perspective, the use of [the Citywide Incident Management System] is exemplary and put to the test. Being part of this wonderful event is very special to me as we welcome a magical time of the year in New York City that is observed by the entire nation,” Maldonado said.

You can listen to ¡Prepárate! on SoundCloud or Spreaker. 

Juan-Antonio Maldonado is a sergeant with the New York City Police Department detailed to NYC Emergency Management. He is currently the team leader for the security to the agency’s commissioner and first deputy commissioner at NYC Emergency Management. During his tenure at NYC Emergency Management, has also served as a citywide interagency coordinator (CIC) during emergencies. Prior to being detailed to NYC Emergency Management, Maldonado served as a patrol supervisor for the NYPD Transit Bureau and worked for the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU). Maldonado was a former U.S. Navy Corpsman assigned to the 2/25 4th Marine Division and worked at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center as a 911 paramedic. 

Maldonado attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and graduated with honors with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice management. He is currently pursuing a Master in Public Administration with a concentration in ethics through Marist College.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT: NYC Emergency Management Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter:  @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications); @NNYCSpanish; @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info); Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement