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FDNY EMS union elects veteran paramedic to lead labor organization

Longtime Queens Paramedic Michael Greco takes over Local 2507 as the union pushes for a new city contract, pay parity and workplace safety

Bill FR1 EMS1 news images - 2026-04-24T101205.983.jpg

Michael Greco.

FDNY EMS Local 2507

NEW YORK — FDNY EMS Local 2507 has elected longtime Paramedic Michael Greco as its new president.

Greco, an 18-year FDNY veteran assigned to EMS Station 45 in Queens, has served as a paramedic since 2011 and spent the last nine years as the union vice president, the labor organization said in a press release.

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Greco replaces outgoing president Oren Barzilay, who will retire from the FDNY in May after nearly 30 years as an EMT and nine years as union president.

The union represents more than 4,000 New York City EMTs, paramedics and fire inspectors.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be elected to succeed Oren Barzilay as president of EMS Local 2507 at a time when support for pay parity continues to gain momentum,” Greco said. “The women and men of FDNY EMS are 100% dedicated to the health, safety and protection of this great city and their commitment cannot and should not be overlooked any longer. Our union leadership is determined to fight and advocate for the recognition these heroes deserve.”

As the union seeks a new labor contract with New York City, Greco and the newly elected leadership are expected to continue pushing for pay parity for FDNY EMTs, paramedics and fire inspectors. The union’s last contract expired in 2022.

FDNY EMTs start at $39,486, compared with $54,122 for FDNY firefighters.

“The Local 2507 executive board’s vision nine years ago was always to put the members first,” Barzilay said. “That vision and focus will keep on with the team led by Mike Greco as they continue our ongoing fight for pay parity and workplace safety.”

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.