Reverend Ann Kansfield, minister of proclamation at Greenpoint Church (136 Milton Street), was appointed the new director of the NYC Fire Department’s (FDNY) Counseling Service Unit (CSU) on May 23, 2024. As director of CSU, Rev. Kansfield will manage the operations of the NYC Fire Department’s (FDNY) counseling services and employee assistance. She will directly supervise and support the care team, oversee the unit’s budget, respond to emergencies as requested, and many other responsibilities.
This is not Kansfield’s first role with the FDNY; shehas been an FDNY Chaplain since 2015. She was the first female and the first openly gay chaplain to be sworn into the role. During her tenure, she has played a critical role in FDNY ceremonies – including line of duty funerals and plaque dedication ceremonies – and assisted in arranging services for deceased members of the Department. She has provided solace and comfort to Fire, EMS, and civilian families, maintained contact with the kin of deceased members, responded to major fires and other emergencies when members have been seriously injured, and visited firehouses regularly to provide spiritual guidance and direction.
“I am incredibly grateful to have served the members of this wonderful department over the past nine years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to build trust and goodwill and I hope the members already know how much I love and care for them,” said Rev. Kansfield. “I’m excited to build on that trust and play a more direct role in ensuring our members have access to mental health care. FDNY members keep our city safe and in so doing so, experience significant stress and trauma. They deserve the best care available, and I will work tirelessly to support them.”
The Greenline 