Joseph Pataky is a Deputy Assistant Chief with the New York City Fire Department’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. He has served as an Emergency Medical Technician since 1996 and as a Paramedic since 2004. During his nearly 30-year career with FDNY EMS, he has advanced through every operational rank, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, Division Chief, and Deputy Assistant Chief.

Chief Pataky has held senior leadership assignments in EMS Operations, the EMS Academy, and field commands overseeing emergency medical operations in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx. His responsibilities have included strategic resource deployment, field command, workforce development, EMS education, pharmaceutical and medical logistics, operational policy, quality improvement, and coordination of large-scale, complex emergencies.

Chief Pataky also serves on the New York State EMS for Children Advisory Committee charged with advising the Commissioner of Health related to best practices for the care of children in emergencies. He was a key contributor in developing the recently published educational content for the de-escalation of pediatric and adolecent patients by EMS providers.

Chief Pataky earned a Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management and Business Continuity, graduating summa cum laude from Metropolitan College of New York. He has also completed executive leadership programs through Columbia Business School and brings a practical, field-informed perspective to EMS leadership, preparedness, resilience, and system-wide improvement.