NYPD and FDNY Runners to Face Off in Commissioner's Cup at the United Airlines NYC Half
We've heard many great stories about what motivates people to run the United Airlines NYC Half. This year’s race is no exception, as 25,000 runners from across NYC and around the world will take on 13.1 miles from the Brooklyn Museum to Central Park.
New this year, the Commissioner’s Cup competition will feature teams of NYPD and FDNY runners in a combined race to the finish. Read about a few Commissioner's Cup competitors, and cheer for them on race day!
Nicholas Fiore, NYPD Crimes Against Persons Unit
Nicholas Fiore is the Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Crimes Against Persons Unit, which oversees all violent robberies in NYC’s five boroughs. “It’s a 24-hour operation with crazy hours and very serious work,” said Nicholas, who joined the NYPD in 2005 and resides in Staten Island. He'll be running his fifth NYC Half on March 19.
Nicholas was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009; he had surgery and started on medication that he will take for the rest of his life. He started running to lose some of the weight he’d gained and has since lost nearly 100 pounds and run 21 half marathons and 14 marathons. He runs first thing every morning. “Running keeps me sane and helps with my mental health,” he said.
Jason Wendell, FDNY Engine 44
Jason Wendell is the captain of Engine 44 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and has been at the firehouse for 19 years. On March 19 he’ll run the United Airlines NYC Half along with three other Engine 44 firefighters – all running their first half marathon. Their motivation is to boost their fitness so they’re better prepared for the stair climbing and other intense cardiovascular work of their jobs. Some of the new half marathoners, Jason said, are also on a mission to be on the FDNY calendar one day!
Davon and Natasha Howard, FDNY EMS
Davon and Natasha Howard met at the EMS Academy in 2007 and got married in 2012. Both are FDNY EMS paramedics: Natasha is a Paramedic Lieutenant out of EMS Station 57 in Brooklyn, while Davon has taken his Lieutenant exam. Both are members of the FDNY Running Club. They ran the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon together, side by side from start to finish; Davon also ran the marathon in 2019 and 2022.
They’re running their first United Airlines NYC Half and they are excited about competing in the first United Airlines NYC Half Commissioner’s Cup. “Running and staying in shape is essential for our jobs,” said Davon. “It not only provides good physical conditioning but helps with job-related anxiety and promotes good mental health.”
They reside in St. Albans, Queens, and can often be seen training at Cunningham Park. They have an NYRR family membership that includes their three kids, who frequently take part in Rising New York Road Runners races and events.
Sean Chick, FDNY Ladder 44
Sean Chick has been a firefighter with Ladder 44 in the Bronx for 17 years. Since 2008 he has been a guide runner for Achilles International.
He’ll be running his fifth NYC Half this year, and he's been training hard, with a goal of finishing in sub-1:40. “It’s an all-out competition for me, to get that Commissioner’s Cup!” he said.
Come out and cheer for all the Commissioner's Cup runners on Sunday, March 19!
All photos by MarathonFoto.