A probationary firefighter with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) recently orchestrated an elaborate marriage proposal during the department's annual Family Day event on Randall's Island. Jayson Ralph, a firefighter-in-training, surprised his girlfriend, Dasia Moore, by dropping to one knee amidst a staged rescue scenario.
Moore was under the impression she was participating in a mock rescue drill, waiting to be saved from a building ledge. Ralph, in full firefighter gear, rappelled down the building before scooping Moore away from the simulated fire. It was then that he presented her with a ring, shocking her with the proposal. Several fellow firefighters were positioned nearby, holding signs that spelled out "Marry me."
The FDNY acknowledged the event on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "All-hands were clearly operating to help ask the question." The department also extended congratulations to the couple.
Family Day is an event where probationary firefighters invite friends and family to observe the skills they have been honing during their training. The drills typically include simulated rescues and firehose demonstrations. The proposal has garnered positive reactions on social media.
This event occurs as discussions continue regarding potential staffing increases within the FDNY. City Council members, including Bronx lawmaker Kevin Riley, are advocating for an additional $91.7 million to fund a fifth firefighter on vehicles, citing the increasing frequency of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries as a critical reason for enhanced staffing.