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March madness is in full swing.
No. 9 TCU pulled off one of the first upsets of this year, outlasting No. 8 Ohio State in the first round on Thursday. The ninth seed beating the eighth seed has become an early theme of this year’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, with all four No. 9 seeds beating their No. 8 opponents.
But as fans closely monitor college basketball action, New York City firefighters shared a reminder about fire hydrant protocol and safety amid the excitement.
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Water pours from a fire hydrant as firefighters gather in Lower Manhattan near Ground Zero in response to a fire at a luxury apartment building under construction March 20, 2024 in New York, New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
“It’s March Madness – and blocking shots is part of the game. But blocking a fire hydrant? That’s never acceptable,” firefighters wrote on X.
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The FDNY added that vehicles parked near fire hydrants can cause delays at critical times.
An FDNY truck in Manhattan, NY on July 5, 2024. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Parking on fire hydrants is ILLEGAL in New York and can delay first responders when seconds count most. Keep fire hydrants clear so FDNY members can quickly get water on a fire. Do not park on fire hydrants.”
A campaign spotlighting another New York City department continues to strengthen ties to the sports world. The “Thank You, NYPD” movement is an ongoing effort to show our appreciation for officers.
The campaign encouraged residents to upload videos expressing their appreciation for the department. Saint John Head coach Rick Pitino was among those who responded, thanking those he said helped maintain a safe urban environment.
A detailed view of the New York City Police Department logo on an officer’s uniform, September 3, 2025. (Gardiner Anderson/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“I want to sincerely thank the NYPD officers who are doing an incredible job keeping our city safe,” Pitino said Friday in a video posted to Madison Square Garden’s Instagram account. “Thank you so much.”
Pitino’s show of gratitude came just hours before the Red Storm’s 79-53 victory over Northern Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
