FDNY Names Q104.3's Shelli Sonstein Honorary Battalion Chief

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 6, 2019

Shelli Sonstein

FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and the Honorary Fire Officer's Association appoints iHeartMedia Classic Rock WAXQ-FM (Q104.3)/New York's Shelli Sonstein, co-host of "Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show," to the rank of Honorary Battalion Chief for her continued support of the New York City Fire Department and her contributions to the community. The ceremony took place Monday, May 6 at the New York City Fire Department headquarters.

"Shelli Sonstein is a tremendous advocate for the FDNY, in particular, our members battling illnesses related to their brave work during the World Trade Center rescue and recovery effort," said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. "She is extremely active in the September 11th community, educating her listeners and raising awareness about the growing list of fallen heroes in our Department."

After beginning her radio career at the age of 18 on WMMR in Philadelphia, Sonstein has spent the last 40 years working with Jim Kerr on New York City radio. During that time, she's won a Gracie award for best local radio co-host.

Sonstein became active in the 9/11 community 11 years ago while campaigning for the passage of the Zadroga Act, a law which provides health monitoring and financial aid to the first responders, volunteers and survivors of the September 11 attacks.

On June 3, 2018, Sonstein completed the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Tower Foundation's fourth annual World Trade Center by climbing 104 flights of stairs in under 30 minutes. Her team, which included six Q104.3 listeners, was the number one fundraising team that year, raising over $25,000 in support of New York-area first responders.