DECEMBER 2006

VIEW FROM Metro Tech P OINT 9 T HE N EWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE D EPARTMENT The Bravest Santas Firefighters deliver toys to Katrina victims in Mississippi

wenty-three active and retired fire- fighters donned matching t-shirts Tand bright red Santa hats on December 6, as they delivered more than 8,000 toys to children in Mississippi who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. “It’s a real shot in the arm to their spir- its,” said retired Lieutenant Tom O’Con- nor. “We wanted to send a message to the Gulf states that they haven’t been forgot- ten. That we know what they’re suffering through.” Through the support of the 9/11 Fami- lies for Katrina Relief Foundation, the group loaded four Penske trucks with toys donated by New York City residents, cor- porations and local unions. They also filled three additional trucks with juice boxes, cookies and snacks to be handed out with the toys. The group then drove the trucks more than 1,300 miles south to the Civic Action (Above) Twenty-three retired and active firefighters drove seven trucks filled with more Complex in Moss Point, Mississippi than 8,000 toys, food and supplies to Mississippi on behalf of the 9/11 Families for Kat- ,where they were greeted with enthusias- rina Relief Foundation. tic waves and cheers by children from (Below) FDNY "Santas" make their way to Moss Point, Mississippi. Head Start. “All of the hours in the truck were real- This is the second year firefighters “It’s the least we can do,” said retired ly worth it when we saw the kids,” said have made the journey to the hurricane Firefighter Gary Moore. “So many people Lieutenant O’Connor. “And it’s the per- ravaged area. were there for us during 9/11 and we want fect fit, since firefighters are all kids at Last year, soon after the disaster, they to give back to the people of the Gulf heart.” made three trips to Biloxi, Mississippi, Coast and say thanks. We understand dis- driving more than 20 truckloads of food aster. We understand tragedy.” IN THIS ISSUE and supplies to the area.

❏ Commissioner’s Message Page 2

❏ Honorary Firefighter Named Page 3

❏ Rescues Pages 4-7

❏ Charity Basketball Game Page 8

FDNYNEWS ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006 Lauding the Courage, Accomplishments of all FDNY Members

s this year draws to a close, I commend all of our fire- copter video feeds and studied aerial photo- fighters, EMS members, fire marshals and civilians for graphs of the fire building and its exposures. Athe tremendous work you do each and every day. I am The information was shared with those on proud of the enormous strides you have made to improve this scene, enabling our members to do their job in Department and better protect New Yorkers than ever before. We a safer and more efficient manner. Yet what Commissioner’s have made tremendous advancements in 2006, and I am certain was most impressive that day were the fire- Message that your dedication and commitment will continue to strengthen fighters who charged into the high-rise build- this Department in the years to come. ing without yet knowing the cause of the disaster. It was a fright- Yet as we look back on the year, we cannot fail to remember ening scene that evoked all too many memories of September 11, that this summer came to a tragic end as two of our Bravest made 2001. All of the responders are to be commended for their coura- the Supreme Sacrifice following a third-alarm fire in the Bronx geous efforts. on August 27. Lieutenant Howard Carpluk Jr. and Probationary This was just one of the many ways our members displayed Firefighter Michael Reilly displayed the courage and heroism to their skills and training across the City this year. For example, which all of our members aspire, and we continue to mourn their Firefighter Donald Casey was off-duty and headed to a doctor’s passing. Our hearts and prayers stay with their families in this appointment in September when he pulled a trapped driver from season and throughout the year. his burning tractor-trailer just moments before it exploded on the Through the sacrifice and hard work of our uniformed work- Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Also in September, on the day force, the people of this great City have never been safer. With before he was promoted to lieutenant, Firefighter Robert Roderka increased training and more advanced equipment, our members performed two high-angle rescues within three hours in Manhat- are better prepared than ever before. Over the past five years, tan. After the 10-alarm fire in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on May 2, civilian fire fatalities have dropped to historic lows – numbers not our fire marshals developed the evidence that found the culprit seen since statistics were first recorded early in the last century. who ignited the largest blaze in the City in more than a decade. EMS members are getting to life-threatening emergencies faster And just last month, Paramedic Patrick Worms helped resuscitate than ever before. And this comes as the FDNY responds to a a 13-year-old Bronx girl on his first day to work after graduating record-high number of emergency calls. from the intense paramedic training program. But our work is never done. Our members are always looking As for the future, nearly 30,000 candidates have filed applica- for ways to improve operations, and, in 2006, we unveiled sever- tions for the upcoming firefighter exam, and more than 40 percent al major technological advancements. of those are minorities. In an effort to diversify the ranks to better In April, we implemented the new Automatic Vehicle Location reflect the people we serve, the Department launched a successful (AVL) system, which uses global-positioning technology to track 10-month campaign this year to recruit qualified applicants of the real-time movements of every ambulance in the 911 system. diverse backgrounds. The unprecedented effort by our Recruit- This has greatly enhanced our dispatching capabilities and ment and Diversity Unit produced this extraordinary response, improved average citywide response times by 24 seconds. Soon, and I am eager to welcome the best and brightest recruits to the fire apparatus will be monitored in similar fashion. ranks of the greatest fire department in the world. Yet AVL is just one part of the new technology in our new Fire Thank you all for contributing to the Department’s success in Department Operations Center (FDOC). Located at Headquar- 2006. Your dedication to public service will help to make 2007 ters, the state-of-the-art, $17 million command center monitors our most successful yet. I wish you and your family a happy, FDNY operations 24 hours, seven days a week and can serve as healthy holiday and best wishes in the coming year. Stay safe and a remote command post for the Chief of Department or his may God bless you all. designee in the event of a large-scale emergency or multiple inci- dents across the City. The capabilities of the new FDOC – from retrieving the histo- ry of any building in the City in seconds to monitoring live video feeds from helicopters – is truly groundbreaking and already has proven to be an effective response tool during major emergencies. The FDOC’s technology proved useful during the Manhattan plane crash on October 11. The FDOC staff monitored live heli-

2 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006 Sidewalk Sinkhole Firefighters rescue woman who fell into the sidewalk

t was not the night to go shopping. helped stabilize her I Fay Drod was taking grocery bags out before removing her of her car when the sidewalk outsider her from the hole. Brooklyn home suddenly collapsed. Drod “I pulled her towards fell several feet into a deep hole on East me, then I got a good 55th Street in Old Mill Basin and was left grip on her and said, trapped until New York’s Bravest arrived. ‘Let’s go,’” he recount- “She was in a sitting position when we ed. “She was definitely got there, with a slab of concrete on her in a lot of pain.” waist,” said Lieutenant Kevin McCabe of EMS members trans- Ladder 170. ported her to Kings Firefighter Jim McNulty immediately County Hospital. jumped into the hole with the woman to “It was a team effort,” ensure her safety. said Lieutenant McCabe. He and other members of Ladder 170 “And I’m glad she’s Firefighters work to free Fay Drod, who was trapped when lifted the concrete block off her legs and doing well.” the sidewalk gave way and she fell several feet into a hole. Photo courtesy of Todd Maisel, NY Daily News The Heart of a Firefighter 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther named Honorary Firefighter

n September 11, Welles Crowther against the intense smoke “the man in the red bandanna” and dust. Odemonstrated the bravery and “He sacrificed so selflessness of an FDNY firefighter when much for people he did- he saved the lives of as many as 18 work- n’t know,” Chief Cassano ers inside the World Trade Center. said. “He had the genes Five years after his tragic death, Fire of a New York City fire- Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and fighter.” Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano Since the age of 16, posthumously named him Honorary Fire- Welles Crowther served fighter in an emotional ceremony at as a volunteer firefighter FDNY Headquarters on December 15. in his hometown of “We would have been extraordinarily Upper Nyack. (Above) Commissioner Scoppetta lucky to have him as a firefighter,” said His parents, Jefferson and Chief Cassano join Welles Commissioner Scoppetta. “He had every- and Allison, said he Crowther's family, including his thing to live for and his parents can take always dreamed of mak- parents, Jefferson and Allison (hold- comfort in the fact - if it’s possible to take ing firefighting a career. ing frame), as they posthumously name him Honorary Fire- comfort under these circumstances - that In the summer of fighter. he died while helping others.” 2001, Jefferson Crowther (Right) Welles Crowther, who saved as many as 18 workers The 24-year-old worked on the 104th said his son discussed before he died at the World Trade Center. floor of the South Tower in September aspirations of becoming 2001, as an equities trader for Sandler an FDNY firefighter. He O’Neill & Partners. remembered questioned the young man’s firefighter application in his apartment. After the airplanes struck the towers decision, reminding him that the career “To Welles, firefighting was a career, on the morning of September 11, he raced change would mean a huge pay cut. that was a life,” Jefferson Crowther said. up and down the steps helping lead – and Yet Allison Crowther noted, “He was a “I think he didn’t immediately apply sometimes carry – workers to safety. He man of action. You couldn’t hold him because he didn’t want to disappoint me. was recognized by many of the strangers back when he set his mind to something.” But now he is Welles Crowther, FDNY he saved for his red bandanna, which he Following their son’s death, they said member, and that is definitely not a disap- tied across his nose and mouth to protect they found a partially completed FDNY pointment to me.”

FDNYNEWS 3 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006

Two Days, Three Saves Paramedics who recently graduated from the Academy resuscitate victims of cardiac arrest

hen paramedics graduated was already required to put her new the door. Ramirez suctioned her airways to aid from the EMS Academy on Advanced Life Support skills to the test. When Paramedics Edwin Hockstein with her ventilation. WNovember 27, they had no “I just stayed focused and worked and Cesar Ramirez located the victim, “We managed to restore a decent idea how quickly their new advanced with my partner,” she said. she was on the floor in the hallway near pulse rather quickly,” Paramedic skills would be put to the test. The victim, a petite 23-year-old, had her bedroom. Ramirez said. Less than 72 hours after celebrating collapsed and slipped off the couch onto “She still had the phone in her hand,” The patient was transported to Bronx their graduation, three members of the the floor of her living room. She was said Paramedic Ramirez, who had com- Lebanon Hospital to continue her recov- class helped resuscitate victims of car- unconscious and had no cardiac rhythm pleted the Advanced Life Support pro- ery. diac arrest. when the EMS team arrived. gram at the Academy after working for As she was being moved, Paramedic “These incredible rescues prove that “It looked bleak,” Paramedic Higgins three years as an EMT. Ramirez said he was happy to see the even when a situation looks bleak, our said. “Coming into this sort of situation The two paramedics then prepared to victim showing signs of regaining neu- members will step up and provide exem- is never a good thing.” administer advanced care as a team of rological control. plary care,” said Fire Commissioner The two paramedics worked together EMTs began giving CPR. “I never expected that my transition Nicholas Scoppetta. “The FDNY’s para- to administer medicine, insert a breath- “She had no pulse that we could from an EMT to a paramedic would hap- medics and EMTs are the best in the ing tube and consult with EMS Teleme- detect,” Paramedic Hockstein said. “It pen this quickly,” he said, noting that business. They are at their best when cir- try Control Physicians by phone. didn’t look good.” this was the first call that required him cumstances are at their worst.” Within minutes the two were able to Within seconds, Paramedic Hock- to put his new skills into practice. “But restore her heart rhythm. stein administered medicine through an the outcome was pretty great.” Paramedics “Right away, her vital signs stabi- intravenous tube and Paramedic Patrick Worms and lized and she had a strong pulse,” said Paramedic Patrick Worms (second from left) tells how he helped save a 13-year-old Paramedic Otero, who worked for 13 Kevin Mazuzan girl who went into cardiac arrest at Middle School 301 with his partner, Paramedic years as an EMT before her promotion. atrick Worms was just six hours into Kevin Mazuzan (second from right). They were joined by EMS Medical Director The victim was transported to Bronx Phis first tour as a paramedic on Bradley Kaufman and School Principal Benjamin Basile. Lebanon Hospital for continued respira- November 29 when he and his new part- tory treatment. ner, Paramedic Kevin Mazuzan, got As they looked back on the harrow- called to Middle School 301 in the ing day, Paramedic Higgins only had He hooked up an intravenous line to Bronx. words of praise for his partner: “Jean administer drugs to the victim and Para- An eighth-grade girl had gone into Paramedics didn’t hesitate at all. She showed the medic Mazuzan inserted a tube to open cardiac arrest. composure of a seasoned veteran.” her air passage. Chris Higgins and When they arrived, the two members When the heart monitor displayed of Station 14 ran to the science lab, Jeannette Otero signs of electrical activity, Paramedic hen Paramedics Chris Higgins and Paramedics where school officials were performing Worms said, “It was extremely satisfy- Jeannette Otero of EMS Station CPR on the girl. She was not responsive, W Edwin Hockstein and ing. We both sighed in relief.” 19 got the call that a young asthmatic not breathing and had no pulse. His partner concurred. “The moment woman collapsed in her Bronx apart- Cesar Ramirez Yet even though Paramedic Worms 49-year-old woman in the South we got her pulse back was absolutely ment on November 30, they sprang into had never before performed advanced Bronx called 9-1-1 on November beautiful,” Mazuzan said. action. A life support on a child, he said his 30 saying she was vomiting blood. The patient was transported to Lin- The duo rushed to the scene on instincts kicked into gear. Then the phone went silent. coln Hospital for continued treatment. Davidson Avenue and ran to the fourth “Time just stopped for us,” said Para- Dispatchers immediately sent for “There is no such thing as a slow day floor, where they found members of medic Worms, who was an EMT for two assistance, and fire and EMS units for EMS in the South Bronx, and to my Engine Company 43 performing CPR on years before his promotion. “That’s arrived within minutes. credit, I had a new partner who was com- the victim. EMTs get sworn in as paramedics during a combined graduation/promotions ceremo- when all your training and practice Firefighters made a forcible entry to petent in his skills,” said Paramedic Paramedic Otero graduated from the ny on November 27. Just a few days later, three of the new paramedics saved three vic- become critical.” her apartment on Sheraton Avenue as Mazuzan. Academy just three days before, but she tims of cardiac arrest in the Bronx. paramedics and EMTs rushed through

4 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE FDNYNEWS 5 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006

Up the River without a Paddle Marine 1 rescues kayaker out of the Hudson River

hen a 32-year-old Hoboken man chilly waters before help was called, his go.” Wwas kayaking in the Hudson River core temperature dropped to 93 degrees. Yet Lieutenant Michael Finer and the on November 21, he ran into a small prob- Luckily, Marine 1 was on its way. rest of the crew were determined to rescue lem -- he dropped his paddle. Yet as the team of firefighters on the the man. The high winds and strong current fireboat, Marine 1 Alpha, reached the vic- “We positioned the boat, got a line on capsized his boat, and he became pinned tim, the rescue operation hit a snag. him and pulled him to safety,” said Fire- between pilings near Morton Street in “The victim was determined not to fighter Moynihan. Manhattan, just north of Pier 40. leave his kayak,” said Firefighter Timo- EMS transported the victim to St. Vin- After struggling for 30 minutes in the thy Moynihan. “He didn’t want to let cent’s Hospital for treatment.

Fireboat Marine 1 Alpha makes its way through the Hudson River. The boat is 27 feet long, has the ability to travel up to 45 miles per hour and can transport 16 people. Although it is equipped for fire suppression, its design makes the boat ideal for water rescues.

Rapid Rescue Quick thinking by Marine 1 saves an elderly man in the Hudson

hen Marine 1 responded to the aid maneuver the fireboat Marine 1 Alpha said Lieutenant Zodkowic. “We got there Wof a man in the chilly Hudson through the fast-moving currents and quickly and everything fell into place.” River on November 20, they knew they jagged pilings in the area. Then Firefight- Even though their boat became snared didn’t have much time. er Wall attached himself to the safety reel in the underwater pilings as they made The crew sped to the aid of a 73-year- and lowered himself to the victim. their way back to the pier, the crew was old man, who was bobbing and struggling While the officer handled communica- able to dislodge it quickly and proceed to to stay afloat near the ventilator tower of tions onboard, Firefighter Wall grabbed shore. the Holland Tunnel. hold of the frightened man and the crew When they returned to their base on “He was flailing around and ready to hoisted him onto the boat. Bloomfield Street, North River, they were go under,” said Firefighter Wall. It is not clear why or how long the man met by an EMS crew at the dock who Lieutenant James Zodkowic said was in the water. transported the man to St. Vincent’s Hos- members quickly and carefully worked to “It was most definitely a team effort,” pital.

6 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006

A Rescue and a Message in Safety Woman closes the door, helps firefighters save her and her daughter

abila Nazli told rescuers she of Nazli’s children were said the 13-year vet- always knew she would be brave saved as she dropped each eran of the Depart- Nwhen something bad happened, one to neighbors waiting ment. “She was but FDNY members are also praising her below. totally lifeless. It’s for being smart. Yet the thick smoke amazing she sur- She closed her bedroom door as she quickly overcame Nazli vived.” rushed to the window and her five- The early morn- to help her young year-old daugh- ing fire moved children escape a sec- “She was face ter, and they quickly through the ond-floor apartment collapsed just wood frame build- fire in Gravesend, down and totally feet from the ing, which took fire- Brooklyn on Novem- window. fighters about an ber 17. limp. She was Firefighter hour to get under “She was totally Treiland said he control. trapped,” said Fire- totally lifeless. rushed to climb The victims were fighter Bob Treiland It’s amazing she a portable lad- transported to area of Ladder 166. “Every der and immedi- Firefighter Robert Treiland hospitals and are room was totally ately located the expected to make a engulfed in flames. survived.” two victims. He full recovery. Nine Shutting that door carried the small girl to safety firefighters also suffered minor injuries in saved them.” as his colleagues rescued her mother. the fire, which fire marshals deemed acci- Before fire units arrived on scene, four “She was face down and totally limp,” dental.

A Terrifying Dive Marine One-Alpha rescues a woman in the Hudson River

t was like a scene boat’s propellers. When Firefighter from the movies. “I was deter- Tufano finally got a I mined to get her “I was determined rescue hold on the Marine One-Alpha before she went woman, he was able responded to the call down for good,” to get her before to quickly pull her to of a woman in the icy said Firefighter she went down safety. waters of the Hudson Augie Tufano, a “[Firefighter River on December 4, 21-year-veteran. for good.” Tufano] rescued a just off 34th Street in “It was freezing victim that surely Manhattan. outside, so we would have drowned When they spotted were all concerned.” that afternoon,” said Lieutenant Piambi- the victim, she was Firefighter Tufano no. “Our crew is skillful and ready for about 75 yards away wasted no time and began anything. She is really lucky.” from their boat, strug- to swim toward the gling to keep her head female, as strong waves above water. tossed him into underwa- DO YOU HAVE A Yet as they started ter pilings. GREAT STORY TO SHARE? their approach, she Firefighter Augie Tufano “Once he reached her, was swept away by she attempted to climb up HOW ABOUT the current. on him due to her severe state of panic, AN UPCOMING EVENT? The crew followed the victim through pushing him under the water, making it the choppy waters, but could only get difficult and dangerous for him to gain EMAIL THE VIEWPOINT AT within 20 feet of her due to underwater control of her,” Lieutenant Thomas [email protected]. obstructions and the danger posed by the Piambino said.

FDNYNEWS 7 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech December 2006 EMS Members Play to Give

Members of EMS Stations 39 and 44, and Battalion 38 join physicians from Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center for a char- ity basketball game on November 25, benefiting the Marines Reserves’ Toys for Tots Program. Photo courtesy of EMT Doug Stewart, EMS Station 39

embers of EMS Division 3 EMS Stations 39 and 44, and Battalion 38 The game raised $425 for the charity. played a friendly game of hoops – as they took on the Brookdale Top To learn more about Toys for Tots with physicians from Brookdale Brass. M or to make a donation, visit their web- University Hospital Medical Center EMT Peter Johnson of Station 58, who site at www.toysfortots.org. November 25 to raise funds for the helped coordinate the event, said the com- Marine Reserves’ Toys for Tots Program. petition was fierce, but the doctors cap- An overflowing crowd of Department tured a 86-65 win over the EMS team. members and their families filled the “It was a great event to kick off the VIEW stands at Our Lady of Miracles Church in holiday season, have some fun and raise P OINT Brooklyn to cheer on the FDNY’s Elite money for a good cause,” EMT Johnson DECEMBER 2006 Responders – made up of members from said. NEWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORK 9 METROTECH CENTER BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201

Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York Nicholas Scoppetta, NYC Fire Commissioner

FRANCIS X. GRIBBON DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

S. PAUL ANTONELLI PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

EMILY RAHIMI EDITOR

ANDREA DELLA MONICA WRITER

THOMAS ITTYCHERIA GRAPHICS / LAYOUT

SFM RALPH BERNARD, RANDY BARRON, EMT ROBERT DOMINGO, FF CHRIS LANDANO, KRISTIAN PORTELLA, HEATHER SMITH FDNY PHOTO UNIT ViewPoint is published entirely in-house by the FDNY Office of Public Information/Publications

FDNY 1865-2006 A 142 YEAR HISTORY The charity game ended with a win for the Brookdale University Hospital Medical Cen- OF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION ter physicians. Photo courtesy of EMT Doug Stewart, EMS Station 39 FDNYNEWS