OCTOBER 2009

VIEW FROM Metro Tech P OINT 9 T HE N EWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE D EPARTMENT REMEMBRANCE Department Remembers its Fallen on FDNY Memorial Day

Thousands of members attended the 102nd annual FDNY Memorial Day ceremony at St. John the Devine Cathedral in .

he FDNY remembered its heroes “ City is only as strong as vatore Cassano. They also received a during the 102nd annual Memori- the men and women who protect it,” said Union Medal of Supreme Sacrifice. Tal Day ceremony on Oct. 7. And Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “And “Today we acknowledge that our job is although the threat of rain and high winds because of [our firefighters, paramedics a dangerous one, at any time we will put kept the event indoors, thousands of and EMTs], we are strong indeed.” our lives on the line for a complete members attended the ceremony at the Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppet- stranger,” said Chief Cassano. Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Man- ta added, “Bound by duty, you came Nine additional active members were hattan. today to remember those who made the memorialized during the ceremony: FF ultimate sacrifice. You are soldiers in a Thomas Orlando, from Engine 65; EMT war that never ends.” Wendell O’Brien, from the Bureau of Three FDNY members who died in the Health Services; FF Salvatore Scarentino, line of duty were remembered, including from Ladder 24; FF John J. Kelly, from Lt. Robert Ryan, Jr., from Engine 155; Engine 37; Paramedic Clyde F. Sealy, Firefighter Paul Warhola, from Engine from the Bureau of Health Services; FF IN THIS ISSUE 221; and Firefighter Jamel Sears, from Christopher M. Velez, from Squad 252; the Bureau of Training. FF Timothy G. Lockwood, from Engine R Commissioner’s Message Page 2 Their families received a Department 275; EMT Ruby Greaves, from the Emer- R 9/11 Page 6 R Rescues Pages 10-11 flag and a Medal of Valor from Fire Com- gency Medical Dispatch; and FF John F. R Photo of the Month Page 12 missioner and Chief of Department Sal- McNamara, from Engine 234.

FDNYNEWS ViewPoint

A Message From Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta

n the aftermath of 9/11, I was asked by Mayor Bloomberg to We also launched the most successful become his Fire Commissioner and help rebuild a Department minority recruitment campaign in FDNY Ithat had been devastated by the worst terrorist act in our history that will improve diversity for years nation's history. Like all New Yorkers, I wanted to help the city to come and make the firefighter ranks more Commissioner’s recover from the tragedy. It was an extraordinary honor to be reflective of the communities they serve. Message asked to lead the FDNY - which had come to symbolize the In the aftermath of the Deutsche Bank incomprehensible loss and, at the same time, the incredible tragedy that took the lives of two firefight- strength and resiliency of our city and our nation. ers, we are re-engineering our field inspection system. We are The biggest challenge was to begin rebuilding the ranks while working with IBM to create a $25 million integrated inspection simultaneously learning the lessons of 9/11 and preparing to data system that will combine various internal and external data- respond to another attack. bases and transform our inspectional process to one that is risk- First, we needed to fix the radio communications system, and based, enhancing firefighter and public safety. we did, along with enhancements to help ensure communications The indisputable fact is that today's FDNY is - without ques- in underground facilities and high rise structures. tion - better prepared, better trained and better equipped than ever We also had to prepare for new terror threats and today our before. And we have tangible proof of that. Fire deaths in the last members are trained on multiple levels to respond to large-scale eight years are the lowest on record. Our fire and EMS response incidents, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear times are the fastest on record. Last year, we had the fewest fires attacks. Today, five times as many firefighters and EMS person- in the city in nearly 50 years. New Yorkers have never been bet- nel have this advanced training, compared to before 9/11. ter protected and served than under the past eight years of this We obtained new protective masks and radiation detection administration. devices, and developed large-scale decontamination strategies to The accomplishments noted here are just some of the extraor- keep our members safe. dinary successes all 16,000 members of this Department have We needed a state-of-the-art emergency operations center to achieved since 2002. I am grateful and enormously proud of what replace the inadequate center we had on 9/11. Today, our $17 mil- all of you - our firefighters, officers, EMT's, paramedics, fire mar- lion facility is the envy of fire departments throughout the world. shals, dispatchers, inspectors and civilian staff - have accom- With the loss of so many members on 9/11, followed by thou- plished together. I am especially thankful to those who stayed on sands of retirements, we needed to dramatically increase both the after Sept. 11 and dedicated themselves to the rebuilding effort amount and quality of our training. We've hired more than 6,000 and the many projects that have strengthened the Department. firefighters and promoted more than 2,000 officers - all of whom Your selflessness is commendable; your successes remarkable, have benefited from greatly expanded and improved training pro- and your dedication is in the very best tradition of this Depart- grams. ment. I increased the number of senior chiefs responsible for manag- In August I met with Mayor Bloomberg and told him that, ing the Department and provided them with graduate-level man- regardless of the outcome of the election in November, I would be agement training from Columbia University, a first for the FDNY. leaving at the end of this year to pursue teaching opportunities - a We needed an ongoing anti-terrorism strategy so we created plan which I had put on hold in 2001 when he appointed me. I our Center for Disaster Preparedness in partnership with the U.S. again thanked him for the opportunity he gave me, and the Military Academy at West Point. tremendous honor it has been to serve as the city's 31st Fire Com- We needed new large capacity fire boats and will soon accept missioner. delivery of two new vessels - the first major additions of our After 47 years in government and public service, there has marine fleet in 50 years. been no greater reward than to have helped rebuild the Fire We have issued three Strategic Plans outlining our goals and Department in the aftermath of 9/11. I am confident this Depart- objectives and how to achieve them - something never done ment is ready to meet the many challenges of the 21st Century. before in the FDNY. It has been an honor to serve the city and the Fire Department. To monitor the health of members who participated in the res- Thank you and God bless you all. cue and recovery efforts at the WTC site, our Bureau of Health Services developed and continues to operate a medical monitor- ing and treatment program that is now the gold standard. To improve accountability we issued new rules and directives aimed at better controlling overtime abuses, overseeing off-the- line "light-duty" administrative positions, and strengthening drug and alcohol policies to improve public and member safety.

2 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE October 2009 Ahoy! FDNY Launches New Boat Named to Honor all FDNY Members Lost on Sept. 11 he FDNY Marine Division’s newest fireboat, , was Tlaunched on Sept. 11, during a cere- mony at the Eastern Shipbuilding Group shipyard in Panama City, Fla. The ship is named in honor of all FDNY members killed in the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The launch ceremony included the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the bow, followed by the first splash down of the ship into the sea. The Three Forty Three is expected to arrive in in December and will be assigned to Marine 1, stationed on The new fireboat, Three Forty Three, just before its christening in Panama City, Fla. the in Manhattan. The fire- boat will replace the 50-year-old John D. McKean. A second ship currently under ty of pumping 50,000 gallons of water per It also features a forward ballast tank construction, Fire Fighter II, will eventual- minute; nearly 30,000 gallons more than which lowers the boat in the water to ly replace the 50-year-old Fire Fighter, and its predecessor. match its deck with larger ferries that oper- will be assigned to Marine 9 on Staten The Three Forty Three has been ate in the waters around New York City. Island. designed with the assistance of U.S. Navy This feature will allow the fireboat to safe- Both boats were funded, in large part, engineers from the U.S. military’s Joint ly transfer and evacuate people in an emer- by more than $40 million dollars in grants Program Executive Office for Chemical gency. The ship’s pilot house is configured from the Department of Homeland Securi- and Biological Defense and Naval Sea to allow the Captain a 360-degree view of ty. Eastern Shipbuilding Group was Systems Command, to detect and protect an operation, which can assist with maneu- awarded the contract for detailed design firefighters from chemical, biological, vering the vessel in tight quarters. In addi- and construction of the ships on Dec. 28, radiological and nuclear agents. The ship tion, the Three Forty Three has a command 2007. The fireboat’s original design is contains a pressurized area that filters the and control area where the ship’s officers from naval architectural firm Robert Allan air supply using special charcoal and high- will be able to monitor and direct fire oper- Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C. efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, ations with the aid of remote cameras and The 140-foot, 500-ton, $27 million dol- allowing the crew members to operate state-of-the-art communication equipment. lar Three Forty Three will be the country’s when needed in hostile environments. The FDNY Marine Fleet consists of largest fireboat with a maximum speed of Decontamination and first aid can be han- more than 30 vessels responsible for more 18 knots. The new boat will provide the dled aboard the ship as well by means of a than 450 miles of coastline and harbors and FDNY with the latest technology available de-con shower area that leads to a triage has protected New York City residents for for Marine vessels, including the capabili- and first-aid station. 134 years.

Heart of the Matter: Continuing the Nation- al Day of Service and Remembrance, approximately 500 volunteers learned car- diopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) through free FDNY and NYC Service-sponsored training sessions held in all five boroughs on Sept. 12, 13 and 14. Volunteers were given a CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which includes an inflatable mannequin and a 22- minute instructional DVD. The CPR Mobile Training Unit has trained more than 30,000 New Yorkers since it was created in 2005.

FDNYNEWS 3 ViewPoint

Pledge for Safety FDNY Kicks off Fire Prevention Week in Rockefeller Center, Swears in More Than 2,000 Junior Firefighters

earing red fire helmets, Department inform the public about the more than 2,000 children importance of fire safety and fire preven- Wraised their right hand tion. and pledged to “practice fire safety Lt. Anthony Mancuso, from the and share what I have learned with Bureau of Fire Safety Education, spoke to others.” the crowd about the importance of chang- The school children’s oath as a ing smoke alarm batteries, practicing fire junior firefighter – which echoed escape plans and calling 9-1-1. from the Rockefeller Center Ice “I hope you all will learn as much as Rink on Oct. 5 – helped kick off the you can about fire safety, then go home FDNY’s annual Fire Prevention and teach your families about how to stay Week. fire safe,” he said. “Thank you all for helping us Student Tony Jackson, 9, from P.S. 63 save lives,” said Chief of Depart- in Ozone Park, Queens, said he’s going to ment Salvatore Cassano. “With your do just that: “I want my family to always help we’ll keep New York fire safe.” be fire safe.” The children, who hailed from 30 National Fire Prevention Week was schools located throughout the five established in 1922, to commemorate the boroughs, were treated to demonstra- Great Chicago Fire on Oct. 8, 1871, that tions by firefighters, including high- killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 angle rescue and vehicle extraction. homeless and destroyed more than 17,400 They also got the chance to tour fire structures. Fire departments throughout engines and fire trucks, and learn the country have since commemorated the about fire safety from the Depart- anniversary every year, in the second Hotdog, the FDNY fire safety mascot, interacts ment’s Fire Safety Education team. week of October, teaching others about with the more than 2,000 children who attended It was all part of the annual Fire how to stay fire safe. the Fire Prevention Week kick-off in Rockefeller Prevention Week, which helps the Center. A Lesson in Safety Fire Safety at Metrotech Commons

n the 138th anniversary of the The children took devastating Chicago fire, FDNY the junior firefighters Ocontinued its observance of Fire oath and interacted Prevention Week with fire safety demon- with firefighters and strations and CPR classes in Metrotech EMS members during Commons in Downtown . the event. More than 40 first graders from the “The FDNY has Brooklyn Friends School learned how to been running Fire Pre- keep their homes fire safe during the vention Week for event on Oct. 8. more than 80 years,” “We are here today because it’s impor- Jim Shannon, Presi- tant that you know what to do in case a dent and CEO of the fire ever occurs in your home,” said Fire National Fire Protec- Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “We tion Association, told must always continue stressing the impor- the students. “Now tance of fire safety, especially early noti- you can help teach fication, and one very important audience others about how to stay safe.” Firefighters show their gear to first graders from the Brook- for that message is young children.” lyn Friends School.

4 FDNYNEWS October 2009 On the Frontlines of Fire Safety Fire Inspectors Lauded for their Service

he FDNY capped off Fire Preven- tion Week with an event that rec- Tognized the service of the Depart- ment’s fire protection inspectors during a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters on Oct. 9. “What you do literally makes the dif- ference between life and death for our firefighters and the buildings’ occu- pants,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “Your work has never been more important and technologically advanced. You should be proud because you are on the cutting edge.” Nineteen inspectors were recognized for their outstanding work and 35 Fire Protection Inspectors graduated during the boisterous ceremony. “Your inspections prevent numerous Thirty-five fire protection inspectors graduated during a ceremony that honored the fires and other emergencies each year,” work of the Department’s Fire Protection Unit. said Chief of Fire Prevention Thomas Jensen. “Thank you for your hard work Each year, the FDNY’s Office of Fire inspections and issues more than 39,000 and thank you for caring.” Prevention conducts more than 158,000 safety violations.

A donation that keeps going: Lt. Anthony Mancuso of the Fire Safety Education Unit joined Paige Hemmis, carpenter and designer on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and spokeswoman for Dura- cell, at the FDNY Fire Zone in Man- hattan on Sept. 21. Duracell donated 10,000 9-volt batteries, 64,000 AA batteries and 1,000 flashlights to the FDNY Foundation as part of their “Power to Protect” program, helping people keep their homes fire safe.

FDNYNEWS 5 ViewPoint Never Forget: September 11, 2001

ight years after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, members of the EDepartment paid tribute to the 343 FDNY members lost on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the nearly 3,000 others who per- ished that tragic day, with ceremonies throughout the five boroughs. “We will never forget those lost eight years ago,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “The lives lost that day will live on in the brave acts and ded- icated service of all our members.” A ceremony was held at the site of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, as well as at the Firefighter’s Memorial on Riverside Drive; the EMS Memorial Wall in Fort Totten, Queens; FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn; the Fire Muse- um in Manhattan; and at firehouses and EMS stations throughout the City. “We will never forget the families of those lost,” Chief of Department Salva- tore Cassano said. “And we will honor the Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano memory of our 343 for generations to lay a wreath at the Sept. 11 memorial wall at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. come.”

(Above, left) Firefighters stand in front of the Sept. 11 memorial, outside the quarters of Engine 10/Ladder 10, on the eighth anniversary of the attacks. (Above, right) Members gathered at the World Trade Center Memorial at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

6 FDNYNEWS October 2009 Addressing the Health Impacts of 9/11 Second Annual Report Released

he 2009 Annual Report on 9/11 Use Services. 2007 also reported that they had not seen Health, a review of the latest med- In addition, 19,760 rescue, recovery a mental health provider in the previous Tical research on potential health and clean-up workers, including FDNY year; approximately half were residents, impacts of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, and NYPD personnel, were screened or office workers or persons other than res- 2001, was released on Sept. 24. monitored in Fiscal Year 2009, bringing cue and recovery workers who were in the The report, which includes a review of the total number of WTC responders and vicinity of the WTC site on the morning of 48 peer-reviewed studies collected and workers screened by FDNY and the 9/11. analyzed by the City’s World Trade Center Mount Sinai Consortium to 42,410. The WTC Environmental Health Cen- Medical Working Group, was a recom- The report also shows that nearly 20 ter and the WTC Health Registry have mendation of the 2007 report Addressing percent of adults enrolled in the Health begun contacting these individuals direct- the Health Impacts of 9/11. Department’s WTC Health Registry con- ly with federal funding to refer them to The Medical Working Group is com- tinue to report symptoms indicative of appropriate care. prised of 9/11 health experts from science, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According the WTC Medical Working medicine and government, including the Although PTSD symptoms have been Group, it is unknown whether there is a FDNY’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David resolved for some, one in ten Registry- relationship between WTC exposure and Prezant. enrollees reported these symptoms for the longer-term illnesses, including cancer, The report includes, for the first time, a first time 5-6 years after 9/11. but clinicians, epidemiologists and WTC Patient Population Report for Fiscal Rescue and recovery workers and vol- researchers continue to actively study this. Year 2009, which ended on June 30. It unteers were more likely to report late- The City has advocated vigorously for indicates that 15,688 people, including emerging symptoms than other groups federal funding to monitor and treat peo- rescue, recovery and clean-up workers, who were exposed to the WTC disaster: ple with 9/11-related mental and physical members of the Lower Manhattan com- the prevalence of PTSD symptoms health problems, as recommended in munity and other WTC-exposed New increased from 14 percent in 2003-2004 to Addressing the Health Impacts of 9/11. Yorkers received publicly funded treat- 19 percent in 2006-2007. The City continues to work with Congress ment for WTC-related health conditions at The report details how many people to advocate for the passage of the 9/11 the City’s three Centers of Excellence (at with 9/11-related PTSD symptoms are not Health and Compensation Act, which the FDNY, the Mount Sinai Consortium receiving treatment despite the availabili- would provide a consistent funding stream and the WTC Environmental Health Cen- ty of publicly funded services. Nearly for 9/11-related treatment and the re-open- ter), or through the City’s 9/11 Benefit 5,000 WTC Health Registry enrollees ing of the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Program for Mental Health and Substance who reported PTSD symptoms in 2006- Fund. (Safety) Tools of the Trade FDNY Receives $25,000 Grant to Support Firefighter Safety he members of Engine 9/Ladder 6 designed to train firefighters on how to in Manhattan received a generous gain forcible entry though all types of Tgrant on Oct. 15 that will help doors during emergencies. keep members safe. Additionally, exercise equipment will The Fireman’s Fund Insurance Com- be purchased to enhance the physical fit- pany and Curry MacWilliams Janitschke ness of the members. Underwriters, Ltd., partnered to present “On behalf of our members, thank them with a $25,000 check that will be you,” said Capt. Russell Strobel from used to purchase equipment for training Engine 9. and physical fitness. Capt. Stephen Corcoran from Ladder 6 “The Department is so grateful for added, “To have this equipment close at this generous grant,” Manhattan Borough hand is a tremendous asset to us.” Commander, Chief Michael Weinlein, Manhattan Borough Commander Chief Since December 2006, Fireman’s Fund said during the presentation ceremony at Michael Weinlein (far left) and the members has awarded the FDNY more than the quarters of Engine 9/Ladder 6. of Engine 9/Ladder 6 joined members of the $400,000. This is the second grant to the The grant funds will be used to pur- Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and FDNY by Curry MacWilliams Janitschke chase a digital camera, laptop computer, Curry MacWilliams Janitschke Underwrit- Underwriters, Ltd. and television to make customized pre- ers, Ltd., for a grant presentation. “We’re extremely proud of this pro- sentations that deal specifically with the gram,” said Danny Perry, Corporate Com- buildings, hazards and environments in purchase of rescue dummies, to be used munications Manager for Fireman’s Fund the response area for Engine 9/Ladder 6. during drills to simulate fire victims, and Insurance. “We know the tools we have Funds also have been allocated for the a forcible entry simulator, which is funded have saved lives.”

FDNYNEWS 7 ViewPoint Moving Ahead 24 Paramedics Graduate from EMS Academy

pplause and smiles filled the audi- efforts will make a difference to every torium at the Fire Academy on patient you encounter.” ASept. 23, as 24 paramedics joined Several of the new graduates speak the EMS Command. multiple languages, including Russian, “Being a paramedic isn’t an easy job – Mandarin, French, Sintana, Cantonese and especially in New York City – but the city Creole. Eighty-five new EMTs were sworn in on is a safer and better place because of you,” Paramedics John Files-Aime and John Oct. 15. said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scop- Vives are veterans of the U.S. military, petta. having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom Dawning of 85 Careers The new paramedic class includes and in UN Peacekeeping Missions in New EMTs Join EMS Command FDNY EMTs who received additional Macedonia and Bosnia. training and were promoted to the rank of “Last year the EMS Command’s work- t was a happy day for 85 new members paramedic, as well as EMTs from local load increased to more than 1.2 million of the FDNY’s Emergency Medical hospitals and as far away as Australia, calls, yet we continued to arrive as quick- IService on Oct. 15, as they were sworn who are joining the FDNY for the first ly as ever,” said Chief of EMS John in as new Emergency Medical Techni- time. Peruggia. “We do this through the efforts cians (EMTs). “We are all proud of the hard work it of the dedicated and professional men and “Being an EMT is a difficult job,” said took for you to get through the rigorous women, like those graduating today, who Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta training at the EMS Academy,” said Chief give of themselves not to be come rich and during the ceremony at the Fire Academy. of Department Salvatore Cassano. “Your famous, but to make a difference.” “Every day you see people in pain, you are not in an air conditioned office, you work is on the streets. No matter what the A Big Step Forward call is, when a New Yorker calls, you answer it. And in this job, the stakes Members of Fire Service Promoted to Captain, Lieutenant couldn’t be higher.” He noted that during ambulance rota- anners hung from tions required for training, EMT Christo- the mock store pher Savino helped save someone who fronts in the Fire went into cardiac arrest and two others B delivered babies. Academy’s Field House “Your efforts make a difference to and hundreds of friends every patient you encounter, no matter and family cheered as 25 how big or how small the emergency,” members of the fire serv- said Chief of Department Salvatore Cas- ice received their promo- sano. tions on Sept. 24. EMTs Treyvia McNeary and Andrew “You are moving up Wasniewski were named class valedicto- the ranks of the largest rians. and most technologically The members of this diverse class advanced Fire Depart- speak five different languages, including ment in the country,” said Romanian, French, Creole and Spanish. Eight of the graduates have family mem- Fire Commissioner bers in the Department. Nicholas Scoppetta. “But EMT Santino Degregorio is a veteran we can never forget this Twenty-five members of the fire service were promoted on Sept. 24. of the U.S. Air Force and EMT Mike one simple fact: that with- Pivetz served with the U.S. National out our firefighters and fire Guard. officers, without your grit sions that will have a profound impact on “You have chosen a noble profession, and your heart, without that human ele- all our members – you will have a chance in an organization with a profound history ment, all our technology and all of our to make a big difference.” of heroism and greatness,” said Chief of EMS John Peruggia. “Sometimes it’s advancements would be for nothing.” The promoted members represented stressful, and it’s always challenging, but During the ceremony, 10 members more than 250 years of experience in the were elevated to the rank of captain and the greatest benefit of being an emergency FDNY. And a vast majority was with the medical professional is that it’s reward- 15 to lieutenant. Department on Sept. 11, 2001. ing.” “You are the future leaders of our All of the newly promoted members The new members will be assigned to Department,” said Chief of Department will be assigned to various units through- various EMS stations throughout the city. Salvatore Cassano. “You will make deci- out the City.

8 FDNYNEWS October 2009 Helping Hands Awarded FDNY Testing Unit Honored for Customer Service

embers of the FDNY Public Certification and Testing Unit Mreceived due praise on Oct. 8, during the Second Annual Mayor’s Excel- lence in Customer Service Awards Pro- gram at Brooklyn Borough Hall. “These teams embody what we try to do every day, to get government to work for people,” said Deputy Mayor for Oper- ations Edward Skyler. “It helps empower people and makes them proud to be New Yorkers.” The FDNY Public Certification and Testing Unit, including Enzo Aloiso, Elsa Araya, Dorothy Banks, Novlette Barrett, Jo-Ann Blackwell, Cheryl Edwards, Shirley Edwards, Steven Ertrachter, Peter Carfagna, Kellie Childs, Akilah Jackman, Brenda McKiver, Centia Parish, Estelle Members of the FDNY Public Certification and Testing Unit. (L to R) Brenda McKiver, Priesel and Juan Salazar, were acknowl- Estelle Priesel, Peter Carfagna, Cheryl Edwards, Elsa Araya and Steven Ertrachter. edged for their exemplary customer serv- ice in walk-in service delivery. quickly to prepare tests and study materi- extra steps, going that extra mile,” said Mr. Ertrachter, Director of Public Cer- als for nine new tests. They also had to Brooklyn Borough President Marty tification and Education, also received an work closely with the test takers, helping Markowitz. “You have had a great impact individual award for his efforts. people prepare for the exam. on New York City, you have shown you After the new Fire Code was released “These awards are about taking those care.” in 2008, the testing unit has had to work Rescue Rewarded Firefighter Honored by Liberty Mutual for Rescue

irefighter Adam Rivera from Engine 10 received a Firemark FAward for Heroism from Liberty Mutual on Sept. 21. He was honored for rescuing a man who fell on the subway tracks while off- duty on Aug. 21. “This is very kind,” Firefighter Rivera said when he received the Medal at his firehouse in Lower Manhattan. He was humble about his win, saying he is a junior member of the firehouse (he joined the Department in July 2008) and “I’m just trying to follow [my fellow fire- fighters’] lead. They set a great example.” This is the third Liberty Medal pre- sented to firefighters this year, acknowl- Firefighter Adam Rivera (center with award) receives the Liberty Mutual Firemark edging their bravery and heroism. Award from Sales Representative Kenneth McQuillen (fourth from left) and Branch “You guys do great work every day,” Manager Damion Del Corsano (fifth from left). They are joined by the members of said Kenneth McQuillen, Sales Represen- Engine 10/Ladder 10 in Lower Manhattan. tative for Liberty Mutual.

FDNYNEWS 9 ViewPoint 43 Years of Remembrance FDNY Honors 43rd Anniversary of the Tragic 23rd Street Fire

ct. 17, 1966 was a tragic day in the New York City Fire Depart- Oment’s storied history, a day when 12 members died in the line of duty while operating at a fire at the Wonder Drug store on Manhattan’s 23rd Street. And each year, on the anniversary of the tragedy, firefighters past and present still come together to remember the lives lost that day. “In the FDNY, honor and history are held in high regard,” said Deputy Assis- tant Chief John Sudnik during the wreath laying ceremony. “The legacy of these 12 men lives on through every one of our firefighters. We will never forget.” The deadly five-alarm fire, which Friends and family of those lost attended the wreath laying ceremony marking occurred on the corner of Broadway, rep- the 43rd anniversary of the 23rd Street fire. (L to R) Christine Priore, daughter of Lt. resented the single worst loss of New Joseph Priore of Engine 18; Deputy Assistant Chief John Sudnik, retired FF Manny York City firefighters in the line of duty Fernandez, who operated as the chauffeur for Engine 18 at the 23rd Street fire; and prior to Sept. 11, 2001. Firefighter Brian Finley, grandson of Lt. John J. Finley of Ladder 7. Twelve members of every rank, from a probationary firefighter to a deputy chief, Division 3; Battalion Chief Walter J. Hig- ceremony, along with many retired mem- made the Supreme Sacrifice when the gins of Battalion 7; Lieutenant Joseph Pri- bers who worked with those who were ground floor of the store collapsed. The ore, Firefighter James V. Galanaugh, Fire- lost. fire originated in a basement storage area, fighter Joseph Kelly, Firefighter Daniel L. Also attending the ceremony was Fire- which was concealed by a four-inch thick Rey and Firefighter Bernard A. Tepper, all fighter Brian Finley, whose grandfather cinderblock wall illegally constructed by of Engine 18; and Lieutenant John J. Fin- was killed in the 23rd Street fire nearly the building’s previous owner. ley, Firefighter John G. Berry, Firefighter seven years before he was born. He has Those killed in the fire included Rudolph F. Kaminsky and Firefighter worked out of Ladder 7, his grandfather’s Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly and Fire- Carl Lee, all of Ladder 7. firehouse, for more than 10 years. fighter William F. McCarron, both of More than 150 firefighters attended the EMTs Rescue Five from Building with High CO

MTs Andrew Gabor and Claudia to dangerous levels in the home – 150 ppm. to the building. Firefighters noted their Rugel from Station 32 were called to EMS members noted that anything over 35 monitors read even higher amounts of CO Ehelp a man who fell in an apartment ppm is dangerous. – 300 ppm – on the floor above. in Brooklyn, but they ended up saving the They found the victim of the fall experi- All the victims had high CO levels in lives of five people – including an infant – encing symptoms of CO poisoning, includ- their systems and were transported to from a dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) ing fatigue and confusion. Three other peo- Brooklyn Hospital in serious, but stable, condition on Sept. 18. ple in the home also were not feeling well, condition. “This is what I signed up for when I so EMS members evacuated the residence They noted that there were no working became an EMT,” said EMT Gabor. “I’m before beginning treatment. CO detectors in any of the building’s apart- just glad we were able to help.” “It’s nice to have this equipment, ments at the time. The EMTs were called to an apartment because without it, we could have become “If they’d had working CO detectors, on Fulton Street at around 10 a.m. victims ourselves,” EMT Gabor said about they would have known about the situation Upon entering the residence, their the monitors that were given to all FDNY before we got there,” said EMS Capt. John GasAlert Extreme Carbon Monoxide mon- EMS members this summer. Scotch from the Division 3 Command. itors (a new tool EMS members use to A resident in another apartment also was “These devices can end up making a huge assess CO levels) immediately alerted them evacuated and additional units were called difference.”

10 FDNYNEWS October 2009 Bronx Man Arrested for Arson in March Fire Firefighter Rescues that Destroyed a Row of Bronx Stores Child from Bronx ire Marshals from the FDNY Bureau Apartment Fire of Fire Investigation (BFI) and feder- irefighter James Senk of Ladder 47 Fal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, was still on an adrenaline high sev- Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Sept. 21 Feral hours after saving a 4-year-old arrested 40-year-old William Crean of the boy from an apartment fire in the Bronx Bronx, for starting a fire on March 22, on Sept. 30. 2009, that resulted in an estimated $2 mil- “It’s incredible, nothing is compara- lion in property damage. ble,” he said from his firehouse, knowing nd Mr. Crean is charged with 2 degree the child was doing well. arson and reckless endangerment. These The fire on the fourth floor of a build- charges are punishable by up to 25 years in ing on Zerega Avenue was first reported prison. The prosecution of this case will be A photo of the Westchester Square fire in at 4:12 p.m. handled by the Office of Bronx District the Bronx on March 22. Photo courtesy When the members of Ladder 47 Attorney. of Firefighter Daniel P. Alfonso. arrived on scene, Firefighter Senk said “This investigation demonstrates the there were “numerous people on the fire outstanding work of the FDNY Bureau of ers and nearly three hours to bring under escape and black smoke pushing out Fire Investigation,” said Fire Commission- control. Three firefighters were taken to every window.” er Nicholas Scoppetta. “We are also proud Jacobi Hospital for non-life threatening He moved a ladder to the fire escape to have an excellent working relationship injuries. when he saw a small arm waving out the with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and BFI determined the fire started inside 21 child gate in an adjacent window. Fire- Firearms as we work toward a common Latin Lounge at 122 Westchester Square, a fighter Senk told another firefighter he goal: putting arsonists behind bars.” business that was undergoing renovations needed to go up the truck’s aerial ladder On, March 22, at 6:07 a.m., a fire was at the time and not yet open to the public. to the window. reported at 122 Westchester Square. The The fire extended to five adjoining busi- There he removed the glass and saw first FDNY unit on scene was Engine 61, nesses: the child for a moment before he disap- which arrived in approximately three min- The damage from the fire resulted in an peared into the smoky room. utes. The fire quickly escalated to a third overall structural collapse of 21 Latin Firefighter Senk, a five-year veteran of alarm and spread throughout a row of Lounge and partial collapses of several of the FDNY, removed the child gate, but stores from 122 to 129 Westchester Square. the other affected stores. The investigation could not enter the apartment through the The fire required 33 units, 140 firefight- of the fire and its motives is ongoing. window because bunk beds were obstructing the opening. He also said he Fire and EMS Members Save 16-Year-Old’s Life in the Bronx feared that moving the beds would result eing able to save someone in cardiac street when the victim grabbed his chest in injuring the child. Barrest is a great reward for all mem- and collapsed. So he jumped from the aerial ladder to bers of the FDNY. It’s even more fulfill- Firefighters assessed that the victim the fire escape, entered the apartment and ing when that person is very young. was not breathing and had no pulse, so began his search. Near the doorway to the That’s just what members of Engine 45 they began cardiopulmonary resuscitation bedroom he found the unconscious boy. and EMS Station 26 did on Oct. 21, when (CPR) and hooked up a defibrillator. He grabbed him and passed him off to a a 16-year-old went into cardiac arrest in The defibrillator shocked him once and civilian sitting on the fire escape, because the Bronx. they continued CPR until EMS members he knew the man could pass him to anoth- “This doesn’t happen often,” said Lt. arrived minutes later. Members said he er firefighter on the fire escape one floor Paul McKie from Engine 45. “It’s so had regained a pulse at that time, but still below. rewarding when we can do something like was not breathing, so he was moved into “All I cared about was that he lived,” this. Now a 16-year-old has another day the ambulance, where Paramedics Gerald Firefighter Senk said. ahead of him.” Carr and Lynwood Rollins continued The boy was transported in serious but At 4:12 p.m. members were called to working on the young man. stable condition to Jacobi Medical Center the corner of Mapes and Tremont Avenues They were able to restore his breathing with smoke inhalation. Another adult also for an unconscious victim. before transporting him to St. Barnabus Since their firehouse was just a few Hospital. was transported to Jacobi with smoke blocks away, members of Engine 45, “Even though there were so many peo- inhalation. including Lt. McKie and Firefighters Bill ple around us, everybody there just did “[Firefighter Senk] went above and Riccardulli, Joseph Langone, Roy Versey, their job,” said Lt. McKie, who said this beyond the call of duty,” said Lt. Fred Ill Rob Cuccio and Joel Van Wieren, were was his third cardiac arrest rescue since from Battalion 14. “This child would not the first on the scene. They saw a large joining the Department in 1990. “I was be with us if he had not made the actions crowd gathering around a young man, driving home [that night] and thought, he did. He exemplified the very best qual- who was unconscious. The victim’s friend ‘Wow, we really made a difference today.’ ities of the New York City Fire Depart- later said they were walking down the It’s definitely rewarding.” ment.”

FDNYNEWS 11 ViewPoint OPERATION BIO-POD H1N1 VACCINATION 2009 he FDNY has scheduled its annual FDNY’s BHS agrees Department person- H1N1 INFORMATION BIOPOD drill for Nov. 5 to 8. This nel are at risk of acquiring the virus due to SOURCES INCLUDE: Texercise is part of the Department’s recurring exposure to the general public. ongoing initiative in planning and This is an opportunity for all members to www.flu.gov responding to Chemical, Biological, help protect themselves from possible www.cdc.gov, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive infection and thereby protect their fami- follow the link to H1N1 flu (CBRNE) incidents. If a biohazard event lies, since this particular virus has affect- www.nyc.gov/flu, was identified, the FDNY would need to ed young children, young adults and preg- New York City respond rapidly to provide the needed nant women. Department of Health antibiotics and vaccinations to all Depart- Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kerry Kelly ment personnel to ensure the safety of all stresses that inoculations are the best way www.health.state.ny.us, of our members and their families. for any Department member to prevent NYS Dept. of Health, follow link to H1N1, then In response to the H1N1 flu pandemic, taking the flu home to his or her family. “frequently asked questions” this year’s inoculations will be for the There has been misinformation circu- H1N1 influenza. There will be 10 fixed lating about the H1N1 flu vaccination www.hhs.gov, POD locations and three mobile MERV from unofficial sources. Dr. Kelly and US Department of Health locations throughout the city offering vac- the doctors at BHS HIGHLY RECOM- www.fdnyinsider.com cinations for all first responders. On-duty, MEND that ALL Department members off-duty and members on leave (LD, ML) receive the vaccination. The following 718-999-1919, BHS Hotline, staffed by nurses to answer questions are encouraged to participate in this web sites and telephone hotlines offer concerning the vaccination program year’s BIOPOD. accurate information about the H1N1 flu The H1N1 virus has been confirmed as virus, the vaccine and other questions. In 1-800-808-1987, a worldwide pandemic. The federal gov- addition, we urge you to speak with your the New York State Department of ernment has determined that key groups personal physician and get his or her rec- Health answer line should be targeted for vaccination, includ- ommendation. ing emergency medical personnel. The VIEW PHOTO OF THE MONTH P OINT OCTOBER 2009 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

THOMAS ITTYCHERIA GRAPHICS / LAYOUT

SFM RALPH BERNARD, RANDY BARRON, DAVID WARREN, RETIRED EMT ROBERT DOMINGO PHOTOS ViewPoint is published entirely in-house by the FDNY Office of Public Information/Publications Cooking for a Cause: Top firehouse chefs took part in the 3rd annual New York City FDNY Fire Museum Firehouse Tasting and Cook-Off Fundraiser on Oct. 14. The event raised 1865-2009 more than $5,000 for restoration of the Museum's treasures. First place went to A 145 YEAR HISTORY FF William Benitez from Ladder 1, who made Short Ribs. FF Richard Paulan from OF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION Engine 22 won second prize for his Chicken Florentine and third prize went to FF Edward Nevins from Ladder 136 for his Portobello Stuffed Roast Pork. FDNYNEWS