DECEMBER 2009

VIEW FROM Metro Tech P OINT 9 T HE N EWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE D EPARTMENT Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano Appointed Next Fire Commissioner ayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Dec. 21 the Mappointment Chief of Depart- ment Salvatore J. Cassano as City’s 32nd Fire Commissioner. Chief Cassano, a 40-year veteran of the FDNY, is the Department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, a position he has held since 2006. “He has a lifetime of unmatched experi- ence and will be an outstanding commis- sioner for the FDNY,” Mayor said during a press conference at City Hall. Chief Cassano added: “My goal as Fire Commissioner is to build upon the success- es of the last eight years and to make the Department stronger and better than ever before.” The Chief has served the FDNY as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion Chief Salvatore Cassano addresses the crowd at City Hall after Mayor Michael chief, deputy chief, deputy assistant chief Bloomberg announced he will be the Department’s 32nd Fire Commissioner. and assistant chief. He has been cited for bravery five times for rescuing victims from burning buildings. appointed Chief of Department following “Commissioner Scoppetta left a great Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the line-of-duty death of Chief Peter Ganci. legacy that [Chief Cassano] can take to the World Trade Center, Chief Cassano was In the last eight years, he has played a new heights,” said Mayor Bloomberg. named Chief of Operations (the second- crucial role in rebuilding the Department. Chief Cassano is a U.S. Army veteran highest uniformed rank in the FDNY), suc- He also has worked to bring significant with combat experience in Vietnam. He ceeding Chief Daniel Nigro, who was changes to the FDNY, creating a better pre- joined the FDNY immediately following pared, better trained and better equipped the conclusion of his military service in FDNY. 1969. With this new role, Chief Cassano said He attended John Jay College of Crimi- he plans to increase the Department’s focus nal Justice, where he attained a Bachelor of on fire prevention and emergency medical Science degree in Fire Science. services, continuing to increase the diversi- Chief Cassano has lived in the ty of the Department’s personnel and Huguenot section of for the increasing firefighter safety, which is his last 40 years and resides there with his IN THIS ISSUE top priority. wife, Theresa. They have five children and He will replace Fire Commissioner three grandchildren, including his daughter R Message Page 2 Nicholas Scoppetta, who has served as Katie LiVolsi, who is a former member of Commissioner since 2002 and announced the FDNY and is married to FDNY Lt. R Rescues Pages 6-7 in October that he would resign at year’s Christopher LiVolsi. Chief Cassano is a end. Chief Cassano will begin his role as native New York City resident, born in Car- R FDNY Gives Back Page 8 Commissioner on Jan. 1, 2010. roll Gardens, .

FDNYNEWS ViewPoint

A Statement from the Incoming Fire Commissioner, Salvatore Cassano

(The following remarks are taken from the Dec. 21 press best prepared fire department in the world. conference delivered by Chief Cassano in the Blue Room at My goal as Fire Commissioner will be to build upon the City Hall, when Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his extraordinary successes achieved in recent years, and to appointment as the Department’s 32nd Fire Commissioner.) seek ways to make the agency even stronger, so we can do an even better job serving the public. My top priority – have spent the better part of my life, the last 40 years, always and foremost – will be the safety of our personnel, working to protect the lives and property of the citizens and the safety of the public. There is no better way to pro- Iof New York City. Working for the FDNY – the world’s tect both firefighters and the public than by preventing fires greatest Fire Department, in the world’s greatest city – has from starting in the first place. Preventing fires through a been an honor and a blessing. And I have held every uni- new “risk based” system of conducting inspections will be formed rank in the Department, including firefighter, lieu- a tremendous step toward reducing the number of fires in tenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, deputy assis- our city, and I look forward to implementing this program tant chief and assistant chief. citywide next year. I am grateful the Mayor has the confidence in me to be I also am committed to improving the life-saving pre- Commissioner and to lead the Department as we go for- hospital emergency medical work done by our EMS per- ward, and work to continue the quality of the life-saving sonnel and our firefighters. Whether utilizing new technol- work our fire and emergency medical service personnel pro- ogy, innovative operational procedures or additional train- vide to 8 million New Yorkers and the millions more who ing, I will seek to improve the EMS services we provide the visit our city each day. And I will do my very best to build city. on the many successes we’ve achieved in the last eight I look forward to working collaboratively with the years. Mayor, and Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler and the Commission- I would also like to thank Commissioner Scoppetta for ers of all city agencies, particularly the NYPD and OEM, on the leadership he has given to the FDNY in the most critical all aspects of public safety in our city. time in the Department’s 144-year history. This is a big Department and so many people deserve th Devastated by the Sept. 11 attacks and the loss of 343 credit for all the good work that has been achieved. I’d like members, his guidance these last eight years in rebuilding to thank everyone in the Department – all of our uniformed the Department, implementing new initiatives, as well as and civilian workers – for the work they have done to make expanding and introducing new training programs has vast- this the best Fire Department in the world. ly improved the Department. The proof of that is evident in Finally, I would like to thank my family, my wife, There- our city today. During the last eight years, New York City sa, and my children, Salvatore, Lisa, Katie, Theresa and has had the fewest fire-related deaths on record; we’ve Joseph, who have supported me throughout my entire reduced fires to the lowest levels in 50 years; our Fire and career. The sacrifices they have made the last eight years EMS response times are the fastest ever before; and – espe- have allowed me to devote many hours away from home to cially important to me – firefighter burn injuries have never help with the rebuilding of the Department. been lower. In particular, I am grateful to the Commissioner for the confidence he showed me and all members of the uniformed staff by making us full partners in the rebuilding and man- agement of the Department. That partnership made a differ- ence and has led to the many successes achieved, making the Department the best trained, the best equipped and the

2 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE December 2009 Top Prize FDNY Civilian Receives Public Service Award n FDNY member who works duce training videos behind the scenes to promote that keep firefighters Asafety was awarded for her out- and EMS members standing efforts on Dec. 16, with a Hun- safe. She recently dred Year Association of New York Isaac worked on a video Liberman Public Service Award. regarding wind-driven Kristin Eng, a Program Producer in the fires in high-rise Department’s Audio/Visual unit, was one buildings, which will of only 10 civil servants across the city to lead to new safety pro- receive the prestigious award. cedures in depart- “I would like to thank you for your ments throughout the dedicated service, your hard work and country. your creativity,” Deputy Mayor Dennis “I know it’s rare for Walcott said during the ceremony at civilian employees to Kristin Eng (center), a Program Producer for the FDNY, NYPD Headquarters. “We really appreci- be honored in this way, receives her Public Service Award. ate all you do for this great city.” so I greatly appreciate Martha Hirst, Commissioner of the my agency, the 100 Year Association and the citizens of this city.” Department for Administrative Services DCAS for recognizing my work,” said Two children of FDNY members also added: “[The award recipients] are people Ms. Eng. “The best part of my job is received college scholarships, including who are behind the city’s successes. working with the uniformed members of Scott Gordon, son of EMT Howard Gor- These individuals take public service seri- the FDNY and have tried my best to be don, who is attending Adelphi University; ously.” conscientious and diligent because I know and Sasha Ortiz, daughter of Firefighter Ms. Eng works as a videographer and full well that my efforts may ultimately Benicio Ortiz, who is attending Queens editor for the Department, helping pro- impact their safety as well as the safety of College. BIOPOD 2009 FDNY Distributes H1N1 Vaccine during the Seventh Annual BIOPOD Drill t the FDNY, preparation is to coordinate the exercise. essential. So the Department “This will not only test our pre- Aheld its seventh annual BIO- paredness, but also provide our mem- POD drill from Nov. 5 through 8, dur- bers with a critical inoculation,” said ing which all first responders were Dr. Kerry Kelly, the FDNY’s Chief offered the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Medical Officer. The exercise is part of the Depart- Dr. Kelly urged all members to take ment’s ongoing initiative to plan for its the flu vaccine to protect their health as response to chemical, biological, radio- well as that of their coworkers and logical, nuclear and explosive inci- families. And during the four day oper- dents. ation, more than 10,300 members “Our reason for BIOPOD is obvi- cycled through the distribution sites ous: Our city is only safe if our first and more than half accepted it. responders are safe,” said Fire Com- The drill is conducted by the FDNY missioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “And Bureau of Health Services in conjunc- we want to know that if there is an tion with the FDNY Bureau of Opera- emergency need to vaccinate our mem- tions and is part of the City’s overall bers, we can do so quickly and efficient- A firefighter receives the H1N1 vaccine emergency response plan that combines ly.” during BIOPOD 2009. the efforts of the Fire Department with To reach all the FDNY’s first respon- other city agencies, including the Police ders, there were 10 fixed points of distri- Department, Department of Health and to 10 p.m. for four days. bution (PODs) and three mobile PODs Mental Hygiene and Office of Emergency This year, the Department also located throughout the five boroughs, Management. deployed its Incident Management Team which provided vaccinations from 6 a.m.

FDNYNEWS 3 ViewPoint December 2009 Honoring a Hero A Bright Future, Cut Short Hundreds Gather for Lt. Robert Ryan Plaque Dedication Plaque Dedicated for Probationary Firefighter Jamel Sears

undreds of fire- sano added that the lieutenant irefighters gathered at the Fire fighters, family “dedicated and committed him- Academy on Nov. 10 for a solemn Hmembers and self to the Department and the Fplaque dedication ceremony honor- friends fought back tears as public. He’ll forever serve as an ing Probationary Firefighter Jamel M. Lt. Robert Ryan, Jr., of inspiration to anyone who Sears. Engine 155 in Staten Island comes through the firehouse The 33-year-old firefighter collapsed was remembered during a doors.” while at the FDNY Training Academy on plaque dedication ceremo- Lt. Ryan was survived by his Nov. 10, 2008. He was transported to Mt. ny at his firehouse on Nov. wife, Kathleen; son, Chris, 18; Sinai Hospital, where he died the follow- 23. daughter, Kayla, 13; stepson, ing evening. Lt. Ryan was fatally Alex, 11; and stepdaughter, “Here at the Academy, Jamel showed injured on Nov. 23, 2008, Emma, 9. us the kind of firefighter he would be – while operating at a sec- Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and His sister, Diane Spallan- dedicated, thoughtful, strong and brave,” ond-alarm fire on Van Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano stand with the Ryan family, zani, thanked the members of said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “He was Buren St. in Staten Island. including his wife, Kathleen; mother, Carol; son, Chris; and daughter, Engine 155/Ladder 78 for tak- known as the best of the best.” He was transported to Kayla; as Monsignor John Delendick blesses the plaque honoring the life ing care of their family. She Firefighter Sears’ mother, sister and Richmond University of Lt. Robert Ryan, Jr. added that she’s found peace aunts sat in the front row during the cere- Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Depart- Medical Center on Staten since his passing, “I don’t sweat mony. His wife, New York City Police ment Salvatore Cassano, FDNY Chaplain Rev. Stephen Harding and a ceremonial offi- Island, where he suc- the small stuff anymore; instead cer stand with Probationary Firefighter Jamel M. Sears’ mother, Jonnie, and sister, and third degree burns in a Brooklyn fire Officer Sherita Sears, and two children, cumbed to his injuries. I carry Bob’s goodness in my heart. Not a Charmaine, as a memorial plaque is dedicated in the firefighter’s honor. on Oct. 3, 2007. He spent eight days at the Mahlek, 12, and Jya, 8, were not able to “For Bobby, being a firefighter was day goes by that I don’t think of him.” Staten Island University Hospital Burn attend. more than a job, it was a calling,” said Firefighters who worked with Lt. Ryan Center and nearly a year in rehabilitation “He had a deep love for his family and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “He was hon- remembered him for his leadership, eclec- On what would have been his gradua- er Sears as funny, smart and supportive. before he was able to return to the job on devotion to duty,” said Fire Commission- est, dedicated and hard working – he was tic taste in music, love of firefighting tion day in December 2008, a seat was left Firefighter Roy Ciofalo from Engine Sept. 26, 2007. er Nicholas Scoppetta. “We need to look a role model in every sense of the word.” drills, quotes of the day and skill as a empty in his honor. He was posthumously 23, a member of Firefighter Sears’ squad During his recovery, he started a holi- at this ceremony not as a remembrance of Lt. Ryan was assigned to Engine 155 painter. assigned to Engine 218, where he spent a at the Academy, said he shared a locker day toy drive for children at the hospital, a his death, but as a celebration of his life.” for more than two years. He was previous- “He was a captain’s dream, he put his week during training and said he someday with the firefighter. When training ended, tradition his firehouse continues. Chief of Department Salvatore Cas- ly assigned to Engines 228, 280 and 282 in whole heart into the job,” said Capt. Brian wanted to work. he took the piece of tape that listed Fire- “We are here today to show the Depart- sano added: “Jamel would have been a Brooklyn; Engine 6 and Battalion 4 in Gorman of Engine 155. “His loss has left “He was dedicated and well loved, and fighter Sears name on the locker and ment hasn’t forgotten and will never for- great firefighter. His memory will inspire ; and Battalion 22 in Staten a hole that will never be filled.” he will always be loved and remem- placed it on his locker at the firehouse. get,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas firefighters for years to come.” Island. He was promoted to the rank of Firefighter Edward Puccio from bered,” said Lt. Roddy McGibbon of “There has not been one tour I worked Scoppetta. “Nov. 23 is etched in our mem- Firefighter Sears spent four years as a lieutenant in March 2001. Engine 155 added, “What I admired most Engine 217, who has supported the Sears that I didn’t think of him,” he said. “He ories. It was a day when the Department member of the U.S. Navy, on board the He was known as a dedicated 17-year about Bob was how hard he worked. He family since the firefighter’s death. defines the word ‘heart.’And even though lost a tremendous firefighter and a great U.S.S. Alaska. He began his training at veteran of the FDNY, who beat all odds was a true firefighter and I wish we were Many of the friends and family attend- our friendship and brotherhood was short man.” the Fire Academy on July 1, 2008. and battled back after receiving second still responding to fires together.” ing the dedication remembered Firefight- lived, he had an impact on us all.” Chief of Department Salvatore Cas-

also donated 100 Mr. and Mrs. Potato Lt. Ryan told his family he was Continuing his Legacy Head toys to the drive. moved by the children he saw receiving “I’m sure he didn’t expect [the drive] treatment at the burn center and wanted Members Organize SI Burn Center Toy Drive in Memory of Lt.to become Ryan as great as it has,” said Diane to help bring them joy during the holiday irefighters helped Santa give away tore Cassano. Spallanzani, Lt. Ryan’s sister. “This season. His fellow firefighters and the Legos, radio-controlled cars, mark- Lt. Ryan organized the first ever toy shows how much he was loved. Each toy Ryan family have vowed to continue the Fers, soccer balls and even plastic drive for the medical center in 2006, represents a life he touched in some drive in his memory. fire trucks to dozens of smiling children at when he was recovering from severe way.” “Bobby cared about giving and heal- the Staten Island University Hospital’s burns at the hospital. Lt. Ryan received treatments at Staten ing,” said Anthony C. Ferreri, President Dr. Jerome L. Finkelstein Burn Center on “Bobby was all about the children, all Island University Hospital Regional and CEO of Staten Island University Dec. 15. about giving,” said Capt. Brian Gorman Burn Center in 2006, after he endured Hospital. “His heart went out to the kids And it was all in memory of Lt. Robert of Engine 155. second and third degree burns to his neck here.” J. Ryan of Engine 155, who died in the Hundreds of toys were donated for the while fighting a fire in Brooklyn. Dr. Michael Cooper, Director of the line of duty on Nov. 23, 2008. drive, and the members of Engine Although his burns were severe, and Burn Center, added: “Bob is not forgot- Firefighters from Engine 155/Ladder 78 help distribute the toys at the Staten Island “This is what the holidays are all 155/Ladder 78 helped raise an additional potentially career-ending, he fought back ten, he’s here with us today and always.” University Hospital’s Dr. Jerome L. Finkelstein Burn Center. about,” said Chief of Department Salva- $5,000 for the cause. Toymaker Hasbro and was able to return to work in 2007.

4 FDNYNEWS FDNYNEWS 5 ViewPoint EMT Saves Elmhurst Hospital Police Officer t around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, happened that night, but he and his family Elmhurst Hospital Police Officer are grateful for EMT Lin’s actions. ANicholas Esposito was buying cof- “This is the best Christmas ever,” the fee from the Zion Grocery and Deli on 41st officer’s wife, Carol Esposito, said when Avenue. Moments later, he collapsed, face she met EMT Lin. down on the sidewalk. Officer Esposito’s mother, Antoinette Lucky for him, his guardian angel was Esposito, turned 81 the day her son col- buying pizza down the street. lapsed and has lost three daughters to heart Off-duty EMT Jack Lin from Station 49 attacks in recent years. She brushed away performed CPR on Officer Esposito tears as she said, “I’m very happy. I got the moments after the man collapsed and went best gift of all for Christmas and my birth- into cardiac arrest, saving his life. day.” “This is the best gift,” said EMT Lin, EMT Jack Lin meets Elmhurst Hospital Doctors say Officer Esposito needs a when he was reunited with the police offi- Police Officer Nicholas Esposito on Dec. 24, triple bypass, but is expected to make a full cer at Elmhurst Hospital on Dec. 24. “I as his mother, Antoinette, and wife, Carol, recovery. don’t have words for it.” look on (far left). The off-duty EMT revived “He’s one of the lucky ones,” said Dr. The EMT was flagged down by the Police Officer after he went into cardiac Deborah Reynolds, Director of the Critical bystanders after they witnessed the officer arrest near Elmhurst Hospital on Dec. 18. Care Unit at Elmhurst Hospital. fall. Yet with all this attention, EMT Lin He asked them to call 9-1-1, as he did compressions for several minutes remained humble, saying, “I feel like I’m moved the victim to his back. The man, before firefighters from Engine 307 arrived getting more credit than I deserve.” who was covered in the coffee he just pur- and shocked the victim’s heart with a defib- Officer Esposito stopped him. “You chased, had shallow breathing and no rillator. deserve it,” he said. “If you weren’t there pulse, so EMT Lin began chest compres- “It was definitely a team effort,” said … forget it.” sions. EMT Lin. Since EMT Lin never got to finish his The EMT was nursing a sprained wrist, The 53-year-old officer – who is bruised pizza from Louie’s on Baxter Avenue that an injury he received on the job in Novem- from the fall – awakened the following day, night, the pizzeria gave the EMT Lin a ber, but said he did not feel any pain as he when his 11-year-old son held his hand. He free pie. said he does not remember anything that FDNY Members Save 4-Week-Old in Cardiac Arrest DNY fire and EMS members are and EMTs Jean Dominique and Arzu “I know everyone in the hospital is doing credited with giving a 4-week-old, Aydogdu arrived and found the baby’s heart everything they can for my kids, so it feels Fpremature infant a fighting chance rate dropping. good to be able to help someone else’s after he went into cardiac arrest on Dec. 3. “We know what to do, so we just focused child,” said Firefighter Morrison. “[This “The [members] are humble, but it feels and got it done,” said Paramedic Griffith. infant] really hasn’t seen anything yet, so I nice to know we helped,” said Lt. Kevin They hooked him to a monitor and suc- wanted to try everything I could to make Smith of Engine 248, speaking of Firefight- tioned his mouth. Even though he had a sure this kid lived.” ers Robert Morrison, Richard Mills, Grego- heart beat, they continued compressions to ry Tracy, Harlan Wank and Stephen Lau- increase his heart rate. He reno. “All of us have children and you think was then transported to of your own right away when you see some- Downstate Hospital. thing like this.” “The child definitely Members were called to a home on 32nd improved,” said Para- Street in Brooklyn around 8 p.m. medic Pennie. Firefighters from Engine 248 saidt when Yet what struck EMS they arrived, two young girls directed them Capt. Michael Vetack to an upstairs bedroom. Their mother was was how calm every with the infant, whose body was stiff and member remained, the area around his mouth was blue. “They did a terrific job. “The mother was frantic, hysterical,” Nobody panicked and said Firefighter Tracy. they delivered the best He assisted as Firefighter Mills gave the care possible.” Bravest of the Brave: Firefighters from Engine 39/Lad- baby oxygen and Firefighter Morrison Everyone said this der 16 gathered on their firehouse’s apparatus floor on began chest compressions. rescue was meaningful, Dec. 10 as Liberty Mutual honored Firefighters Justin After doing six or seven compressions, but it hit close to home McNally and Ronald Corsale with Firemark Awards for Firefighter Morrison, a former EMT, said for Firefighter Morrison. two incredible rescues. Firefighter McNally of Ladder 16 the baby started to breathe again. The firefighter recently rescued a man caught in the fast-moving current of the Soon after Capt. Micael Vetack; Para- welcomed premature East River on Aug. 17. Firefighter Corsale, also from medics Glenroy Griffith and Clifton Pennie; twins of his own. Ladder 16, took part in a similar rescue on Oct. 12.

6 FDNYNEWS December 2009 Firefighters Rescue Two from Brooklyn Fire irefighters gave one family a wonder- apartment door, from where other firefight- ful holiday gift on Dec. 23, when they ers were able to carry her to an awaiting Frescued a father and his adult daugh- ambulance. ter from an apartment in Brooklyn. They then returned and found another “It’s a good feeling [to save a life] at this unconscious victim in the same area, a 58- time of year,” said Capt. Dennis Murphy year-old male, and removed him to the from Ladder 105. “It’s not every day you third floor. make a rescue, so this is a real treat.” “I’m so happy everybody got out okay At 2:47 a.m., firefighters were called to and everything turned out the way it did,” the scene of a fire on the top floor of 392 said Firefighter Fischer. Third St., a four-story apartment building in Both victims were transported to Park Slope. (L to R) Firefighter Rob Mitchell, Capt. Methodist Hospital in serious, but stable, Upon arrival, firefighters reported Dennis Murphy and Firefighter John Fisch- condition. flames blowing out the windows of the fire er from Ladder 105. The team helped rescue The fire was brought under control at apartment. two from an apartment fire in Brooklyn. 3:33 a.m. Fire marshals are investigating Members of Ladder 122 and Squad 1 the cause, which appears to be an over- forced entry to the fire apartment and began The company’s forcible entry team, loaded power strip. to attack the fire, which was in the front of including Capt. Murphy, and Firefighters “It’s a great feeling,” said Firefighter the apartment. Members of Ladder 105, Rob Mitchell and John Fischer found one Mitchell. “Christmas is a time for giving – after searching an adjacent apartment, unconscious victim, a 29-year-old female, and Capt. Murphy gave [the two victims] entered the fire apartment and headed in the hallway and removed her to the their lives back today.” toward the rear. FDNY EMS Units Save Woman in Brooklyn MS members from Station 58 were assessment, the patient’s condition wors- units reported she began taking sponta- Ehailed as heroes on Dec. 1, after they ened and she went into cardiac arrest. neous respirations. saved the life of a Brooklyn woman in The unit radioed for an Advanced Life She was later diagnosed with a pul- cardiac arrest. Support unit, which would be able to monary embolism, during which a blood “They did a tremendous job,” EMS administer medications, began CPR and clot dislodges and enters the heart or Chief Stephen Morelli from Division 3 ventilated the patient. They also hooked lungs. said. “There’s no doubt she’s alive up a defibrillator, which did not indicate An emergency room doctor later con- because of the dedication of these crews.” she needed a shock. tacted the EMS station and said that At approximately 6 a.m., EMTs Chris Paramedics Scott Weiner and Israel because of the EMS members’ hard work, Robertson and Thomas Scalla responded Knobloch, as well as EMS Condition “instead of going to the morgue, she’ll be to a call from a woman who was experi- Boss, Lt. James Becker, quickly arrived, released from the hospital within two encing pain and coldness in her legs. She and within five minutes they restored the days.” said she received vein surgery on Nov. victim’s pulse and blood pressure. Chief Morelli added, “To be released 30. She was transported to Kings County within two days of suffering cardiac After the unit arrived and began their Hospital. In the ambulance, the EMS arrest is no small feat.” FDNY EMS Members Deliver Baby in Brooklyn healthy, happy new Brooklynite the driver’s seat. was welcomed to the world on Nov. Moments later, Paramedics Justin A20, thanks to the skill of four FDNY Young and Sorffly Davius were getting off EMS members. their shift when they saw the commotion in At 6:36 a.m., EMTs Anthony Marullo, the street. Jr., and Lisa Westover had left the scene of “I thought something bad had happened a minor accident when they were flagged – not something as good as a baby deliv- down by a frantic woman. ery,” Paramedic Young said. “She was out of breath and banging on He saw the baby’s head was out, so he the window of the ambulance,” said EMT suctioned the mouth and helped complete Marullo. the delivery. (R to L) Paramedic Justin Young, EMT The EMTs understood her to say “baby, They transported the mother and baby Anthony Marullo, Jr., and EMT Lisa West- mama” as she pointed toward the intersec- girl to Woodhull Medical and Mental over. They, along with Paramedic Sorffly tion of Grand Street and Union Avenue. Health Center. Davius, delivered a baby in a car on Nov. 20. As they approached, they saw a number This was the 18th on-duty delivery for of people standing in the street, frantically EMT Marullo, the 10th for Paramedic pointing toward a car. Young and the first for EMT Westover. “When you go to work you never know There they found a woman in labor, her Paramedic Darius welcomed a baby of his what will happen,” said EMT Westover. head on the passenger side and her feet on own to the world just days before. “This was beautiful.”

FDNYNEWS 7 ViewPoint Donate Life FDNY and New York Blood Center Launch Critical Days Program to Increase Blood Donations

onating blood at any time of the ed will be evenly split among three chari- year is a great way to give back. But ties: the New York City Bravest Scholar- Dbetween Dec. 18, 2009, and Jan. 11, ship Fund, the New York Police and Fire 2010, the FDNY and New York Blood Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund and Center (NYBC) are making your donation the Paramedic Carlos R. Lillo Memorial even more rewarding. Scholarship Fund. (L to R) Firefighter Matthew Long, Fire The organizations have joined to launch This opportunity is available to any Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Presi- the Critical Days Program. During this member of the public wishing to donate at dent and CEO of the NYBC Dr. Christo- time, every time a donation of blood, one of NYBC’s New York or New Jersey pher Hillyer and Chief of Department Sal- platelets, plasma and automated red cells is donor centers or blood drive locations. vatore Cassano with the poster announc- made using the group number 4FDNY “With the Critical Days Program, our ing the Critical Days Program featuring (43369), $10 will be donated to an FDNY donors can literally extend their lifesaving Firefighter Long. charity. gifts, all to the benefit of the three out- “This is a tough time of year for people standing charities supported by our fire- blood, which is six or seven times the num- who need transfusions,” Fire Commission- fighters,” said NYBC’s President and CEO, ber a body holds. er Nicholas Scoppetta said at an FDNY Dr. Christopher Hillyer. “I’m living proof that every donation blood drive at FDNY Headquarters on Dec. One person who knows the importance counts,” said Firefighter Long, who is a 14. “That’s why the FDNY and NYBC are of blood donations is Firefighter Matthew regular blood donor. “It’s an easy and self- asking FDNY employees, their family and Long from Ladder 43. In 2005 he was less gift to give. Without it, I wouldn’t be the general public to donate blood today.” struck by a bus in Manhattan while riding alive today.” At the conclusion of the Critical Days his bicycle to work. In the first 40 hours For a list of NYBC locations in NY and Program, the total amount of money donat- after the accident, he required 68 units of NJ, please visit www.nybloodcenter.org and click on the “Locate a Blood Drive” Giving Back link or call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566). FDNY Helps Kick off City Harvest Food Drive ire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta VIEW Fand Chief of Department Salvatore P OINT Cassano joined representatives from City DECEMBER 2009 Harvest and the New York Daily News, to NEWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE DEPARTMENT th kick off the 27 annual ‘Daily News FIRE DEPARTMENT Readers Care to Feed the Hungry’ food CITY OF NEW YORK drive on Nov. 19 at the quarters of Engine 9 METROTECH CENTER 7/Ladder 1 in lower Manhattan. BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201 “The Fire Department is in the busi- Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York ness of saving lives, so we’re thrilled to Nicholas Scoppetta, NYC Fire Commissioner join City Harvest and the New York Daily FRANCIS X. GRIBBON News to save people from hunger,” Com- DEPUTY COMMISSIONER missioner Scoppetta said. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta S. PAUL ANTONELLI New Yorkers can bring non-perishable and Chief of Department Salvatore Cas- PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR food products to firehouses, police sano join members of City Harvest, the precincts, the Daily News lobby and New York Daily News, children from I.S. EMILY RAHIMI Modell’s Sporting Goods stores through 141 and many others at the kick off for the EDITOR Jan. 8, 2010. “Daily News Readers Care to Feed the THOMAS ITTYCHERIA The food drive is the largest in New Hungry” food drive. GRAPHICS / LAYOUT York City, collecting more than 350 tons of food last year. utive Director of City Harvest. SFM RALPH BERNARD, The FDNY partnered with City Har- RANDY BARRON, New York City Public Schools are also DAVID WARREN, collecting food as part of the ‘Kids Can vest and the Daily News on this effort RETIRED EMT ROBERT DOMINGO Help’ drive. Last year nearly 500 schools since its inception. Recently other agen- PHOTOS participated in the effort. cies have joined to support the cause, ViewPoint is published entirely in-house by the FDNY Attending the press conference were including the New York City Police Office of Public Information/Publications students from I.S. 141 in Queens, the Department, New York City Public FDNY school was one of the top food collectors Schools, Modell’s Sporting Goods stores, Univision, 77 WABC Radio, 1050 ESPN 1865-2009 for the drive last year, gathering more A 145 YEAR HISTORY than 14,000 lbs. of food. New York and PIX 11 TV. OF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION “We need your help to make this drive To learn more about the project or how a big success,” said Jilly Stephens, Exec- to donate food, visit cityharvest.org. FDNYNEWS