FDNY Honors Key Supporters at $1.6M Fundraiser

APRIL 2005

VIEW FROM Metro Tech P OINT 9 T HE N EWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE D EPARTMENT FDNY Honors Key Supporters at $1.6M Fundraiser or one night a year, members of the FDNY get the opportunity to publicly Fthank their most committed supporters – and give a big boost to fire safety education in the process. On April 4, the FDNY Fire Safety Edu- cation Fund honored philanthropists Stephen Dannhauser, Jim Fassel and Jef- frey Immelt; the FDNY Family Assistance Unit; and Brooklyn’s PS 24 at the 2005 Fire Commissioner’s Humanitarian Awards Dinner. More than 1,200 individuals — including hundreds of firefighters and Fire Officers — attended the black-tie gala at the New York Hilton, raising a record- breaking $1.6 million for the Fund. “This evening is a celebration of our (Top) Commissioner Scoppetta congratu- commitment, in partnership with the lates 2005 Fire Commissioner's Humani- FDNY Fire Safety Education Fund, to the tarian Award winners (L to R) Jim important causes of fire prevention and fire Fassel, Stephen Dannhauser and safety education,” Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Immelt. Nicholas Scoppetta said. “This evening is (Left) Commissioner Scoppetta an opportunity for us to formally recognize presents Gwen Curran with an FDNY some of the extremely valuable contribu- Special Recognition Award on behalf of tions made on behalf of our men and her father Retired Lieutenant Jim Cur- women in uniform.” ran. Lt. Curran has been instrumental in NewsChannel 4 Anchor Chuck Scarbor- raising money for and awareness of the ough emceed the night’s festivities, which New York Firefighters Burn Center included music by the Emerald Society Foundation since he became President Pipes and Drums, a silent auction and the of the organization in 1982. sale of Fire Zone gear. “It’s a night to raise money for the Gotshal & Manges, LLP, and President and and New York City after 9/11. His dona- Fund,” said Michelle LeMay Santiago, Co-Founder of the New York Police and tion of $10 million on September 12 helped Executive Director of the Fund. “But it’s Fire Widow’s and Children’s Benefit Fund, launch the Twin Towers Fund which even- also a way to show New York’s leaders which just marked its 20th year helping tually raised more than $200 million for what the Fire Department is all about.” families of firefighters police officers. families of emergency responders who lost Among the night’s honorees was Dannhauser was praised for his tireless loved ones at the World Trade Center. Stephen Dannhauser, Chairman of Weil, efforts and decades of commitment to Immelt also continues to donate use of assisting the families of Department mem- GE’s expansive educational facilities in bers lost in the line of duty. upstate Crotonville for the FDNY Officers IN THIS ISSUE Jim Fassel, founder of the Fassel Foun- Management Institute (FOMI). dation, was honored for his organization’s “Together, all of tonight’s honorees have support of the families of fallen firefighters had a profound impact on the FDNY, on the ❏ Commissioner’s and police officers. Mr. Fassel, Offensive families of our firefighters, and on the city Message Page 2 Coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens and we serve,” said Commissioner Scoppetta. former Head Coach of the New York “They have each come to play a vital role in ❏ FDNY News Pages 3-5 Giants, was also commended for coordinat- our organization, and tonight we say ing opportunities for children of fallen first thanks.” ❏ In the Borough Pages 6-7 responders to meet NFL players through his Also recognized was the FDNY Family strong support of Kids Connection. Assistance Unit, which serves approxi- ❏ Photo of the Month Page 8 An award was also presented to Jeffrey mately 450 Fire and EMS families who Immelt, Chairman and CEO of GE, for his (Continued on page 8) continuing generosity to the Department FDNYNEWS ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005

Chief of Department Peter Hayden, Chief of safety of emergency responders. Section 3 of Operations Sal Cassano and myself have vis- this report is titled “Apparatus Safety Devices,” Q&A ited each of our nine Divisions during the past and lists initiatives such as striping on sides of few weeks, meeting with several hundred chief officers and sharing vehicles, seat restraints (seat belts), warning in a dialogue on matters important to us all in the Department. In lights, and the use of electronic monitoring an effort to keep you informed about what’s going on in the FDNY - equipment such as backing-up cameras, and to dispel some of the rumors out there - here’s a question-and- recording cameras, and on-board computers, answer format that I’ll use periodically in this column. which are commonly called “black boxes.” Commissioner’s Specifically, FEMA cites the use of apparatus We’ve heard that the Department of Justice has launched an cameras in the Plano Texas Fire Department. Message investigation into the Department’s hiring practices. Will this In an effort to increase the safety of our members and the public, weaken or change any of the current hiring standards or the Department began a pilot program to test apparatus cameras. requirements? The Safety Command proposed cameras for several reasons, The Fire Department and the Department of Justice have the namely to assist Safety and the Bureau of Legal Affairs in crash same goals: to be certain that our testing and hiring practices are fair investigations. Eyewitness accounts often prove unreliable, and and non-discriminatory and that we increase diversity in the FDNY. involved drivers often times have differing stories. Cameras can The City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services accurately reveal the facts involved in a crash. (DCAS) is the agency responsible for the administration and scoring We believe that the cameras will show that in the vast majority of of the civil service exams. DCAS validates all of its exams to ensure crashes, the Department chauffeur was operating appropriately and that they meet Federal guidelines as well as requirements under the that the improper action taken by the civilian driver caused the acci- New York State Constitution. No changes in hiring standards or dent. (According to data from a Midwestern fire department, cameras requirements have been suggested to us by DCAS. were able to prove that their engine and truck chauffeurs were in the We want a Department that reflects the communities we serve right more than 80% of the time.) and we’re working vigorously to achieve this goal. We’ve found The cameras will also be beneficial as a training tool for compa- success in a number of diversity initiatives and, going forward, we ny officers and administrative Battalion and Deputy Chiefs. Mem- hope to build upon those successes. We’ll cooperate fully with the bers can periodically review the videos to identify both safe and Department of Justice and I believe they will look favorably on the unsafe driving techniques and then take the necessary actions to recent gains we’ve made in diversifying the ranks of the FDNY and modify bad driving habits to prevent future accidents. conclude that our testing and hiring practices are fair and impartial. The present pilot program utilizes cameras from DriveCam and is scheduled to run for 90 days. Two other manufacturers have What is the latest update on the ropes? expressed an interest in participating in the pilot program, but at this The committee studying a Personal Safety System meets week- time we have not confirmed a launch date. ly. Approximately 36 different ropes and 11 descent control devices have been tested and evaluated over the past two months by fire- Is it true that the Department plans to close additional fire com- fighters and fire officers at the Division of Training. After rigorous panies? testing, several systems did not meet our standards and require- No, it is absolutely NOT true that the Department is planning to ments, and thus were eliminated. Today, four ropes and three close additional fire companies. descent control devices are undergoing further testing. We have invited the UFA and UFOA to be present for all or any part of the Has the Random Drug Testing program been effective? testing they may wish to observe. The Random Drug Testing program implemented in 2004 by the rd Fire Department has yielded results very close to our own estimates: Has a final report been issued on the January 23 fires? Out of nearly 1,300 samples, less than 1% of our personnel has test- No, but it will be soon. Two teams of Battalion Chiefs operating ed positive for illegal substances. These results again reinforce my under the Safety Command were formed in January to investigate belief that the vast majority of this Department does NOT have wide- the fatal fires that occurred at 236 East 178th Street in the Bronx and spread problems related to substance or alcohol abuse. 577 Jerome Street in Brooklyn. We anticipate that final reports on I encourage any member who feels that he or she may have a sub- both fires will be issued before the end of May. stance abuse problem to seek help through our Counseling Services Unit. The Department has resources in place to help you – without What is the purpose of the pilot program installing cameras fear of punishment. on fire trucks? In August 2004, FEMA released a report entitled “Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative” (FA-272). The purpose of the report was to identify practices that have the potential to increase the personal

2 FDNYNEWS ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005 Fire Promotions: Reflection and Celebration 32 Members Promoted Including Fallen Firefighter John Bellew to Lieutenant

mix of tears and joy marked the Fire Department’s Promotion ACeremony on April 1. Thirty-two firefighters were promoted in the event held at the Fire Department’s Training Academy on Randall’s Island, including fallen Firefighter John Bellew of Ladder 27, who was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant. “This is a day we celebrate his life, but it’s also a day of sorrow,” Chief of Depart- ment Peter Hayden said. “And a day we reflect on what might have been.” Members of Ladder 27 attended the On April 1, Fire Commissioner Scoppetta and Chief of Department Peter Hayden pre- ceremony to support Eileen Bellew and sented Eileen Bellew and her children, Brielle, Jack, Katreana and Kieran, with the her four children, Brielle, Jack, Katreana badge officially promoting her husband, Firefighter John Bellew, to Lieutenant. Mem- and Kieran, as she accepted badge number bers of Lt. Bellew’s firehouse, Ladder 27/Engine 46, attended in support of the family. 27 on behalf of her husband. The number, a tribute to his company, has been retired by the Department. have embraced the roles we Lt. Bellew was killed on January 23, asked you to assume and after being forced to jump from a fourth- you have met new chal- floor apartment window in the tragic lenges.” Bronx fire that also took the life of Lt. Chief Hayden stressed Curtis Meyran of Battalion 26. Firefight- that in their new roles, the ers Eugene Stolowski and Brendan Caw- officers have accepted an ley of Ladder 27 and Jeffrey Cool and exceptional responsibility Joseph DiBernardo of Rescue 3 were also to keep members of the forced to jump, and continue to recover department safe. “You from the injuries they sustained in that have to be a teacher, you fall. have to be a role model, Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta you have to be a leader,” described Lt. Bellew as a man who “was he said. always thinking of his family” and said Many of the promoted that his promotion marked “a day of members were also recog- reflection and a day of celebration.” nized for their achieve- Also promoted were two deputy chiefs, ments outside the fire- two battalion chiefs, 11 captains and 16 house, including work with lieutenants. Family members, friends and the Family Assistance Unit fellow firefighters packed the auditorium, and bone marrow donation. lining the walls with banners and cheering However, each member’s Going Home. Firefighter Jeff Cool of Rescue 3 is loudly as the members walked across the own individual commit- greetetd by Chief of Operations Salvatore Cassano stage to accept their new ranks. ment to strengthening the along with thunderous cheers on April 16 at the annual FDNY/NYPD hockey game at the Nassau “There is a tremendous amount of Department was the key to Collesium. Cool was released from the Helen potential in this room: a mix of experience success. Hayes Hospital earlier that day and took his first and dedication, hard work and bravery, a “This is the greatest fire steps nearly three months after suffering life- commitment to service and a quality of department in the world,” threatening injuries in January’s tragic Bronx fire. character,” said Commissioner Scoppetta. Chief Hayden said. “And Cool dropped the first puck of the game as the “Each of you knows what it takes to do you deserve the credit.” Bravest went on to a 5-3 victory over the Police this job and each of you has done it—you Department. Photo by Frank Koester/Daily News

FDNYNEWS 3 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005 FDNY Preps Community for Disaster Response irefighters and EMS personnel are agencies have worked together to develop This year, a new grant is allowing working hard to make New York New York’s curriculum to be specific to its FEMA to train twice as many teams for Fsafer. extraordinary urban setting. each cluster. Currently, there are 17 And it’s not just by fighting fires or Volunteers learn everything from how trained volunteer teams throughout New administering medical assistance. to direct traffic, to how to help with a sub- York City, with five more groups complet- FEMA’s New York City Community way evacuation, and are equipped to assist ing their training at the end of April. With Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT) their neighbors before responders arrive. this additional funding, NYC CERT repre- has enlisted the help of FDNY personnel Volunteers inform, educate and train their sentatives say they are aiming to have 59 to train neighborhood and community- neighbors in disaster preparedness; sup- teams certified by the end of 2006. based volunteer teams in local disaster port public safety agencies and local com- “It’s like bringing back the old Civil response. Thirty firefighters along with 10 munity boards at special events; and assist Defense program, everything is about dis- paramedics and EMTs were selected to agencies in managing volunteers at a disaster preparedness and awareness,” said take part in the “Train the Trainer” instruc- aster site. Fire Lieutenant Bill Reddan, a CERT tor education program held March 22 - 23 “With all that CERT members can do, Instructor Coordinator. “And right now on at the Fire Academy on Randall’s it is very exciting to have the opportunity we’re just in the beginning stages.” Island. to mold these teams in the direction that But beyond learning the material, Lt. “It gives [professional emergency we need them to go,” said CERT Instruc- Reddan said CERT volunteers will also responders] an opportunity to educate tor Coordinator EMS Lieutenant John develop a close relationship with their communities and, in the long-term, help Scotch II. “Members of the Department instructors and a vested interest in the support emergency personnel in response who teach in CERT classes get the oppor- work of the FDNY. and recovery efforts,” said Sharon Hawa, tunity to meet motivated individuals who Participating firefighters, paramedics Community Coordinator/CERT Program recognize the need to be prepared. The and EMTs were selected from a pool of 94 Manager for the New York City Office of students all come from a wide range of applicants for the positions. These individ- Emergency Management (OEM). cultural, ethnic and economic back- uals were chosen based on their teaching Joined by the NYPD and OEM, mem- grounds, and it’s refreshing to see the experience, extraordinary skill set, bers of the FDNY attended this instruc- enthusiasm that’s brought to the course.” demonstrated sensitivity to diverse popu- tional course to learn how to administer In the past, FEMA has supported the lations and motivation to participate. the 11-week, 25-hour NYC CERT volun- training of two ‘clusters’ of teams each “When everyone who lives and/or teer team training sessions. year, with each cluster comprised of one works in New York City is pulling togeth- Although there are numerous CERT volunteer team from each borough. Teams er to make a program happen, being a part teams across the country (the program was are organized by their local Community of it is truly one of the most inspiring launched by the Los Angeles Fire Depart- Board and then selected by their individ- things that anyone can do,” said Lt. Red- ment in 1985), New York’s program is ual Borough Presidents to participate in dan. unique, Hawa said. FEMA and other City the training.

On April 5, Commissioner Scoppetta was joined by (L to R) Chief of EMS John Peruggia, Chief of Fire Operations Salva- tore Cassano, Chief of Department Peter Hayden, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Acting President of Health and Hospital Cor- poration Dr. Alan Aviles and Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David Burney at the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening EMS Station 38 in Wingate, Brooklyn. The 6,100 square foot, $4.2 million facility will house six ambulances and serve the communities of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Lefferts Gardens and Wingate.

4 FDNYNEWS ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005 Web-Based Tool Helps FDNY Spot Trouble and Success Launch of MIRS puts operational data at your fingertips By Deputy Assistant Chief tool, Fire and EMS officers will be able to name and password are required for access. James Esposito identify trends relative to their commands This is a very efficient and effective way eal-time fire and EMS operations and response areas; gain insight into these to provide accurate and timely information data is just a click away with the trends; initiate fire prevention activities; to our civilian managers and our Fire and Rlaunch of the new FDNY Manage- make recommendations regarding resource EMS supervisors. Currently, all Borough ment Indicator Reporting System (MIRS). allocation; and identify additional training Commands and Divisions have been set up MIRS is a web-based Fire Department needs for members of the Department. with high speed FDNY intranet access. interface program, which will give uni- MIRS will capture data from a variety of The Bureau of Support Services is current- formed and civilian managers access to sources and data warehouses including the ly scheduling the installation of hard wire critical data regarding Fire and EMS oper- FDNY/EMS computer aided dispatch sys- access. Depending on location, either a ations. MIRS will enable the Fire Depart- tem, DSCO, BICS and the Safety Com- cable or a DSL provider is used. The target ment to evaluate organizational perform- mand. The MIRS web site will take this date for all Battalions to be connected with ance, recognize accomplishments, identify data and provide end users with informa- high-speed intranet access is May 1, 2005. common problems and develop strategies tion in the forms of existing reports, new Our thanks goes out to the civilian staff to meet the current and future goals and reports recently developed and reports that working diligently on this project including objectives of the Department. have yet to be developed. The MIRS web the BTDS group and the MAP group. Primarily functioning as a data analysis site will be accessible from the FDNY Community Home Page. A login user Racing to Win…And Save Lives EMS Unit of the Month FDNY Participates in 2nd Annual EMS Competition in Philadelphia he exceptional work that paramedics roviding high-quality medical care to and EMTs perform every day can trauma victims can be strenuous — Tsometimes go unnoticed. And the Pespecially when more than 100 people Chiefs of the Department want that to are watching, you’re being timed and the change. patient isn’t real. This March, the Fire Department Paramedics Joseph Hudak and James launched the “EMS Unit of the Month” Fallar, and EMT Joseph Fortes competed in Award. Award recipients receive a Unit Cita- the second annual EMS Today Conference tion Bar, certificates of achievement and a and Exposition Games from March 18 – 22 $50 check funded by the FDNY Fire Safety in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Education Fund. “It was a wonderful experience to see The first EMS Unit of the Month Award other agencies and how they function,” Paramedic James Fallar and EMT was presented on March 8 to EMTs Matthew Paramedic Fallar said. “It was definitely a Joseph Fortes tend to a simulated patient Asis, Emillio Martinez and Thomas Rosa of learning experience.” as they compete in the 2005 EMS Today unit 12B2, assigned to EMS Station 10 at th The team placed 11 among the 18 Conference and Exposition Games in Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan. “What our people do is important to us,” teams that participated from across the Philadelphia. United States, Canada and Australia, with said Chief of EMS Command John Peruggia. only a minute and 30 seconds separating sex County EMS based in Georgetown, “And, it’s important that they get recognized third place from 18th. Teams were judged Delaware. for their work.” on their performance of pre-hospital assess- EMTs Asis, Martinez and Rosa are sta- “It really tests your ability to think under th ment skills and treatment delivered to simu- pressure,” Paramedic Fallar said. tioned on the corner of 125 Street and lated patients, as well as on proficiency and Most of all, he said, the event was edu- Third Avenue in Spanish Harlem, and have a timeliness. cational, adding that the team will be able to combined 32 years on the job. They were Each team was comprised of three mem- share their experiences with the classes they selected from a group of 10 applicants. bers, including at least one paramedic. In teach at the EMS Academy. Battalion Commander Luis E. Basso the preliminary rounds, the units were pre- “We learned that working as a team is described them as “responsible, respectable sented with standardized patient situations probably the most important part of every- and knowledgeable technicians.” He went on and given 10 minutes to assess and treat thing we do,” he said. “Everyone is working to say: “Their positive interaction with the these individuals. Scores were tallied at the on the same page to accomplish a task.” public and other agencies is conducted with end of each round and the top 10 teams con- Now the FDNY team is gearing up for an easy rapport born of confidence, compe- tinued to the finals. Scoring was based on the EMS Week competition in May and is tence and integrity.” skill, speed and technical accuracy. even thinking ahead to next year’s EMS To be chosen, a unit’s EMS Station Cap- This year’s challenges included every- Today Games. tain must forward a recommendation to thing from administering an intravenous “We’re always up to the challenge of Headquarters, including the unit’s statistics drip of Dopamine to a simulated patient to bettering ourselves, no matter how we for the month as well as a narrative explain- performing a spinal immobilization with a place,” he said. “But next time we plan to ing why they should be considered. short obstacle. First place went to the Sus- win.” (Continued on page 8)

FDNYNEWS 5 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005 In the Borough: BRONX BOROUGH UPDATE By Assistant Chief Joseph Callan posthumously) and Firefighter Richard the house filled with members going to or Bronx Borough Commander Sclafani. returning from the hospitals. As we sat The Bronx Borough Update article will Firefighter Sclafani was killed while around the kitchen table, the look on the be replaced in this issue by some of my searching the basement of a fire building faces of the firefighters ranged from blank thoughts on the events of January 23, at Brooklyn Box 2-2-1770. stares to bewilderment to disbelief. 2005. Two fires that day took the lives of Lieutenant Meyran and Lieutenant In fires where firefighters are killed, three valiant Firefighters and severely Bellew died in the line of duty while oper- there are usually common threads that injured four others. The enormity of the ating at Bronx Box 3-3-2997. This hor- senior members have seen before. This horror of that day dwarfs other subjects rific fire in the Bronx developed to such fire was an exception. The sight of six that normally would be presented in this an inferno that it forced six heroic fire- firefighters jumping out of a top-floor column about the borough of “The fighters to jump out of a window on the window never was experienced by any Bronx.” floor above the fire to the ground 50 feet fire department and never could be envi- he members of the Bronx Borough below. Of the six who jumped, four fire- sioned, even by our most senior and expe- Command, like all members of the fighters survived their massive injuries. rienced members. There were no ade- TFDNY, continue to deal with the Firefighters Joseph DiBernardo and quate answers to any of the members’ tragedies of January 23, 2005, and their Eugene Stolowski are now recuperating at questions that day and, interestingly aftermath. On that day, we suffered one rehabilitation institutions, while Firefight- enough, there was no finger pointing at of the worst losses in Department history, ers Jeff Cool and Brendan Cawley contin- who was to blame or who was responsi- the deaths of three firefighters in two dif- ue their road to recovery at home. ble: just the same words, “how could this ferent fires. Making the ultimate sacrifice The sight of six firefighters choosing happen?” repeated over and over and over were Lieutenant Curtis Meyran, Firefight- to leap 50 feet, over the alternative of again. er John Bellew (promoted to Lieutenant burning to death, has to be one of the most It’s now been more than two months tragic events in the history of the Depart- since that tragic day. The families of our ment. To those on-scene, from proby to lost Brothers will continue on, never for- deputy chief, to our EMS brothers and sis- getting January 23, 2005, often waking up ters, it will be a nightmare that will never in the middle of the night, wishing it was Fast Fact be forgotten. This memory will be dealt all just a terrible dream. The members of Did you know? with in many different ways. Our Coun- Ladder 27, Ladder 103, Rescue 3, Engine seling Service Unit will be sought out by 46 and Engine 290 will continue to care In 1961, the Emerald Society officially some, while others will try to block it out for the families of our fallen Brothers and organized its Pipe and Drum Band in as best they can. Some members will those who were terribly injured. the Bronx. The bagpipe ensemble con- convince themselves that this is part of We would like to believe that this was sisted of 17 official members, all full- the job and others will say enough death a once-in-a-lifetime tragedy that will and sorrow and write the words “the end” never happen again. I certainly hope so. time firefighters, 15 of which were on the last page of their book. It does come to mind that I had a similar from Bronx companies. For nearly a On my visit to the quarters of Ladder hope on a September day in 2001. year before they could afford instru- 27 and Engine 46 that tragic day, I found ments, the Band tirelessly practiced on IN MEMORIAM drum pads and chanters (the pipe of the 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 bagpipe on which the melody is played). They finally made their debut at a Society dance in November 1962, and made their first St. Patrick’s Day Parade appearance the following March. Since then they have appeared everywhere from the Ed Sullivan Show to Carnegie Hall, Vogue Magazine to Madison Square Garden. Three of its Lieutenant Lieutenant Firefighter original members continue to perform Curtis W. Meyran John G. Bellew Richard T. Sclafani with the band today. Made the Supreme Sacrifice on January 23, 2005

6 FDNYNEWS ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005 The Bronx A Look Back: Bronx Firefighter Invents Vital Lifesaving Tool ost people have heard of the Hal- developing his ligan, but how many of us really namesake tool. Mknow the story behind the man Before the Hal- whose creativity gave birth to this essential ligan Tool, fire- tool? fighters carried the Sixty years ago, Bronx native Hugh A. original “Irons,” Halligan developed the Halligan Tool, namely the claw, which today is one of the most commonly Kelly Tool and used tools by firefighters and first respon- striking tool. tage of the claw tool at this fire made such ders worldwide. Consisting of a fork, adze The claw was a heavy, off-centered an impact on him that he talked with the and pick, this forcible entry tool is used for instrument that required flawless coordina- Commissioner, John J. McElligott, about everything from opening hot spots to tion to use and was remarkably dangerous designing something better. removing locks. to the firefighter handling it, as well as any- In an April 1950 WNYF article, he Although Halligan’s name is widely one standing nearby. wrote that he had wanted to create a tool associated with his creation, he also left a The Kelly Tool, named for Captain John with a “solid feel” and “my primary tremendous impact on the Department. F. Kelly of Ladder 163, was put into use thought was to provide the firemen with an Appointed as a New York City firefight- years later to improve upon the claw’s easily handled, light, straight-drive tool that er in June 1916, Halligan was assigned to weaknesses. And although it was indeed would be used with confidence.” Engine 88 in the Bronx. His career was safer and easier to handle than the claw After numerous evaluations and tests, interrupted by service in the army during (due to its straight drive), it was still terribly the first Halligan Tools were created in the World War I, but upon his return he was heavy and did not include the useful hook mid-1940s, made of a solid piece of No. promoted to lieutenant in 1922. Two years portion of the claw tool. 4140 steel and weighing only 8¼ pounds. later Halligan was promoted to captain, At the time, Halligan had said that he In a short time they went on the market, and working in Engine Companies 73 and 82, decided to create his own forcible entry tool the Boston Fire Department immediately among others. In 1929, he was appointed after working a cellar fire in a frame build- bought one for each of their ladder trucks. Battalion Chief and rose to Deputy Chief in ing. The fire extended upward through It is rumored that the first company to 1934. His last promotion was to First walls, and he remembered that a quick ven- get, and name, the Halligan Tool was Lad- Deputy Fire Commissioner in 1941. tilation of the upper floor was necessary to der 47, the first due truck to Halligan’s It was during that decade that he began relieve the pressure. He said the disadvan- home in the Bronx neighborhood of Parkchester. EMS DIVISION 2 UPDATE

By EMS Division Chief Frances Pascale rapid cylinder exchange in the field without ed much of his time toward Continuing n Sunday, March 6, the decentral- disruption of patient interactions. The Medical Education (CME) and education ization of the Resource Coordina- FDNY Medical Supply unit can effectively for our Division members. Dr. Gonzalez’s Otion Center (RCC) continued with deploy an oxygen re-supply unit within 60 monthly CME presentations have covered the opening of the Division Two RCC. This minutes to anywhere in the City if neces- a variety of seasonal, medical and traumat- office will now coordinate all the resources sary. ic topics. His participation has been most assigned to the Bronx and Upper Manhat- Emergency Repairs to the apparatus appreciated and educational. tan. I thank the members of Division 2 for floor at Station 20 have been ongoing and Recently, one of our paramedics was their cooperation and patience during the through a joint effort between construction diagnosed with a severe medical condition, realignment of resources in this division. management and all members at Station 20, requiring an extended period of time off Division 2 will also be receiving one of the overall operations is running smoothly. from active duty. While the donation of the first Mobile Respiratory Treatment Thank you to all for your hard work, time from colleagues within the Division Units deployed in the City. This unit patience and cooperation during this reno- has been quite extensive, members (MRTU) will be assigned to Station 20. vation period. assigned to other Divisions have also This vehicle can provide oxygen to up to 30 We wish to salute the nine members donated generously to ensure uninterrupted patients in a controlled environment. The from this division who have recently been payroll coverage. I want to commend the on-board oxygen capacity can effectively promoted to the rank of EMS Lieutenant. members of the EMS Command for their allow for continuous oxygen treatment in We wish them much success and look for- concern and selflessness in assisting fellow excess of three hours before cylinder ward to seeing them, as well as others, who members. Thank you for your continued exchanges are necessary (assuming 30 may be joining our “large” family. hard work and dedication to the EMS Com- patients receiving 10 LPM Oxygen thera- The Division would also like to extend mand and the Department. py). The vehicle is designed to facilitate our thanks to Dr. Gonzalez, who has devot-

FDNYNEWS 7 ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech APRIL 2005 Humanitarian Awards EMS Unit of the Month erosity in supporting the FDNY at our time (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 5) of greatest need,” Commissioner Scoppetta have suffered a line-of-duty loss or face said. Awards are given to the unit with the other exceptional day-to-day challenges. Guests at the ceremony included fashion best statistics citywide for that month, Created to assist families after 9/11, the designer Tommy Hilfiger and Irish Tenor including best average response, hospital group has gradually expanded to support all Ronan Tynan, as well as Honorary Chair- turn around and in service times. Addition- families who have lost a loved one in the man Rudolph Giuliani and the Fund’s ally, use of sick leave, equipment mainte- line of duty. Chairman of the Board Thomas Von Essen. nance, community involvement, uniform PS 24 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn was Ms. Santiago says proceeds will help the appearance and ACR compliance are also honored for its commitment to fire preven- FDNY Fire Safety Education Fund expand evaluated. tion and safety. More than 700 students its education programs and provide “We look at everything, not just their from the school have visited the FDNY Fire resources to modernize equipment and performance on the job,” Chief Peruggia Zone in Rockefeller Center since January training for the Department. added. “We identify people who are truly 2004, and the school continuously helps the “[The Fire Department] has so many professionals. And we look at how they Department spread its safety message. friends,” said LeMay Santiago. “This is our display that professionalism, not just on “Just as our members have dedicated way of saying thank you to them; and it’s an ambulance calls.” their lives to the service of others, tonight’s opportunity for them to continue their rela- Recommendations for the EMS Unit of honorees have shown extraordinary gen- tionship with the Department.” the Month Award should be received by the 15th of the month (i.e., submissions for performance in the month of April should be received by May 15). Winners are announced a few days later and presentations are made at the unit’s station. In April, the Department will launch an initiative recognizing an EMS Station of the Quarter – an award that honors out- standing EMS supervision. Similar to the EMS Unit Awards, stations will be evaluated based on performance as well as community involvement. EMS Members Proudly Display New Badges. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scop- petta joined Chief of Department Peter Hayden and Chief of the EMS Command VIEW John Peruggia to present new badges to the members of the EMS Command on P OINT March 16. They were presented to the most senior member of each rank. Members APRIL 2005

in the field will be issued their badges at their stations beginning immediately. Com- NEWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE DEPARTMENT pletion of the distribution of badges to members in the field is expected on or around April 30th. FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORK 9 METROTECH CENTER PHOTO OF THE MONTH BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201 Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York Nicholas Scoppetta, NYC Fire Commissioner

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Brooklyn Box 8090, March 23, 2005, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway & Atlantic Avenue. While FDNY returning to Staten Island from training at the Fire Academy, Ladder Co. 81 came upon a fully A 139 YEAR HISTORY involved tractor-trailer on the opposite side of the BQE. They exited the highway and came up the eastbound side to shut down traffic while they attempted to quench the flames with extinguishers. OF COMMITMENT, Engine Co. 224, which had just been operating at a minor accident a few blocks away, arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, and stretched a line. The driver of the truck escaped without injury. COURAGE & COMPASSION

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