from p oint the n nyc fire department 5-5-5-5 who loved their families, loved their job and who...

5-5-5-5Firefighters Graffagnino and Beddia killed in the line of duty

The FDNY suffered a tragic loss onAugust 18 as Firefighters JosephGraffagnino of Ladder 5 andRobert Beddia of Engine 24 made

the Supreme Sacrifice battling a seven-alarm fire at the Deutsche Bank building inlower Manhattan overlooking the WorldTrade Center site.

“They died doing what they loved,” saidMayor Michael Bloomberg. “They actedwith courage and bravery.”

Firefighter Graffagnino was an eight-year veteran of the FDNY, appointed onMay 9, 1999. Firefighter Beddia was a 23-year veteran, appointed on October 24,1983.

“The City will remember them as twomen who loved their families, loved theirjob and who stuck together to the end,” saidFire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

The two firefighters became trapped onthe 14th floor of the building at 130 Liber-ty Street, which is undergoing demolitionand was covered in hazmat abatement afterbeing damaged on 9/11. They sufferedsevere smoke inhalation and were taken toNY Downtown Hosptial in cardiac arrestwhere they succumbed to their injuries.

More than 275 firefighters and 70 unitsresponded to the seven-alarm fire, which

was reported at 3:36 p.m. and was deemedunder control at 10:40 p.m.

Fire marshals determined the cause ofthe blaze to be careless smoking.

“We have lost two men who were notonly brave, but our best citizens,” said Gov-ernor Eliot Spitzer.

This is the second time this year theFDNY has suffered a line-of-duty tragedy.On June 21, 2007, Firefighter Daniel F. Puj-dak of Ladder Company 146 died when hefell from the roof of a building in Brooklynwhile battling an all-hands fire.

Funeral for Firefighter GraffagninoThousands of firefighters gathered at

St. Ephrem’s Church in Dyker Heights,Brooklyn on August 23 to remember 33-year-old Firefighter Graffagnino, whowas remembered as the quintessentialfirefighter.

“He’s the kind of firefighter every offi-cer would want in his or her company,”said Captain Patrick McNally of Ladder 5.“I will always miss Joey G. and our fire-house will never be the same.”

His childhood home backed up to

Engine 284 in Brooklyn and many said thathe knew from a young age that he wantedto be a firefighter.

“He died doing what he believed in –what he had wanted to do since he was achild,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “And whilehis life was short, he won the admiration ofthis City.”

He also was remembered as a familyman, proud of his wife, Linda, and twochildren, Mia, 4, and Joseph, 9 months, anda kind man who would shovel sidewalksfor his neighbors in the winter.

“Let us hold Joseph up as an example ofhow we should live our lives with valor andcourage but also with compassion,” saidGovernor Spitzer.

Commissioner Scoppetta added:“Joseph was a good man, an importantman. His neighborhood was the foundationfor the two most important things in his life– his family and the Fire Department.”

Firefighter Graffagnino’s family mem-bers said they were overwhelmed by theoutpouring of support they have received

FDNYNEWS

FROM

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E N Y C F I R E D E PA R T M E N TP O I N T 9

IN THIS ISSUE

VIEW Metro Tech

SEPTEMBER 2007

❏ Commissioner’s Message Page 2

❏ FDNY News Pages 3-10,12

❏ Profile of the Month 1

(Continued on page 12)

Firefighter Robert BeddiaEngine Company 24

Firefighter Joseph GraffagninoLadder Company 5

The Department this month is releasinga comprehensive study on theFDNY’s World Trade Center Medical

Monitoring and Treatment Program whichhas tracked the mental and physical healthof our members since the attacks on Sept.11, 2001.

Every active member, and all those who are retired and haveparticipated in the program, will receive a copy of this ground-breaking report. It details the short- and long-term health effects onthousands of FDNY members who responded to the World TradeCenter and participated in the largest emergency rescue operationthe world has ever seen. These medical findings are a critical stepin evaluating the enormous impact of 9/11 on our membership anddetermining how we can best treat those affected.

Just four weeks after the attacks, Chief Medical Officers Dr.Kerry Kelly and Dr. David Prezant, who both responded to theWorld Trade Center on 9/11, developed a medical program thatwould evaluate, treat and monitor the effects of the tragedy. Theyimmediately started performing screenings of our firefighters andEMS members – including medical examinations and detailedsurveys – and providing necessary treatment.

FDNY physicians and other medical professionals from theBureau of Health Services (BHS) continue to improve and expandupon the program that since has become a nationwide model inevaluating the effects of the disaster and providing services tothose affected.

Five years later, our dedicated BHS medical professionals con-tinue to monitor the health of our first responders and offer thebest treatment possible. The FDNY was the first governmentagency to chronicle the health of first responders on 9/11, and sofar, nearly 14,300 FDNY members have participated in the pro-gram. The quick and unprecedented response by BHS was essen-tial in helping us, as well as the City and the country, understandthe long-lasting impacts of that horrible day.

I am confident that the report will answer many questions ourmembers may have about the impact of 9/11. It essentially proveswhat we have assumed for some time – the effects of exposure tothe World Trade Center site are extensive and far-reaching. T hebest way to honor the heroism displayed on 9/11 is to accuratelyrecord and analyze the health effects of those heroic acts. Everyfirst responder deserves no less.

I commend Drs. Kelly and Prezant and the BHS staff for theircommitment to this important project. Their thoughtful develop-ment of this program and their pledge to provide the best medicalassistance possible will benefit our members for many years tocome.

The Department suffered a devastating blow on August 18as two firefighters – Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Bed-dia – made the Supreme Sacrifice while battling a seven-

alarm fire in the former Deutsche Bank building.Every member working at the fire did an extraordinary job

under the most adverse conditions and the entire Departmentcommends your efforts.

Yet there are many questions concerning this fire and thebuilding - which was under demolition and abatement of haz-ardous substances - that must be addressed. The Manhattan Dis-trict Attorney’s Office is looking into all aspects of the tragedyand we are assisting them with their thorough investigation. Wewill also be conducting our own administrative review and willassist the state Attorney General’s office as they conduct theirinvestigation.

Our Safety Command is looking into the circumstances thatled to the deaths of these firefighters. Our Bureau of Fire Investi-gation is looking at the cause of the fire, and marshals also areworking with the DA’s office on its investigation. In addition, wewill conduct an administrative review concerning what actionswere taken – or not taken – by Department personnel at the build-ing prior to the fire. This will focus on why there were no inspec-tions during several months of demolition work despite our regu-lations that call for them every 15 days.

Pending the outcome of the investigation regarding no inspec-tions, I felt it was prudent to detail to headquarters three officerswho are responsible for making sure these inspections get done.No disciplinary charges have been filed against these officers,and we will wait for the investigation to be completed before anysuch actions are considered. As to why inspections weren’t done,again, we’ll await the outcome of the investigation – and as I’vesaid several times before, we’ll follow the investigation wherev-er it leads.

Additionally, I’ve determined several actions must be takenimmediately as the investigation proceeds.

First, I have directed deputy chiefs in our nine divisions toorder surveillance by fire units of all buildings under construc-tion/demolition in their respective administrative areas. Theseregular inspections will ensure these structures will be safe forour personnel to operate in the event of a fire or emergency.

Divisions have also been ordered to review all existing pre-fireplans in their respective administrative areas, and to have unitsand battalions canvass their districts for any potential structuresthat might require the creation of such plans. Borough command-ers also are ordered to oversee and coordinate all field fire inspec-tion activities in their respective boroughs.

We have also started a comprehensive review of the Depart-ment’s AFID program – with an emphasis on ensuring accounta-bility at all levels and making recommendations to strengthen andimprove the quality and frequency of inspections by field units.

These steps are appropriate and necessary so that we under-stand the truth about what occurred, and so that we can prevent atragedy like this from ever happening again.

COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE2

ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech September 2007

Commissioner’s Message

Investigation of the 130 Liberty Street Fire Study Regarding WTC Medical Monitoring Program to be Released

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Asolomn tribute recalled a sad dayin 2006 when a fire in the Bronxtook the lives of a senior man and

a proby.Two plaques were dedicated in honor

of Lieutenant Howard Carpluk of Engine42 and Probationary Firefighter MichaelReilly of Engine 75 on August 27, the oneyear anniversary of the devastating firethat took their lives.

“These two firefighters were gentle-men, good neighbors, people who woulddo anything to help others,” said MayorMichael Bloomberg. “They put them-selves in harm’s way to keep us safe.”

Firefighters, family and friends filledthe quarters of Engine 75 to honor the twofirefighters who were killed while battlinga three-alarm fire at 1575 Walton Ave., aone-story 99-cent store near the GrandConcourse.

FDNY units had entered the buildingin a search for fire and victims when acollapse occurred, fatally injuring thefirefighters.

“This day is to remind us of thecourage of Lt. Carpluk and FirefighterReilly,” said Fire Commissioner NicholasScoppetta. “Our admiration for them willstay bright and constant.”

Among those attending the somberceremony were Lt. Carpluk’s wife, Debra,his daughter Paige and his son Bradley,along with many other family and friends.

“Howie was a purposeful and seriousman – and I was always proud to call himmy friend and colleague,” said CaptainStephen Wall of Engine 42.

Firefighter Reilly’s parents, Monicaand Michael, his brother Kevin and sisterErin, also attended the ceremony. Theywere surrounded by members of the U.S.Marine Corps, for which Firefighter Reil-ly served as a Sergeant during a tour ofduty in Iraq, and many of his former com-rades from the Ramsey (NJ) RescueSquad, Ramsey Fire Department andStratford (CT) Fire Department.

“He was a great firefighter who alwayswanted to be where the action was,” saidBattalion Chief Robert Alfieri, who for-merly served as captain of Engine 75.

Firefighter Reilly’s plaque will hang inthe quarters of Engine 75, where heworked for eight weeks as a proby, andLt. Carpluk’s will hang at his firehouse,Engine 42.

“These plaques ensure that we willuphold the pledge we make to all fire-fighters – that we will never forget themor their families,” said Chief of Depart-ment Salvatore Cassano.

Two Heroes, One Year LaterPlaques dedicated in memory of Lt. Carpluk and Firefighter Reilly in the Bronx

(Top) Michael and Monica Reilly and (Below) Debra Carpluk and her children, Bradleyand Paige, attend the plaque dedication for Lieutenant Howard Carpluk and FirefighterMichael Reilly at Engine 75 on August 27.

FDNYNEWS4


It was standing room only as 265 proba-tionary firefighters joined the ranks onJuly 31.“The Fire Department runs through

your blood,” said Mayor MichaelBloomberg during the ceremony at QueensCollege. “The paths that led you here aredifferent, but you made the same bold,courageous pledge to protect the citizens ofNew York, and for that we are grateful.”

The graduates were the first to completean 18-week training program at the FireAcademy on Randall’s Island, receivingfive additional weeks of training in theunprecedented expansion of the firefighterschool. (The class that starts in August willspend 23 weeks in training.)

“You are joining the greatest firedepartment in the world and you arealready among the best trained,” said FireCommissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “Yetyou are still learning. Pay attention, learnfrom the best and you will become thebest.”

The group included more than 60 mem-bers who are following in the footsteps offamily on the job, including ProbationaryFirefighter Stuart Ingram, whose father isBattalion Chief Robert Ingram of theFDNY Center for Terrorism and DisasterPreparedness.

Before joining the Department, Proba-tionary Firefighter Ingram served as anNYPD police officer. He made headlineswhen he arrested a man who stabbed himin the chest. His life was spared when theknife struck the police shield on his uni-form.

Also among the graduates were threeprobies who have family members whodied in the line of duty, including Proba-tionary Firefighters Christopher Russel,David Levens and Daniel Sullivan.

“This job requires a certain kind of per-son,” said Chief of Department SalvatoreCassano. “You’re held to a higher stan-dard. And what you learn in the FireDepartment will stay with you the rest ofyour life.”

Also graduating were 19 veterans of theU.S. military, four of whom served in Iraq

as part of OperationIraqi Freedom.

The class valedic-torian was Probation-ary Firefighter SeanDenigris, the saluta-torian was Probation-ary FirefighterMichael Padula andthe Physical FitnessAward was given toProbationary Fire-figher RecordoDemetrius.

“We are what werepeatedly do, excel-lence is not an act it’sa habit,” said Proba-tionary FirefighterDenigris. “Demandexcellence and you will get it.”

Yet beyond their bravery and commit-ment, the class was lauded for their kind-ness. The group took part in the WoundedWarriors bike race, volunteered to help eld-erly hospital patients and developed acommunity garden at a nursing home inthe Bronx.

While at the Rock, the class also raisedmoney for the family of Lt. James Bren-nan, executive officer at the Academy,whose wife was recently diagnosed withbreast cancer.

In a show of support, all of the proba-tionary firefighters wore pink ribbons dur-ing the graduation ceremony.

Bravery and Compassion265 probationary firefighters graduate from the Fire Academy

265 probationary firefighters graduate from the Academy during a ceremony at Brook-lyn College on July 31.

Probationary firefighters wore pink ribbons in support of Lt.James Brennan's family (executive officer at the Academy). Hiswife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

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FDNY Family42 fire officers promoted in enthusiastic ceremony

It was a day to celebrate generations ofcommitment to the FDNY.Fire promotions on August 16 includ-

ed two assistant chiefs, one deputy assis-tant chief, 15 lieutenants and 24 fire mar-shals.

“You are all the future of the FDNY,”Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppettatold the promoted members during theceremony at the Fire Academy. “You areleadership. You inherit the history andlegacy of this job.”

Hundreds of firefighters, family andfriends filled the field house for the cere-mony, many climbing the fire escapes toget a good view.

When Queens Borough Commander,Assistant Chief John Acerno, was sworninto his new rank, the crowd erupted intocheers – including his son, FirefighterBrian Acerno of Rescue 1. Chief Acernonoted that his family ties to the FDNY rundeep, father also served as a battalionchief in Manhattan.

Also promoted were LieutenantsRobert Torrey and John Keenan whosenamesake fathers too were promoted to

battalion chief in the same ceremony in1995.

“It’s a hard road and I know you havewaited a long time to get here,” said Chiefof Department Salvatore Cassano. “You

deserve it.”Newly promoted Fire Marshal Josef

Pruden was elevated from the same fire-house that his father, Edward Pruden,worked as a firefighter before he retiredin 1996.

“As I kid I went to the firehouse and itwas great to follow in his footsteps,” saidFire Marshal Pruden. “But it wasn’t easy… he had a great reputation.”

Among the other high-ranking chiefspromoted in the ceremony were AssistantChief John Coloe who is head of FireCommunications, and Deputy AssistantChief Raymond Goldbach, who heads theBureau of Personnel.

Newly promoted Fire Marshal Josef Pruden (left) was promoted from the same fire-house as his father, retired firefighter Edward Pruden.

Lt. Dan Van: Actor Gary Sinise donated a van to the FDNY Family Transport Foun-dation on August 10, while attending a Cyclones Game at KeySpan Park in Brook-lyn. The following evening the Lt. Dan Band - featuring Sinise - played a concert atBrooklyn College to raise funds for the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance at KeySpanPark. The Wall pays tribute to first responders from Brooklyn who made the SupremeSacrifice on 9/11.


FDNYNEWS6

Quick-Thinking Firefighters Save Woman in Bronx

Firefighters valiantly rescued atrapped woman after they spottedher flailing arms through a child-

proof window of her burning apartmenton July 21.

About 7:45 a.m., firefighters respond-ed to an all-hands fire on the 11th floor of2050 Seward Avenue, a 12-story, brickapartment building in the Hunts Point sec-tion of the Bronx.

Firefighters saw the 56-year-oldwoman’s desperate waves through thechild gate of an 11th floor bedroom win-dow and relayed the message to othermembers inside.

Firefighters from Ladder 54 used

forcible-entry tools to open the woman’sapartment door. Lt. Joseph J. Lowney, Jr.of Ladder 47, searched the apartment andfound the semi-conscious womanhunched near the bedroom window.

“Everyone [working] at the firedeserves credit,” said Lt. Lowney aboutthe rescue. “We do things as a team andthis was a perfect team play.”

The woman was transported to JacobiHospital for non-life-threatening smokeinhalation. Firefighter Stiebel was alsotransported to Jacobi Hospital for minorinjury to his left hand.

The fire was under control shortlybefore 8:30 a.m.

As the steam pipe explosion wasroaring in Midtown Manhattan onJuly 18, firefighters bravely saved

two girls and a teenage boy from a Brook-lyn fire.

Members responded to an all-handsfire at a two-story, private dwelling onSiegel Street in East Williamsburg.

The fire had started in the front of afirst-floor apartment and the children

could not escape through the burglar barson the rear windows.

After entering through the front of theresidence and searching for about twominutes, Firefighter Salvatore Diorio ofLadder 102 located the children. Simulta-neously Firefighter Andrew Hassell ofLadder 102 removed the burglar barsfrom outside the rear window, providingan escape.

“When there are kids involved in a res-cue feels good,” said Firefighter Diorio.

The 2-year-old girl, 4-year-old girl and16-year-old boy were transported toKings County Hospital for non-life-threatening burns. Firefighter Hasselland three others were taken to LongIsland College Hospital for minorinjuries.

Three Children Rescued in Brooklyn Fire

Stormy Tour: Mayor MichaelBloomberg, Fire Commissioner NicholasScoppetta and Assistant Chief ThomasHaring tour the areas damaged by thedestructive storms on August 8. Morethan 800 firefighters and EMS membersresponded to emergencies throughout thefive boroughs caused by high winds andheavy rains, including numerous reportsof flooding and downed wires. Firefight-ers also assessed structural damage tomore than 40 buildings citywide. EMSmembers transported five people inBrooklyn for storm-related injuries,including a 40-year-old woman who suf-fered a fractured leg after being struckby a falling tree limb. More than 240emergency calls were answered between6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Lt. Joseph Lowney, Jr. of Ladder 47


7FDNYNEWS

Firefighters Rescue Two From Bodega Fire

Firefighters rescued two workersfrom a fire in a Bronx bodega onJuly 27.

At 4:24 a.m., firefighters responded toan all-hands fire at 1225 Fulton Avenue, aone-story brick building in the Morrisania

section of the Bronx. The fire, whichstarted in the front of the store, caused aheavy smoke condition throughout thelocation.

Two workers, who are related to thestore owner, had locked themselves in the

store overnight when the fire started. Lt.Sean Genovese and Firefighter StevenGillespie, both from Squad 41, found theunconscious workers lying next to eachother inside a beverage cooler.

Lt. Genovese, a 20-year veteran, andFirefighter Gillespie, a 13-year veteran,squeezed through a two-foot-wide sidedoor to enter the cooler, tossing out boxesof soda to reach the workers. With helpfrom other firefighters, Lt. Genovese andFirefighter Gillespie dragged the workersout through the front door.

The critically injured workers weretaken first to St. Barnabas Hospital andthen transported to Jacobi Hospital forsmoke inhalation. Three firefighters suf-fered minor injuries.

Fire marshals determined the causewas an overheated extension cordattached to an air conditioner.

This fire demonstrated an importantsafety message to all New Yorkers: do notuse extension cords to power air condi-tioners.

Aspectacular fifth-alarm fire brokeout in a one-story brick DuaneReade drugstore at 37-28 Junc-

tion Boulevard in Corona, Queens onAugust 7.

More than 200 firefighters battled theblaze, which was first reported at 3:45a.m. when members of Ladder 138 spot-ted flames extending through the roof ofthe store as they responded to a nearby,unrelated carbon monoxide emergency.

The fire was a second-alarm on arrivaland was transmitted as a third-alarm min-utes later.

Due to the extreme heat and humidity,thermal inversion occurred as smoke fromthe fire was trapped on the ground, mak-ing it challenging for all FDNY personnelto operate.

“The firefighters really got a beatingfrom the heat, humidity and smoke,” saidChief of Operations Patrick McNally,who responded to the fire.

Flames spread to two attached busi-

nesses and five residential buildings wereevacuated, but no homes sustained firedamage.

Firefighters used five tower ladders,six hand lines and two multi-versals tokeep the fire from spreading further.

The fire was brought under control at

8:04 a.m. Twenty-one firefighters suf-fered minor injuries, 14 of whom weretransported to area hospitals. There wereno reported civilian injuries.

Fire marshals continue to investigatethe cause of the fire.

Firefighters battle a fifth alarm fire in Corona, Queens on August 7. Photo courtesy of Charles Eckert.

Lt. Sean Genovese of Squad 41 Firefighter Steven Gillespie of Squad 41

Fifth-Alarm Fire in QueensFF spend more than four hours fighting flames

FDNYNEWS8


It was a night of food, friends andremembrance.

FDNY members and their families cel-ebrated the seventh annual FDNY Nightat Brooklyn’s KeySpan Park on July 20.

The night was bittersweet as Matthewand David Pudjak, brothers of fallen Fire-fighter Daniel Pudjak of Ladder 146,threw the game’s ceremonial first pitch.Firefighter Pujdak was fatally injuredwhile battling an all-hands fire on June21.

Children of FDNY members got tostand beside Cyclones players during thesinging of the National Anthem by Fire-fighter Regina Wilson of Engine 219.

The event also included a memorialceremony at the Brooklyn Wall ofRemembrance, a fireboat water display, aperformance by the FDNY Pipes andDrums band and fire safety educationdemonstrations.

Unfortunately the evening ended withthe Cyclones losing to the Tri-City ValleyCats, 8-6.

Proceeds from the night’s ticket salessupport the Uniformed Firefighters Asso-

ciation Scholarship Fund, which gives thefamilies of active and deceased firefight-

ers the opportunity to receive higher edu-cation.

Play Ball!FDNY members attend seventh annual FDNY Night at KeySpan Park

Matthew and David Pudjak, brothers of fallen Firefighter Daniel Pudjak of Ladder 146,gear up to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cyclones game during the seventhannual FDNY Night.

An old firehouse soon will get a newlife in the Bronx.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and FireCommissioner Nicholas Scoppettaannounced on August 15 plans to build anew state-of-the-art EMS station at theformer quarters of Ladder 39.

Located at 243 E. 233rd Street near theBronx River Parkway, the facility willserve residents in Woodlawn, Riverdaleand Kingsbridge, consolidating the workof six ambulances based out of three sta-tions into a single unit.

At an estimated cost of $12.4 million,the new EMS facility at the 5,300-square-foot lot will include a captain’s office,training and equipment storage areas, and

a separate decontamination area, as wellas locker facilities and bathrooms for upto 100 employees.

There are currently 29 EMS stationsand three outposts located throughout thefive boroughs. Since the 1996 merger ofthe Fire Department and EMS, the num-ber of EMS facilities constructed by theCity has nearly doubled, with nine sta-tions built and opened since 2002.

Firefighters from Ladder 39 were tem-porarily relocated to the quarters ofEngine 63 in June 2006 because of thestructural deterioration of their century-old firehouse – the last wood frame fire-house in the City.Ladder 39’s new homeis less than seven-tenths of one mile away

from its former location. From June 12, 2006, to June 11, 2007,

Ladder 39’s travel times to all structuralfires dropped 55 seconds, from 4:51 to3:56 when compared to the previous year,as did overall travel times, whichdecreased 27 seconds from 4:57 to 4:30.

During the same period, travel time tostructural fires in the Woodlawn sectionincreased only slightly, from 4:12 to 4:17,while firefighters responded to more totalemergencies, from 1,172 to 1,719. In Fis-cal Year 2007, the citywide average traveltime to structural fires for all ladder com-panies was 4:50.

Born AgainDeteriorating firehouse will become new state-of-the-art EMS station

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FDNYNEWS

It is well-known throughout New YorkCity that some of the most flavorfulcooking is done in the City’s firehous-

es, and on June 21, Firefighter John Sierpfrom Ladder 169 proved it when his orig-inal steak recipe won first place in theFirefighters Grill-Off Challenge at Gal-lagher’s Steakhouse.

“I’m surprised I won because the otherrecipes were more ambitious,” said Fire-fighter Sierp. “Like most recipes, I justpicked it off the top of my head. I don’tknow where it came from.”

Firefighter Sierp was one of four fire-fighters who participated in the challengehosted by Gallagher’s Steakhouse. Thefive judges scored the recipes based onflavor and presentation.

As the winner, he received a LeroyNeiman lithograph and a chef’s jacketfrom the restaurant. And “Sopranos” starLorraine Bracco, who attended the com-petition, donated a case of Chianti Classi-co from her wine company, BraccoWines.

Gallagher’s also donated more than$600 to the FDNY Foundation.

“We are delighted to host the FDNY ata culinary event for their favorite chari-ties,” said Gallagher’s General ManagerTerry Condon. “New York’s Bravest havea special place in our hearts and in thekitchen.”

Firefighter Gene McConnell of Engine14, who used a family recipe, was named

runner-up. “[It’s] something my father used to

make for me when I was younger and itjust stuck in my head,” said FirefighterMcConnell, who said he learned to cookfrom his father.

Also competing was Firefighter SteveBrunner from Ladder 36 and FirefighterSalvatore DePaola from Engine 160.

The contestants not only impressed theattendees and judges with their dishes, but

they also won rave reviews from Gal-lagher’s head chef, who said: “They real-ly know their way around a kitchen.”

As the New York City winner of theFirefighters Grill-Off Challenge, Fire-fighter Sierp will compete against fire-fighters from Tampa, Fla.; Newark, N.J.;Atlantic City, N.J.; Denver and LasVegas (cities where Gallagher’s hasrestaurants) in a national challenge laterthis year.

The uniform connects a member tothe Fire Department, but it is thecompany patch that binds fire-

fighters to the tradition of their firehouse. “There’s individual pride,” said Hon-

orary Battalion Chief Fred Melahn at theMand Library. “Every company has itsown quirks and the patch is their sym-bol.”

Company patches generally are wornon the right sleeve, opposite the Depart-ment’s official patch.

No one really knows when or how thetradition started, but many firehouses

adopted their design in the late 1970s orearly 1980s when the FDNY held a con-test for the most creative patch, ChiefMelahn said.

The contest winners, Engine 205 andLadder 118, created a combined patchfeaturing the Brooklyn Bridge and theManhattan skyline, characteristics oftheir Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.

Many others similarly have patchesthat reflect their firehouse’s neighbor-hood, such as Engine 9 and Ladder 6’sthat includes a green dragon in homage totheir Chinatown neighborhood.

Others reflect a firehouse nickname orslogan, and many also use cartoons intheir designs – including Yosemite Sam,Popeye and, of course, fiery red-devils.

The patches are designed by anyoneaffiliated with the firehouse or are famil-iar with the company’s members.

They are optional, yet the only com-pany that does not have one is Engine 67in Manhattan. The colors and designs aresubject to approval by each company’sborough commander, and they can not belarger than 4 ½ inches high and 3 ¾ inch-es wide.

Grillin’ to WinFirefighters compete in Gallagher’s Steakhouse cook-off

Firefighters cook up their favorite steak recipes during Gallagher's Grill Off Challengeat Gallagher's Restaurants. They were joined by "Sopranos" star Lorraine Bracco andthe restaurant's head chef. The winner was Firefighter John Sierp of Ladder 169 (sec-ond from left).

Did you know? Firehouse Patches

FDNYNEWS10


Safety PartnershipFDNY and Department of Buildings join forces to make NYC buildings safer

The Fire Department and Depart-ment of Buildings (DOB) havedevised a joint operations initiative

to improve safety for first responders andexpand inter-agency communications.

In the past, fire officers have used astandard form to report violations, notify-ing the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention.Members from fire prevention thenrelayed the complaint to 311 operators,who notified officials from the DOB.

The new partnership yielded the Fast-Track Pilot Program, which was launchedin Bronx Divisions 6 and 7. Using a newHigh Priority A-8 Referral Form (which isused to report building violations during

inspections), the pilot program enablesFDNY deputy chiefs to enter criticalinformation about buildings directly intothe DOB’s Business Information System,drastically reducing notification andaction time required for DOB officials toaddress structural hazards that couldendanger FDNY members and the public.

The pilot program also includes jointfollow-up inspections with uniformedFDNY officials and DOB engineers, thusincreasing the number of building tenantsand owners that allow access to theirproperty.

Since the pilot program was launchedin October 2006, the number violations

served by the DOB have increased by 40percent. Additionally, 50 percent of allhigh-priority complaints have resulted inviolations.

Officials from both agencies say theyare pleased with the results of the partner-ship and intend to expand cooperativeefforts to all five boroughs, includingfield and administrative units.

Next, the two agencies will address theuse of lightweight construction materialin buildings, since substandard construc-tion work and flimsy materials can affectstructural stability, creating hazardousconditions for both firefighters and thegeneral public.

On IndependenceDay, millions ofspectators lined the

East River to watch theMacy’s 4th of July Fire-works display light up thesky. Four double bargesblasted more than 35,000shells over the River for theannual show.

But members of theFDNY’s Explosives Unitdon’t pay much attention tothe skies during the spec-tacular exhibition. Theywere too busy making surethat the barges remained1,000 feet from the shore,people on the boat stayedsafely behind a steel con-tainer on the barge andthere are enough lifejacketsfor everyone involved.

“When dealing with explosives, youcan’t play around,” said Chief InspectorJames Lauer. “There’s a lot of pressure tomake things work and keep them safe. It’sdifficult to stop a show.”

He said the unit begins meeting withMacy’s fireworks organizers and othercity agencies involved with the display in

March. Members of the FDNY’s Explo-sives Unit are closely involved with theentire process - from approving newshells to ensuring organizers have theproper permits.

During the show, two FDNY fireinspectors stand on the barges, another isstationed on a tug boat and one mans the

command station on land. They are just a few of the 40 specially

trained inspectors who ensure safety forall fireworks shows that occur in NewYork City - from New Year’s in TimesSquare to the Music in the Park concertseries in Central Park.

Day of Celebration and Hard Work

Fireworks inspectors from the FDNY gear up for the 2007 Macy's 4th of July display on the EastRiver.

11


FDNYNEWS

Peaceful EntryFirefighter Wally Blum gives the entrance to the Rock a facelift

If you’ve admired the newly land-scaped entrance to the New York FireAcademy, then you have one man to

thank: Firefighter Walter Blum.Firefighter Blum, building coordinator

at the Academy, supervised the installationof a waterfall and seating area at theentrance and worked with other membersto clean up the embankment.

“We are a showpiece for the world’svisitors,” he said, acknowledging hun-dreds of students, media and FDNY rela-tives visit the Fire Academy every year.

He said he wanted the entrance to bewelcoming … and it is.

Visitors can sit on one of three benchesat the entrance and listen to the soothingsounds of the waterfall while admiring thelush greenery and historical pieces on dis-play, including metal placards from oldfirehouses, stone sculptures of firefight-ers’ faces, a hand-drawn chemical enginefrom 1900 and a fireboat’s monitor.

“Over the last five years we brought thetraining to a new level and Wally is givingthe Rock the look to go along with it,” saidChief of the Fire Academy Stephen Ger-aghty.

Firefighter Blum said he uncoveredmany of the historical pieces in storage atFort Totten. Deputy Commissioner MiltonFischberger told him about metal placardsstored there that were in danger of beingdamaged. Firefighter Blum also found thesculptures there, which originally weredisplayed at the New York City FireMuseum, but were found to be too large.

“We were trying to uphold the historyof the Department and trying to instillpride in the younger guys, who are justcoming on the job,” he said.

Firefighter Blum, a Belle Harbornative, said he joined the FDNY forexcitement and to partake in the Depart-ment’s tradition of service in New YorkCity. But his 25-year career has taken himon a journey very different from the aver-age firefighter.

After more than two decades at Ladder174, he was asked to be a building con-struction instructor at the Academy. Hestarted teaching in November 2003 and

continued for a year-and-a-half. At thattime, he also became building coordinatorat the Rock, responsible for the comple-tion of new construction projects.

Teaching in a classroom and workingin an office setting took some readjusting,said Firefighter Blum.

“It’s a whole different way of life,” hesaid.

Although he misses the firehouse, hesaid he enjoys using his skills in contract-ing and construction to benefit the Depart-ment.

“I worked in a firehouse for more than23 years and that’s a large part of my life,”said Firefighter Blum. “But I enjoy thework I do at the Academy, too.”

The FDNY is lucky to have FirefighterBlum as a member, not only for his knowl-edge of building construction and fire-fighting, but also for his acts of bravery.He received eight meritorious citationsbetween 1985 and 2003.

Yet Firefighter Blum remains humbleabout the honors, saying: “It’s really justwhat our job is to do.”

Profile of the Month

Historic statues and equipment are part of the new entrance at the Fire Academydesigned by Firefighter Walter Blum.

from members of the FDNY.“Joey always wanted a brother,” said his

mother, Rosemarie Graffagnino. “Whowould have thought that all these years laterhe would have thousands? I feel as if I haveadopted all of you.”

Funeral for Firefighter BeddiaMore than 9,000 firefighters lined Fifth

Avenue to pay tribute to Firefighter Beddia,53, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattanon August 24. He was remembered for hishumor, kindness and extraordinary skills asa firefighter.

His sister, Susan Beddia Olson, recount-ed childhood memories of him saving herfrom drowning in a pool, teaching her howto drive and taking her to her first baseball

game.“You are my friend, you are my brother,

you are my hero,” she said.Firefighter Beddia was Engine 24’s sen-

ior man, and many remembered him as theultimate firefighting coach – calm andalways willing to teach new firefightersentering the house.

“He had a passion for his work,” said Lt.Raymond O’Hanlon of Engine 24. “He wasa true professional. And if anything rattledBobby, I never saw it. We were all deprivedof Bobby’s calm and soothing voice saying‘I’m with you tonight boss, I’m with you.’”

Lt. O’Hanlon added that when respond-ing to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hur-ricane Katrina, Firefighter Beddia broughta sense of calm to the area.

“This was a guy who was driven andhappy, competitive and compassionate,”

said Mayor Bloomberg.Governor Spitzer added, “I’m amazed

by how many lives he touched.”Firefighter Beddia loved golf, card

games and most of all his family – includ-ing brothers Edward Carman and JamesBeddia and sisters Barbara Crocco andOlson.

And to keep alive his love of family andgenerous nature, his family requested thatin lieu of flowers, donations be given to afund benefiting the Graffagnino children.

“It keeps alive his giving spirit forfuture generations,” said CommissionerScoppetta.

FDNYNEWS

F D N Y1865-2007

A 143 YEAR HISTORYOF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION


FRANCIS X. GRIBBONDEPUTY COMMISSIONER

S. PAUL ANTONELLIPUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

EMILY RAHIMIEDITOR

ANNIKA HARRISEILEEN RAMOS

WRITERS

THOMAS ITTYCHERIAGRAPHICS / LAYOUT

SFM RALPH BERNARD, RANDY BARRON, PARAMEDIC GEORGE BURBANO

EMT ROBERT DOMINGO,FF CHRIS LANDANO, HEATHER SMITH

PHOTO UNIT

FIRE DEPARTMENTCITY OF NEW YORK9 METROTECH CENTER

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201

ViewPoint is published entirely in-house by the FDNYOffice of Public Information/Publications

VIEWP O I N T

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

NEWSLETTER OF THE NYC FIRE DEPARTMENT

SEPTEMBER 2007

(Continued from page 1)

TRAGEDY

Firefighter Robert Beddia was honored by thousands of firefighters, family and friendsduring a memorial service at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.

Thousands of firefighters line the streets in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn to honor the life ofFirefighter Joseph Graffagnino.

Donations honoring FirefightersBeddia and Graffagnino

can be sent to: FF Joseph Graffagnino

Children's Fundc/o FDNY Foundation9 Metrotech Center Brooklyn NY 11201

For more information please call 718-999-0779

from p oint the n nyc fire department 5-5-5-5 who loved their families, loved their job and who...

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