You could call it the FDNY’s Opera-tions Center on wheels.

After years of development, theDepartment’s new Command TacticalUnit (CTU) went into service this Sep-tember.

The unit was created as part of FireCommissioner Nicholas Scoppetta andChief of Department Salvatore Cassano’sinitiative to increase communicationsbetween the incident commander (IC) andmembers in the FDNY Operations Center(FDOC). It allows for documents, visualimages and other information to be sentwirelessly between members at the sceneand in the FDOC, helping everyone makemore educated decisions about theircourse of action at an incident.

“Since Sept. 11, increasing situationalawareness has been a priority for theDepartment,” said Commissioner Scop-petta. “The ability for our members togather more information about an inci-dent, more quickly, will translate to moreeducated decisions. Very simply, thismeans increased safety and more livessaved.”

Chief Cassano added, “This is exactlywhat our officers need in the field. If anIC knows immediate details about how afire is developing or unique features of

the building structure, the better equippedhe or she will be to determine how themembers’ actions will impact their objec-tives. There is no doubt that in this job,the more you know, the better decisionsyou will make.”

CTU is staffed 24-hours a day by oneofficer and one firefighter per tour. Theyrespond to incidents that reach a secondalarm or higher and other unusual inci-dents.

Upon arrival, the members set up wire-less cameras and computer networks inhard-wearing protective cases (known asTactical Access Points) around theperimeter and activate a tower cameralocated on the roof of their vehicle. Videofootage collected from these cameras thenis fed back to computer screens in theCTU rig as well as in the FDOC.

Members in both locations can usecontrols to change the camera angles up

to 180 degrees and zoom the lenses,ensuring they get optimal views.

“This is cutting edge technology,”Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Pfeifer ofthe Counterterrorism and Emergency Pre-paredness Unit said. “This drives interop-erability and situational awareness at anyjob.”

The CTU firefighter monitors the cam-era feeds from the rig and organizes thedocuments received from the FDOC,including floor plans, locations of gaslines and building code violations. He orshe also records the video and can burnthis footage to a DVD for the incidentcommander immediately after a job for apost-operational critique.

Once the video feed is streaming, theCTU officer takes tablet computers to thecommand post for the IC, EMS officer,Safety Command officer and anyone else

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

OCTOBER 2008

� Commissioner’s Message Page 2

� 9/11 Coverage Pages 6-9

� Photo of the Month Page 16

New FDOC Unit to Keep All Members SaferCommand Tactical Unit Launched

The new Command Tactical Unit rig

(Continued on back page)

members in the FDOC; and it canreceive documents from the FDOC,which can be shared with the IC.

So if you are operating at the scene ofa partial building collapse in the rear ofa two-story building, the CTU will be able to provide the ICand FDOC with video footage of the collapsed area – giv-ing all parties access to areas that could not be seen from thestreet. Also the FDOC will be able to transmit floor plansand other critical building information to the IC via theCTU computers, and the IC will be able to update FDOCcommanders about their progress.

In the case of a major incident or disaster, this ground-breaking unit also can feed live video to the Department ofHomeland Security’s (DHS) National Operations Center inWashington, DC, and via DHS to the White House SituationRoom.

The bottom line is that the CTU will provide all ourmembers – from chiefs to firefighters – with enhanced safe-ty. And the information shared will exponentially increasesituational awareness, which will ultimately save lives.

Another major benefit of the CTU is its use as a trainingtool. After operations are complete, the IC can request thevideo footage or photographs from the members of the CTUfor review at the firehouse. Having the ability to providethis post-event analysis will make our officers and fire-fighters even more prepared to face the next emergency.

Whether our members are fighting a three-alarm ware-house fire in Brooklyn or a building explosion in the Bronx,the CTU will facilitate the critical exchange of informationthat will increase safety for generations. This groundbreak-ing technology is what put the FDNY at the forefront of dis-aster preparedness worldwide and I am certain this technol-ogy will be valued for years to come.

COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE2

ViewPoint

Commissioner’s Message

When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, alack of situational awareness among the incidentcommanders (IC) and all members on scene was

a tremendous obstacle for the Department’s operations. Inthe last seven years we have continued to learn how impor-tant it is for our members to have timely, detailed informa-tion to ensure the safest, most effective operationalresponse. Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano and Ihave supported an effort by the Center for Terrorism andDisaster Preparedness and the Imaging Technology Unit tofind technologically-advanced information-sharing tools toincrease situational awareness, and as a result, the newCommand Tactical Unit (CTU) was created as part of theFDNY Operations Center (FDOC).

The CTU will function as the eyes and ears of the FDOCat any emergency. It is capable of gathering and sharingreal-time operational video and photographs with the Inci-dent Commander (IC) and members in the FDOC. It alsocan gather information from the scene and share it with

Command Tactical Unit Will Enhance Safety

3

October 2008

FDNYNEWS

Plaques were dedicated in honorof Lieutenant Joseph Graffagni-no of Ladder 5 and FirefighterRobert Beddia of Engine 24 on

August 18, the one year anniversary of thedevastating seven-alarm fire at the formerDeutsche Bank building that took theirlives.

“These two men led by example andgave the job everything they had,” saidMayor Michael Bloomberg. “For them itwas more than a job, it was a calling.”

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppet-ta added, “They were pillars of strength inthis house. They honored us by the waythey lived their lives and they made theworld better simply by living in it.”

Lt. Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddiawere among the 275 firefighters and 70units that responded to the high-rise fire at130 Liberty St. on August 18, 2007. Theybecame trapped on the 14th floor of thebuilding, which was undergoing demoli-tion.

Hundreds of FDNY members filled theapparatus floor of Engine 24/Ladder 5and poured out into Sixth Avenue in Man-

hattan’s Greenwich Village as two bronzeplaques were unveiled in their honor.

“These are two firefighters that willinspire future firefighters for years tocome,” said Chief of Department Salva-tore Cassano.

Lt. Graffagnino was an eight-year vet-eran of the FDNY who was rememberedfor his love of his family, including hiswife, Linda, and their children, Mia, 5,and Joseph, 21 months, as well as his par-ents, Joseph and Rosemarie, and sisters,Maria Breen and Theresa Spoto.

He began his career at Engine 24 in1999. He later worked at Engine 284, nearhis childhood home in Brooklyn, beforetransferring to Ladder 5 in December2006. He was promoted posthumously tothe rank of lieutenant on June 19, 2008.

Fellow firefighters remembered his“legendary” cooking at the firehouse andhis incredible character.

“There are many qualities that makeup a great firefighter – courage, compas-sion and a sense of humor,” said CaptainPatrick McNally of Ladder 5. “To sayJoey possessed these qualities is an under-statement. He possessed enough of these

qualities for himself and everyone here.”Firefighter Beddia, a 23-year veteran

of the FDNY, was remembered as a men-tor in the firehouse who loved golf andplaying cards.

“Bobby was a born leader, he led byexample and set high standards,” saidBattalion Chief Neil Cronin, who former-ly served as captain of Engine 24. “Ipromise I will never forget his sacrifice.”

Firefighter Beddia was appointed tothe Department in 1983 and spent hisentire career at Engine 24, receiving threecitations for bravery. He is survived by hisbrothers, Edward Carman and James Bed-dia, and his sisters, Barbara Crocco andSusan Olson.

“Although we at the Departmentalways say that [the Graffagnino and Bed-dia families] are part of our family, youalways remind us that we are part of yoursas well, and for that we are grateful,” saidChief Cassano.

Lt. Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddiawere the 1,136th and 1,137th members ofthe New York City Fire Department tomake the Supreme Sacrifice in theDepartment’s 144-year history.

Heroes RememberedPlaques dedicated honoring Lt. Graffagnino and FF Beddia

FDNY Chaplain Msgr. John Delendick (far right) blesses the plaques for Lt. Joseph Graffagnino and Firefighter Robert Beddia,flanked by honor guards from E-24/L-5. (L to R) Firefighter Beddia’s brother, Ed Carman, and sister, Susan Beddia Olson; Chief ofDepartment Salvatore Cassano; Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta; Lt. Graffagnino’s wife, Linda; Mayor Michael Bloomberg;and Lt. Graffagnino’s father, Joseph Graffagnino.

FDNYNEWS4

ViewPoint

Remembered as a funny, kind-hearted, family man, EMT JasonRuiz of Station 35 was laid to

rest on Sept. 18, after a funeral serviceat St. Michaels Roman Catholic Churchin Brooklyn.

Hundreds of FDNY members gath-ered to pay their respects to the heroEMT, who was stabbed to death onSept. 14.

“You always knew you could counton him,” said Lt. Lori Page, whoworked with EMT Ruiz at Station 35.“Keep holding his memory close to yourheart.”

She described him as someone whocould always make her laugh, but whoalso was dedicated to his job.

After joining the FDNY in 2004,EMT Ruiz, 30, received two Depart-ment medals for life-saving rescues in2006 and 2007.

He also was applauded for his brav-ery in July, after he and his partner,EMT Jose Rios, jumped onto electrifiedsubway tracks in Brooklyn to rescue awoman who suffered a seizure.

“He was willing to sacrifice his ownlife for another person,” said FDNYChaplain Monsignor John Delendick.“Follow Jason’s example of love. Lethis example shine through all of us.”

EMT Ruiz’s brother, Adam, is also

an FDNY EMT at Station 38.“In this day in age, we need more

men like him,” his relative, LillianBecker, said. “Let’s not mourn hisdeath, but embrace his life and itsimpact on all of ours.”

Brave EMT RememberedHundreds Pay Tribute to EMT Jason Ruiz

Funeral procession for EMT Jason Ruiz.

From the August 2008 ViewpointNewsletter: EMTs Jason Ruizand Juan Rios Save Woman WhoFell on Subway Tracks: FDNYEMTs Jason Ruiz and Juan Riosrisked their lives to save a 31-year-old woman who fell onto the sub-way tracks in Brooklyn on July 15,2008. The EMTs responded to acall for a victim on the G train’sMyrtle and Willoughby Aves. sta-tion. There they found a womanface down on the tracks, covered indirt. Witnesses said she had suf-fered a seizure before falling.Without knowing if the trains werestopped or the electricity wasturned off, the EMTs jumped onto the tracks to begin treatment. They said she wassemi-conscious and talking, but disoriented. She was transported in stable condi-tion. “We just tried to stay away from the third rail,” said EMT Ruiz. “You don’tthink about the risks until afterwards.”

EMT Jason Ruiz (left) with his partner, EMTJuan Rios, spoke to the media after their dar-ing rescue from the subway tracks in Brook-lyn this July.

5

October 2008

FDNYNEWS

Home Sweet New HomeNew Quarters for Marine Company 3 Opened in Brooklyn

With clear skies above andthe stirring sound of theEmerald Society’s Pipes

and Drums in the background, mem-bers of Marine Company 3 were wel-comed into their new waterfront quar-ters at Kingsborough CommunityCollege in Brooklyn.

“The new quarters are a benefit tothe whole city,” Fire CommissionerNicholas Scopetta said at the Sept. 18ceremony. “Not only does the publicnow have a well-housed marine unitwhere it really needs one, but we aresharing space with another great cityinstitution, and that kind of consolida-tion is a very efficient way of doingbusiness.”

The enhanced facility will include24-hour security, a new kitchen andbathroom, and a state-of-the-art float-ing concrete dock.

“We would like to welcome the FireDepartment and Marine Company 3 to the

Kingsborough Community College fami-ly,” said Regina Peruggi, President ofKingsborough Community College. “Weare delighted to have you here and know

you will continue to make a hugeimpact not only on our localwaters, but also within our closeknit community.”

Members of the Fire Depart-ment’s Marine Division also willbe granted access to Kingsbor-ough Community Colleges’Maritime Technology Program,a high-tech sailing simulator thatputs students at the helm of vari-ous vessels to prepare them forcareers on the water.

“Since we started the smallboat program, we’ve been ableto respond to water-relatedemergencies even faster andmore effectively than any othertime in the Department’s histo-ry,” Chief Cassano said. “Todaywill only continue to help us ful-

fill our goal of providing safety on the city’swaterways, just as we do every day, inevery neighborhood throughout the city.”

(L to R) Stu Suss, Provost, Kingsborough Community Col-lege; William Keller, Vice President and Head of Facilities,Kingsborough Community College; Patrick McNally, FDNYChief of Operations; Dr. Regina Peruggi, President, Kings-borough Community College; Nicholas Scoppetta, FireCommissioner; Salvatore Cassano, FDNY Chief of Depart-ment; and John Benanti, Deputy Fire Commissioner Bureauof Technology and Support Services.

Roosevelt Island was assigned its firstfull-time ambulance on Oct. 1.

“This is historic for the people of Roo-sevelt Island,” said Chief of EMS JohnPeruggia. “This is reducing response timesand making the area safer for all resi-dents.”

The Basic Life Support (BLS) unit,which is assigned to Station 49 at Mt.Sinai Hospital of Queens, will be stationedat the Island’s bus depot. It will respond tocalls on Roosevelt Island as well as somein Queens, when necessary.

“We’re finding ways to get resourceson the Island faster than in the past,” saidDivision Chief Robert Browne, who han-dles ambulance resources in Queens. Henoted that call volume has increased forresidents of Queens and Roosevelt Islandby four to six percent in the past year.

Within hours of going into service, theunit, staffed by EMTs Jacqueline Summer-ford and Mike Triolo, received a call forsomeone who was having difficulty breath-ing. They were able to arrive on the scene

and treat the patient within four minutes.“To get to any emergency faster is

always important to us,” said EMT Triolo.

EMT Summerford, added, “The fasterwe can get to any emergency, the better itis for everyone.”

Keeping the City SaferAmbulance Newly Assigned to Roosevelt Island

(L to R) Division Chief Robert Browne, EMT Mike Triolo, EMT Jacqueline Summerfordand Chief of EMS John Peruggia stand in front of the ambulance now stationed on Roo-sevelt Island.

FDNYNEWS6

ViewPoint

Everlasting RemembranceFirefighter Stephen Siller and Sept. 11 Memorial Statue Unveiled

The Fire Department unveiled abronze statue of Firefighter StephenSiller on Sept. 17, honoring all

FDNY members who lost their lives onSept. 11, 2001.

“Stephen Siller put duty to his fellowmembers over his own safety,” Fire Com-missioner Nicholas Scoppetta said duringthe unveiling ceremony at the FDNY Train-ing Academy. “This statue commemoratesthe extraordinary bravery of Stephen andall those who responded that day.”

The sculpture by artist Gregory Perillodepicts Firefighter Siller as he ran throughthe Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to respond tothe World Trade Center attacks seven yearsago. It includes placards listing all 343names of FDNY members who made theSupreme Sacrifice on Sept. 11.

“This represents not just Stephen’s lega-cy, but all the 343 FDNY members whodied that day,” said George Siller, Firefight-er Siller’s brother.

In attendance for the unveiling was Fire-fighter Siller’s family, including his wife,

Sally, and children, Katie, Olivia,Genevieve, Jake and Stephen.

“This will always remind us of whathappened on 9/11,” said Chief of Depart-ment Salvatore Cassano. “The dedication,bravery and commitment it takes to be anFDNY firefighter. And it will serve as a

motivator here at the Fire Academy.”The sculpture took 2,500 hours to make

over 16 months. It will be kept on display atthe Fire Academy.

“I hope this will keep the memory aliveof the 343 who perished,” said Mr. Perillo.

The family of Firefighter Stephen Siller joins artist Gregory Perillo as they unveil a stat-ue in the Firefighter’s likeness that includes the name of all 343 FDNY members whodied on Sept. 11.

Sacred VisitRelics of St. Barbara, Patron Saint of Firefighters, at World Trade Center Site

Aspecial ceremony was held onSept. 10 at Engine 10/Ladder 10– across the street from the

World Trade Center site – to welcomethe delegation of St. Barbara, patronsaint of firefighters.

St. Barbara’s remains were broughtto New York from Italy to mark the sev-enth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“It means a great deal to our fire-fighters that their sacrifices are stillremembered and honored by friendslike you,” said Fire CommissionerNicholas Scoppetta, who greeted thedelegation in Italian.

Dozens of dignitaries from Italy,members of the Italian Navy and firefight-ers from across Italy attended the ceremo-ny honoring the lives lost on Sept. 11.

It was noted that Italy generously pro-vided emotional and financial support tothe New York City Fire Department andNew York City in the days following the

tragedy. “I want to thank you from the bottom of

our hearts for all you have done for us overthe past seven years,” said Chief ofDepartment Salvatore Cassano.

Francesco Talo, the Italian Consul Gen-eral, told the crowd, “Memory is what this

is all about. I want to thank all those[firefighters] who protect us everyday, they are like our angels.”

Also attending the ceremony wereretired Firefighter Vincent Tummino,Founder and President of the FDNY’sColumbia Association; Mauro Bosco-lo Bisto, President of Venice ProvinceCouncil; and Luciano Boscolo Cuccoof the Italian Delegation.

Former Chief of Department andExecutive Director of the Interna-tional Columbia Association DanielNigro emceed the event and said,“This gesture can bring us comfort ata time and place it is deeply needed.”

It is said that St. Barbara was killed byher father because she became a Christian,and he was subsequently struck by lighten-ing. Christians began to pray for Barbara’sprotection from fires and lightning.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Chief ofDepartment Salvatore Cassano welcome the delega-tion of St. Barbara in front of Engine 10/Ladder 10.

7

October 2008

FDNYNEWS

As the FDNY remembers the sev-enth anniversary of the Sept. 11tragedy, the lives lost that day

continue to inspire community action.Jeremy Travis, President of John Jay

College of Criminal Justice (CUNY),launched the Christian Regenhard Centerfor Emergency Response Studies on Sept.4, honoring FDNY Probationary Fire-fighter Regenhard, who died in the WorldTrade Center collapse at the age of 28.

The Regenhard family, communitysupporters and faculty from the Collegejoined President Travis for the Center’sunveiling.

Students and faculty at the new appliedresearch center will study emergencyresponses to large-scale disasters, with agoal of promoting best practices. Associ-

ate Professor CharlesJennings will be its firstdirector and AssociateProfessor Glenn Cor-bett will chair the advi-sory board.

Firefighter Regen-hard’s mother, Sally,worked with Congress-man Jerry Nadler toobtain a grant fromCongress to open thehonorary center.

Officials added thatthe Center also willhonor the more than 60John Jay alumni, facultyand students who werekilled on Sept. 11, 2001.

Jeremy Travis, President of John Jay College of CriminalJustice (CUNY) and Firefighter Regenhard’s mother, Sally,announce the opening of the Christian Regenhard Center forEmergency Response Studies on Sept. 4.

Family Values21 paramedics and 101 EMTs graduate from EMS Academy

Just days after the seventhanniversary of the 9/11 terroristattacks, 21 paramedics and 101

EMTs – including several with rela-tives that died on that tragic day –had reason to smile, crossing thestage at LaGuardia CommunityCollege in Queens as the newestmembers of the FDNY’s EMSCommand.

“To be a paramedic or EMTmeans that you are on the front linesof the City,” said Fire Commission-er Nicholas Scoppetta during theceremony on Sept. 15. “It’s a hardjob, but anyone who has done itknows that it is a rewarding job,because you will end each dayknowing you made a difference.”

Chief of Department Salvatore Cas-sano added, “Your knowledge and effortmake a difference for every patient youencounter, no matter how large or smallthe emergency.”

Among the graduates were five mili-tary veterans, including EMT KathleenSantora and EMT Mathew Hannon, bothof whom served in Operation Iraqi Free-dom.

EMT Santora – whose father is retiredDeputy Chief Alexander Santora andbrother was Firefighter Christopher San-tora of Engine 54, who was killed on

Sept. 11, 2001 – was commended forhelping save a victim of cardiac arrest onher first day in the field.

She said the rescue reminded her ofher brother, who “always finds ways to letme know he’s still with me.”

Other Department legacies who gradu-ated during the ceremony included EMTCraig Wells, son of retired EMS DivisionChief Charles Wells and nephew of Lt.Robert Regan of Ladder 118, who died inthe line of duty on Sept. 11. EMT KristineWerner is the daughter of Captain DeniseWerner; EMT Robert Scanlon is thecousin of Lt. Stacy Scanlon; EMT Amber

Olmo-Avalos is the sister of SabrinaOlmo, who is currently training tobe a firefighter at Randalls Island;and EMT Tanya Porazzo’s uncle isBattalion Chief Robert Hemsworthand her cousin is Battalion ChiefRonnie Porazzo.

Additionally, Paramedic AaronAguirre is married to EMT Saman-tha Aguirre, and Paramedic RichardSalmoiraght is married to EMTRudaina Ramos.

The class valedictorians wereParamedic Todd Laracuenta, EMTStephen McNamara and EMT JamesPione.

“We care for people and we savelives – 100 percent of the time, everyday,” said Chief of EMS John Perug-

gia. “Thank you for committing your-selves to protecting the citizens of thisgreat city.”

Many of the graduates said they joinedthe EMS Command to be able to help oth-ers.

“I did it to give back, for the humanityof it,” said Paramedic Christian Garcia.“I’m ready to give back to the communi-ty and give back to New York.”

More than 10 languages are spoken bythe graduates, including Spanish, French,Creole, Polish, Russian, Italian, Can-tonese, Greek and German.

Paramedics and EMTs graduated from the EMS Acade-my on Sept. 15.

John Jay College Center Named in Honor of 9/11 Firefighter

9

Oc

tob

er

20

08

FDN

YNEW

SFD

NYN

EWS

8

View

Poin

t

(Abo

ve)

Fire

fight

ers,

EMS

mem

bers

, fa

mily

and

frie

nds g

athe

red

at th

e W

orld

Tra

de C

ente

rsi

te fo

r th

e se

vent

h an

nual

cer

emon

y ho

nori

ngth

e ne

arly

3,0

00 p

eopl

e w

ho d

ied

on S

ept.

11,

2001

, inc

ludi

ng 3

43 F

DN

Y m

embe

rs.

(Abo

ve) F

DN

Y bu

gler

, Lt.

Joe

Min

ogue

, per

-fo

rms

taps

at

the

conc

lusi

on o

f th

e na

me-

nam

e re

adin

g ce

rem

ony,

as M

ayor

Mic

hael

Bloo

mbe

rg lo

oks

on.

(Lef

t) A

mem

oria

l w

as h

eld

at t

he E

MS

Acad

emy’s

9/1

1 M

emor

ial

in F

ort

Totte

n,Q

ueen

s. Th

e m

emor

ial

wal

l in

clud

es t

hena

mes

of a

ll un

iform

ed m

embe

rs w

ho m

ade

the

Supr

eme

Sacr

ifice

on

Sept

. 11,

200

1.

(Lef

t)H

undr

eds

of fi

refig

hter

s at

tend

edth

e m

emor

ial s

ervi

ce a

t the

Fire

fight

ers’

Mem

oria

l on

Rive

rsid

e D

rive

in M

an-

hatta

n, h

onor

ing

the

FDN

Y m

embe

rsw

ho lo

st th

eir

lives

sev

en y

ears

ago

.Ea

rly

that

mor

ning

, Fire

Com

mis

sion

erN

icho

las

Scop

petta

, Chi

ef o

f Dep

art-

men

t Sal

vato

re C

assa

no a

nd C

hief

of

Ope

ratio

ns P

atri

ck M

cNal

ly p

lace

d a

wre

ath

at th

e M

emor

ial.

(Rig

ht)C

hief

of D

epar

tmen

t Sal

vato

reC

assa

no p

lace

d a

wre

ath

at th

e 9/

11m

emor

ial a

t the

New

Yor

k C

ity F

ireM

useu

m in

SoH

o.

(Lef

t)In

the

afte

rnoo

n, a

cer

emon

y w

ashe

ld a

t FD

NY

Hea

dqua

rter

s ho

nori

ngm

embe

rs a

ssig

ned

to H

eadq

uart

ers

who

resp

onde

d to

the

Wor

ld T

rade

Cen

ter

atta

ck, i

nclu

ding

Chi

ef o

f Dep

artm

ent

Pete

r G

anci

, Jr.,

Fir

st D

eput

y C

omm

is-

sion

er W

illia

m F

eeha

n, a

nd C

ityw

ide

Tour

Com

man

ders

, Ass

ista

nt C

hief

Ger

-ar

d Ba

rbar

a an

d As

sist

ant C

hief

Don

ald

Burn

s. W

reat

hs w

ere

plac

ed in

the

lobb

yto

hon

or th

em a

nd a

ll FD

NY

mem

bers

who

mad

e th

e Su

prem

e Sa

crifi

ce a

t the

Wor

ld T

rade

Cen

ter.

Seven

yea

rs lat

er, t

he D

epar

tmen

t pa

id

tribu

te to

the

343

FDN

Ym

embe

rs lo

st

on S

ept.

11, 2

001,

as w

ell a

s the

nea

rly

3,000

oth

ers w

ho p

erish

ed th

at tra

gic d

ay.

Ace

rem

ony w

as he

ld at

the s

ite of

the W

orld

Trad

e Cen

ter in

low

er M

anha

ttan,

as w

ell as

atth

e Fire

fight

er’s

Mem

orial

on

Rive

rside

Driv

e;th

e EM

S M

emor

ial

Wal

l in

For

t To

tten,

Que

ens;

at FD

NY

Hea

dqua

rters

in B

rook

lyn;

and

at fir

ehou

ses a

nd E

MS

statio

ns th

roug

hout

the C

ity.

FDN

YR

EM

EM

BE

RS

SE

PT.

11,

200

1

10

ViewPoint

New Day, New RoleOne battalion chief and 15 lieutenants promoted

Leading the Way34 Fire and EMS Members Promoted

Anew batch of bright andenthusiastic leaders of thefire and EMS service

were promoted at the Fire Acade-my on August 13.

“Everything you have learnedover the years has brought you tothis moment,” said Fire Commis-sioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “Youare the Department’s legacy andits future. It takes a special kind ofperson to step up and do the workthat you do each day.”

In all, one member was elevat-ed to the rank of EMS divisionchief, five to the rank of fire bat-talion chief, two to the rank ofEMS deputy chief, 10 to the rankof fire captain, one to the rank ofsupervising fire marshal and 15 to therank of fire lieutenant.

“You are our future leaders and I look

forward to seeing you move this Depart-ment forward,” said Chief of DepartmentSalvatore Cassano. “All of you have takena big step today in helping the FDNY

meet any challenge it may face.”Among those being promoted

is EMS Division Chief Ann Fitton,a 24-year veteran of the EMSCommand who will now be thechief in charge of the EMS Train-ing Academy at Ft. Totten.

“I’m excited,” said Chief Fit-ton. “I’m honored that they trustme in this position. This is anexciting time to be with EMS.”

She also has family who hasserved with the FDNY, includingher husband, retired-EMS CaptainNeil Fitton, and brother-in-law,

EMS Division Chief Michael Fit-ton.

Chief Michael Fitton only hadcompliments for his newly promot-

ed sister-in-law, “This is well deserved.She’ll do a lot for the Academy.”

Joint fire and EMS promotions at the Fire Academy on Ran-dalls Island.

As the packed crowd cheered andwaved banners of congratula-tions, one battalion chief and 15

lieutenants were promoted on Sept. 24,during a ceremony at FDNY Headquar-ters.

“This is an important step on yourcareer ladder, one that takes dedicationand sacrifice,” said Fire CommissionerNicholas Scoppetta. “Today you arebecoming part of the legacy that wasbequeathed to you.”

Chief of Department Salvatore Cas-sano applauded the members’ hard workthat earned them their promotions.

“Obviously you have dedication andcommitment to this job, or you wouldn’tbe here today,” he said.

Newly promoted Lt. RobertDereskewicz, from Ladder 11, noted that“studying for the exam was like workinga second job.”

He said he was “overwhelmed” to bepromoted and “this will be a big change,but I’m anxious to get started.”

Also among the members promoted tolieutenant was Patrick Depierro of Ladder136, who praised his fellow members forpushing him to be a better firefighter:“There are a lot of great guys in the fire-house whom I have had the honor to learnfrom each day.”

He added that he comes from a longline of firefighters who inspired him to

join the Department – his father, John, hasworked at Engine 305 for nearly 40 yearsand his great-grandfather also was amember of the FDNY.

“I’m honoring [my father] by beinghere today,” said the six-year veteran.“Being around the firehouse as a kid younever want to leave. I want to keep doingthis for another 25 years.”

Lt. Patrick Depierro (third from left) at his promotion ceremony with and his mother andfather, Firefighter John Depierro, and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief ofDepartment Salvatore Cassano, Deputy Assistant Chief Raymond Goldbach.

11

October 2008

FDNYNEWS

In His MemoryThomas Brick Scholarships awarded to seven FDNY firefighters

Seven scholarships were presented toactive FDNY fire officers and fire-fighters on August 14 in the memory

of Firefighter Thomas Brick of Ladder 36.They are funded each year by Salvatore

Bommarito and his family in appreciationfor the courageous public service providedby all FDNY firefighters.

“Each of today’s recipients are the kindof people who want to be challenged, wantto move forward, want to learn,” said Com-missioner Scoppetta during the presenta-tion at FDNY Headquarters. “These schol-arships carry on the spirit of FirefighterThomas Brick.”

The recipients included Battalion ChiefBrendan McSweeney from Battalion 15;Captains Brian Boll from Engine 314 andMichael Callan from Division 6; Lt. JamesLynch from Engine 92; and FirefightersDavid Abreu, assigned to Squad 288 andworking in Squad 61; Tim Duggan fromLadder 24; and Steven Tagliani fromEngine 168.

This is the fifth scholarship award cere-mony honoring Firefighter Brick, whomade the Supreme Sacrifice on December16, 2003, while operating at a four-alarmfire at a furniture and mattress warehousein upper Manhattan.

“I enjoy coming here because it’s sim-

ply a happy event,” said Mr. Bommarito,who has funded 25 Firefighter Brick schol-arships in the last five years. “We took atragedy and turned it into something won-derful.”

He called the $2,500 scholarships a“modest effort,” and said he hopes theywill “catapult members of the FDNY to abetter position, sooner.”

Thomas Brick, Sr., who attended thepresentation with his wife, Margaret, saidhe was honored to have a scholarshipnamed for his son.

“This is an important, wonderful event,”he said. “These are young, ambitious, ded-

icated young men who can further theircareers with this. And having any connec-tion with my son is great.”

One of the scholarship recipients, Fire-fighter Duggan, attended the Fire Academywith Firefighter Brick.

He said he plans to use the scholarshipfor classes in fire science at John Jay Col-lege.

Describing Firefighter Brick as “eagerand intense,” he said receiving the scholar-ship “was especially poignant because westudied together. It’s a blessing and a hugeresponsibility.”

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano andChief of Operations Patrick McNally join the Brick family and the seven scholarshiprecipients.

Three members of Marine Company1 were hailed as heroes after rescu-ing a 7-months pregnant woman in

the waters off Battery Park City on Sept.16.

“She was 30 seconds away from death,”said Lt. Michael Finer. “She was as luckyas can be.”

At 10:53 p.m., Lt. Finer said he wasdoing paperwork when he learned that awoman was spotted in the water around theSouth Cove near Battery Park City.

Lt. Finer got into a safe boat with Fire-fighters Michael Lambert and TimothyMoynihan, pulled up along the shoreline inthe area of the sighting within two minutes.

“The woman was about 100 yards offshore, so locating her was like finding aneedle in haystack,” said Lt. Finer.

As Firefighter Lambert steered the boat,Lt. Finer scanned the water with a spotlight

and called out for her. She must have heardhis calls, he said, because her arm reachedout of the water just before she went underagain.

Dressed in an ice rescue suit, but with-out time to tether off for safety, Firefight-er Moynihan jumped into the water andreached her as she sank below the surfaceof the rough waters.

He said he quickly grabbed her by herhair and pulled her head above water.Then he swam with her in tow to the boat,where the two other members pulled heraboard and began CPR.

“It was like you were looking at a deadperson,” said Firefighter Moynihan,describing the 21-year-old woman’s gray

pallor. “I wasn’t sure how long she wasgoing to be with us. She was about as closeto losing her life as possible.”

After taking her to shore and strappingher to a backboard, they were met by EMSmembers who transported her to St. Vin-cent’s Medical Center. She was expected tomake a full recovery.

Right Place, Right TimeMarine Company 1 Rescues Pregnant Woman in Hudson River

(L to R) Firefighter Michael Lambert, Fire-fighter Timothy Moynihan and Lt. MichaelFiner of Marine Company 1.

FDNYNEWS12

ViewPoint

It was a birthday party 100 years in themaking.Members of Engine 271 and Ladder

124 celebrated their firehouse centennialon Sept. 20 with dozens of past and pres-ent firefighters, friends and family mem-bers in Brooklyn.

“This is a premier company and its his-tory is ingrained in all of us here today,”said Brooklyn Borough CommanderEdward Kilduff, who worked as a cover-ing lieutenant at the company in the late1980s.

“The depth of knowledge and experi-ence I received here was overwhelming.Thank you all for your professionalism,dedication and commitment.”

Engine 171 and Ladder 62 (re-desig-nated as Engine 271 and Ladder 124 in1913) were established in 1908, to meetthe demands of the growing Bushwickneighborhood.

Their firehouse on Himrod Street, withan attachment in the rear to house thehorses that pulled their apparatus, waspurchased for $60,000. At the time, pro-bationary firefighters earned $800 peryear and first-grade firefighters made$1,400 per year.

And in the firehouse’s first year ofservice, the firefighters made 300 runs.

As the neighborhood continued togrow through both World Wars and intothe 1950s and 60s, so did the workload –and Engine 271 and Ladder 124 becometwo of the City’s busiest companies in the1970s. In fact, in the early 1970s theymoved the kitchen from the third floor tothe first, so they could get to the appara-tus more quickly and did not have toclimb the stairs after each run.

Throughout their 100 years, the mem-bers of Engine 271 and Ladder 124 oper-ated at many memorable fires, includingthe 10-alarm warehouse fire at Knicker-bocker Ave. and Bleeker St. in July 1977(a fire so intense it burned through hoseline and cracked apparatus windows) andthe six-alarm fire at a mattress factory onDeKalb Ave. in July 2005.

“This has always been a hard-working,can-do company,” said Capt. JosephBachety of Ladder 124, who has worked

for the firehouse several times throughouthis 30-year career. “I have learned fromthe best officers and firefighters here, andI continue to learn from the best.”

Among the many notable firefighterswho have served Engine 271 and Ladder124 was Chief of Department PeterGanci, who was killed on Sept. 11, 2001.His family, including two firefighter sons,attended the centennial celebration.

Dozens of former members whoserved with Chief Ganci also were inattendance, including Firefighter PeterMcCarthy, who retired from Ladder 124after 20 years of service in 1987.

He said he loved coming to the fire-house to be with his colleagues -- both

past and present. “They are tremendouspeople and I owe them a lot,” he said.

And the newest generation of firefight-ers appears to be following in the bravefootsteps of their predecessors. A memberfrom Engine 271 recently returned from atour of duty in Afghanistan with the ArmySpecial Forces, and a firefighter fromLadder 124 will be deployed in Octoberwith the U.S. Navy.

“The firefighters who work at thiscompany are an elite group. They arewilling to give up their lives to saveanother,” Capt. Bruce Barvels of Engine271. “Walk tall and be proud because youare part of the FDNY, the greatest firedepartment in the world.”

The centennial plaque is dedicated at Engine 271 and Ladder 124.

Many present and former members, family and friends gathered for the centennial cer-emony.

Milestone BirthdayMembers of Engine 271/Ladder 124 Celebrate 100 Years of Service

13

October 2008

FDNYNEWS

It was a way for firefighters to say‘thank you’ to some of the nation’sbravest.

Firefighters from Engine 302/Ladder155 hosted a special Italian dinner for 25wounded warriors on Sept. 9 at their fire-house in Jamaica, Queens.

“Tonight is a feast,” said FirefighterGene Johnston of Engine 302, one of thedinner’s organizers. “None of us are in itfor the fanfare, we just want these guys toget everything they deserve. Help themout a little, make them happy.”

In June, the firefighters hosted afundraiser in Suffolk County to supportthe Wounded Warrior Project and Hope

for the Warriors featuring bands and anauction/raffle.

To their surprise, 450 people attendedand they raised more than $12,000 for thetwo charities.

Hope for the Warriors told the fire-fighters they can spend the money on any-thing they wish, so in addition to the din-ner, Firefighter Johnston said that theywould use the funds to take wounded sol-diers to a West Point football game inOctober. He also said they would supporta group of volunteer firefighters on LongIsland who help renovate houses – free ofcharge – for wounded veterans amongother related donations.

“We’re trying to do what we can whenwe can,” said Firefighter Johnston, an 18-year veteran of the FDNY. “There’s awhole menu of choices.”

He said firefighters from Engine302/Ladder 155 were thrilled to be able tohost the veterans at their firehouse, espe-cially after Tina Atherall, Vice Presidentof Hope for the Warriors, told them manyof the wounded soldiers look upon FDNYfirehouse visits as the highlight of theirtrip to New York.

“If we can help them, even a little,we’re happy to do it,” Firefighter John-ston said.

Members from Engine 302 and Ladder 155 hosted a special dinner to thank 25 wounded warriors.

Heroes’ FeastEngine 302/Ladder 155 Hosts Dinner for Wounded Warriors

Boxing boost: The New York City Fire Departmentand the FDNY Boxing Team joined on August 28 todonate $10,000 to the Wounded Warriors Project,which supports men and women of the U.S. Military.The Wounded Warriors Project supports all militaryveterans who have been severely injured during theconflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locationsaround the world. The Bravest Boxing Team so far hasdonated more than $27,500 to the cause.

FDNYNEWS14

ViewPoint

Three colorful thank you cards weregiven to firefighters on August 20with six words printed in a child’s

handwriting: “Thank you for saving mylife.”

Duaa Al Ghaithi, 6, wrote them to themen who rescued her in October 2007,after a gas explosion tore through herfamily’s Harlem apartment. She receivedinternal and external burns covering 60percent of her body and lost three fingersin the blast, forcing her to spend 10months in the hospital and undergo gruel-ing physical therapy and several surger-ies.

Her sister Lina, 3, was blinded in theexplosion and received serious burns, asdid her sisters Twka, 5, and Afaf, 1. Hermother, Alouf Hassan, tragically lost herlife in the blast.

“Last time I saw you, you were wear-ing a hat and mask,” Duaa said to her res-cuer, Firefighter John Jacovina from Lad-der 14. He was among the many firefight-ers who reunited with her and her familyoutside their temporary home at the Con-vent Avenue Family Shelter in Harlem.

She and her sisters, each still wearingnylon compression garments to protecttheir skin, showered them with hugs, kiss-es, high-fives and deep-hearted thanks.

“This is the best thing anyone has everdone for me,” the girls’ father, Rassas AlGhaithi, said through a translator, givingeach firefighter a long embrace. “I knowthe work of firefighters is risky, but youshould know that you have done some-thing special. You saved my family.”

Firefighters from Ladder 14 also hand-ed him an envelope containing a substan-tial donation from all the company’smembers.

“We can go to 100 jobs and not get tosee how things work out,” said BattalionChief Stephen Deloughry of Battalion 12.“It’s wonderful to see them all here, yetthey still have a struggle ahead of them.”

All of the firefighters said they vividlyremembered the scene of the explosion at10 W. 119th St. on October 6, 2007 – eachnoting that the area was eerily quiet whenthey arrived and from the street they

could not tell where the blast occurred.The tenants were self evacuating, and

as firefighters reached the rear of thebuilding, they found tenants helping twoof the girls and their mother, who toldthem the other two girls were inside.

Firefighter Jacovina and Lt. ThomasKeery (who was promoted in December2007) found the girls in the rear of theapartment, standing in a void under apiece of sheet rock.

“They didn’t cry, they just stood therewith their arms open,” said FirefighterJacovina, who rescued Duaa.

Other firefighters said they were just assurprised the girls were quiet as they werepulled from the building.

“They were tiny, burned from head totoe, but they weren’t crying or scream-ing,” said Jermaine Martin of Engine 35.“It’s so good to see they’re doing betternow.”

As the girls took turns whispering toFirefighter Jacovina and sitting on his lap,he said, “I always wanted to see them

again, see what happened.”Yet they all noted that they wanted to

spread the word about this family so thatsomeone might help them get back ontheir feet.

“They are so grateful. We just wantedto give them a little attention so theycould get the help they needed,” said Fire-fighter Chris Fenyo from Ladder 14, whocoordinated the reunion. “They don’tneed things, they need financial help.”

Capt. Stephen Marsar of Division 3added, “We never get to see this part, wealways see them at their worst, whenthey’ve lost everything. I just hope some-one will be able to help them.”

As the girls went back inside and Mr.Al Ghaithi said his goodbyes he noted,“Whenever I see my daughters I willremember you.”

Donations to the Al Ghaithi family canbe made to the Accident Victims ReliefFund: Al Ghaithi Family, 143 Willis Ave.,Mineola, NY 11501.

Members of Ladder 14 are reunited with Rassas Al Ghaithi and his four daughters inHarlem. Firefighter John Jacovina (seated) sits beside Duaa (seated, center), whom herescued after the explosion.

Finding Hope in TragedyFirefighters Reunited with Family Rescued from 2007 Gas Explosion

15FDNYNEWS

October 2008

Gulf Support GroupTwo FDNY teams deployed to Gulf region in response to Hurricane Gustav

Forty members of the FDNY’s Inci-dent Management Team (IMT) and35 members of the Urban Search

and Rescue Team (USAR) - New YorkTask Force-1 (NY-TF 1) were deployed inanticipation of Hurricane Gustav thissummer.

The USAR team was deployed onAugust 30 and the IMT was deployed onAug. 31 and Sept. 1 to assist with therecovery effort following the Category 2hurricane.

The USAR team includes members ofthe FDNY’s fire and EMS service as wellas New York City Police Department andOEM. Each member has extensive train-ing and experience in structural collapsesand confined space rescues.

Officials from the Louisiana Fire Mar-shal’s office requested the IMT, whichincludes fire and EMS members who arespecially trained by the federal govern-ment to manage the logistics, operations,planning, safety and command efforts forlarge-scale, long-duration disasters.

Both teams provided support needed inresponse to the harsh conditions causedby Hurricane Gustav.

In 2005, both teams were deployed tothe Gulf states to support local emergencyservices following Hurricane Katrina.The USAR team was deployed to Gulf-port, Miss., for rescue and recovery, whilethe IMT was sent to New Orleans to over-see and manage fire and emergencyresponse operations.

(Above) Members of theUSAR team prepare fordeployment.

(Right) The FDNY’s IMTsgather in Baton Rouge toplan for their logistics,operations, planning, safe-ty and command efforts forHurricane Gustav.

Safety Education: Director FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit Lt. Anthony Mancusoon Sept. 19 teaches school children fire safety, just before he,Chief of Training Thomas Galvin and Executive Director of theFDNY Foundation Jean O’Shea graciously accepted a $25,000grant from members of the Allstate Insurance Company at Ladder3 in Manhattan. The funds will be used to purchase new fire safetyeducation kits for every firehouse in New York City. The kitsinclude coloring books, fire safety literature, smoke alarms, exten-sion cords, butane lighters and other items to teach children howto be fire safe. On Sept. 30 the Unit received another $6,200 grantfrom Wells Fargo Insurance Services and the Fireman’s FundInsurance Company for the purchase of a new Hazard House, astate-of-the-art educational model that can be used to teach chil-dren how to keep their homes fire safe.

who might require this information,enabling everyone to make moreinformed decisions about the incident.

“CTU’s main purpose is to save livesand prevent injuries,” said SupervisingFire Marshal Ralph Bernard, director ofimaging technology, who helped developthe unit. “It’s an information collectingand distribution hub, the liaison betweenthe scene and the Operations Center. Themore information the IC has, the betterequipped he or she will be to mitigate theincident.”

The Department initially received$115,000 in funding from the Departmentof Homeland Security and another $4,000from the Honorary Fire Officers’ Associ-ation for the project, which helped theunit take shape.

The FDNY Assistant Commissioner ofFleet and Technical Services JamesBasile and his team helped build it,installing the electronic system that pow-ers the unit, assembling the video tower,and creating brackets and racks for itsantennas and cameras.

“It’s improving safety, giving the com-mand chief a clear picture of what is hap-pening at a job,” said Capt. Peter Carino,

who supervises theunit. “And instead ofjust getting reports atthe FDOC, memberswill be able to seeimages of the firefrom many differentpoints of view. Theycan monitor a fire’sprogress as if theywere there and pro-vide the IC with anyother resources or tac-tical information theyneed.”

Following a sec-ond-alarm fire at aStaten Island furni-ture store on Sept. 21,Deputy AssistantChief John Sudniksaid the information he received from theCTU was beneficial.

When fire was blowing out the rearwindows of the first floor of the three-storybuilding at 530 Bay St., he said he usuallyrelies only on members’ reports regardingthe status of the fire. But the images hereceived from the CTU cameras gave him“a picture to put with the reports I was get-ting. And that’s exactly what you wantwhen you’re the incident commanderstanding in front of the building.”

“It’s a great tool,” he added. “Any timeyou can take advantage of technology inthis day in age it makes the job easier andour members safer.”

FDNYNEWS

F D N Y1865-2008

A 144 YEAR HISTORYOF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION

ViewPoint October 2008

FRANCIS X. GRIBBONDEPUTY COMMISSIONER

S. PAUL ANTONELLIPUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

EMILY RAHIMIEDITOR

THOMAS ITTYCHERIAGRAPHICS / LAYOUT

SFM RALPH BERNARD, RANDY BARRON,

RETIRED EMT ROBERT DOMINGO,FF MICHAEL GOMEZ, DAVID WARREN

PHOTOS

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

OCTOBER 2008

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

New FDOC Unit (Continued from page 1)

The computer system inside the new CTU vehicle.

Saying Thank You: Thirty FDNY members were among the 300 who traveled with The NewYork Says Thank You Foundation to Greensburg, Kansas, in September to help rebuild the 4-H Center County Fairground Pavillion. Each year, the foundation sends FDNY members,many of them survivors of the World Trade Center attacks, to help rebuild communitiesaround the U.S. affected by disaster. For more information, visit newyorksaysthankyou.org