plaque dedications honor three ... - city of new york

One year after the tragic events ofJanuary 23, 2005, the Departmenthonored the memory of three

brave firefighters who lost their lives, intwo separate incidents, on that dark day.

A plaque dedication ceremony washeld in honor of Lieutenants CurtisMeyran of Battalion 26 and John Bellewof Ladder 27 in the Bronx on January 23.And another ceremony was held on Janu-ary 24 remembering Firefighter RichardSclafani of Ladder 103 at his firehouse inBrooklyn.

At both ceremonies, hundreds of fami-ly members, friends and fellow firefight-ers came from across the City to celebratethe lives of the three heroes.

“The plaque dedication is a Depart-ment tradition; a way we pay respect toour lost firefighters,” said Fire Commis-sioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “It is theDepartment’s way of reaffirming thepromise each and every firefighter makesto his fellow firefighter. It is another wayof saying we will never forget. It is our jobtoday, and in the days to come, to ensurethat they are not forgotten – to continuethe work of these men.”

***

Tears, heartfelt poems, a touching videoand the hum of bagpipes paid tribute

to Lieutenants Curtis Meyran and JohnBellew during their plaque dedication cer-emony at Ladder 27.

“Lieutenants John Bellew and CurtisMeyran are the definition of courage,”said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scop-petta.

Hundreds of firefighters stood in therain to attend the tribute. Many shared sto-ries and laughs as they remembered thespirited lives of the two brave men.

“They gave great dignity to their livesand to what firefighters do every day,”Chief of Department Peter Hayden said.“We will keep them alive in our hearts.”

The two were tragically killed whilebattling a third-alarm fire in an apartmentbuilding at 236 East 178th Street in the

Mount Hope section of the Bronx. Whilesearching for trapped occupants, Lieu-tenants Meyran and Bellew, as well asLieutenant Joseph DiBernardo, and Fire-fighters Jeff Cool, Eugene Stolowski and

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❏ Commissioner’s

Message Page 2

❏ FDNY News Pages 3-7;

Pages 10-11

❏ In the Borough Pages 8-9

❏ Photo of the Month 2

VIEW Metro Tech

FEBRUARY 2006

Remembering Three HeroesPlaque dedications honor three firefighters killed on January 23, 2005

(Continued on page 10)

(Top) Mayor Michael Bloomberg joins Eileen Bellew and her four children in theunveiling of a plaque dedicated to her husband, Lieutenant John Bellew, at Lad-der 27.(Bottom) Angela Meyran reads a poem shewrote honoring her father, Lieutenant Cur-tis Meyran, during his plaque dedicationceremony on January 23.

will be the first fire department in the nationto use this type of wireless technology. Cur-rently, we are running a pilot program in a fewManhattan battalions, and we anticipate aDepartment-wide roll out this summer.

The FDOC is also undergoing some sig-nificant upgrades. The new $17 million center located at 9Metrotech will provide the Department with a state-of-the-artemergency command facility and space for Incident ManagementTeams. The first phase of the project is already completed and weanticipate the entire project will be completed this June.

Additionally, we are working on the installation of AutomaticVehicle Location (AVL) Systems on all ambulances by the end of2006. The $40 million initiative will use global positioning sys-tems (GPS) to improve emergency response times and will sig-nificantly enhance our dispatching capabilities. The system hasalready been tested on more than 80 ambulances in EMS Division5 (Staten Island and southern Brooklyn). We have found the pro-gram to be a huge success, with a drop in response times for thoseareas.

DiversityDiversity is a priority for the FDNY. This year we are ready to

launch a major diversity/recruitment campaign in advance of theDecember firefighter exam. One major initiative will be to send12 full-time members of both Fire and EMS to recruitment eventsthroughout the City. Our goal is to make the Department reflec-tive of the City’s diverse populations and communities. In the pastfive years we have been successful in tripling the number ofminorities in the ranks, and we hope that in the next five years,our numbers will increase even further.

These are but a few of the significant initiatives we will launchthis year to further improve our ability to better train, equip andprotect the men and women who, everyday, do an outstanding jobfor the people of our city.

I wish to thank you all for contributing to the Department’ssuccess in 2005. Your dedication and commitment to the Depart-ment will help make 2006 our most successful year yet.

Looking back over the past year, we are again reminded ofour members’ skill and unparalleled service to the city weserve. Firefighters and EMS personnel responded effec-

tively to a large-scale disaster (Hurricane Katrina), and we devel-oped and began distributing a life-saving Personal Safety System.In addition, civilian fire fatalities dropped to record lows, declin-ing to levels not seen since the Department first started keepingstatistics in 1916. And these numbers come as Department mem-bers are responding to more incidents than ever before. In 2005,firefighters responded to 485,702 incidents, and EMS personnelresponded to 1.14 million.

Yet as we mark the year’s accomplishments, we cannot forgetthat 2005 began in tragedy, with the deaths of Lieutenants CurtisMeyran and John Bellew, and Firefighter Richard Sclafani. Wecontinue to reflect on the lives of these brave firefighters andkeep their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Now, as we look ahead to 2006, we anticipate the launch of anumber of initiatives that we plan to implement in the comingmonths, with a focus on training, technology and diversity. Wehope that these new programs will enable the FDNY to remem-ber 2006 as another successful year.

TrainingWe hope to secure a $10.4 million grant from the Department

for Homeland Security that would provide for EmergencyResponse and Prevention training for all Fire, EMS and Bureauof Fire Investigation personnel. Our plan is to offer a 10-hourtraining session to all members that would provide the knowl-edge, skills and practical tools needed to respond to hazardousmaterials releases. The course, “Emergency Response and Pre-vention: Hazardous Materials and Terrorism,” will focus on howto recognize, identify and prevent acts of terrorism.

The Department has already received $2.7 million in federalfunds to provide HazMat training for all EMS members. This 16-hour training session will enable all EMTs, paramedics and offi-cers to be trained at the HazMat Operational level, providing fora more highly trained, better protected EMS workforce that cansafely perform life-saving work in various, major HazMat inci-dents.

TechnologyWe are developing Electronic Command Boards for better

management of large-scale incidents. These Boards will enableofficers to send information wirelessly to the Fire DepartmentOperation Center (FDOC) from anywhere in the City. The FDNY

COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE2

ViewPoint from 9 MetroTech February 2006

Commissioner’s Message

State of the Department

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FDNYNEWS

In December, FDNY Emergency Med-ical Service was awarded a healthy hol-iday bonus – a $2.7 million federal

grant to provide HazMat training to allEMTs, paramedics and EMS officers.

“Our members’ advanced skills can bethe difference between life and death,” saidFire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.“This grant will better protect our EMTsand paramedics, and they – in turn – will bemore prepared to protect the public.”

Issued through the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security’s 2005 Assistance toFirefighter Grant Program, this grant willallow all EMS members to respond moreeffectively to complex and mass casualtyincidents.

This is the first time a grant has beenissued to provide HazMat training for theFDNY EMS Command. This is also thefirst year the grant’s $750,000 cap has beenlifted, enabling the Department to developthe training program to its full extent.

“This is a significant improvement forthe Department, enabling us to expand haz-ardous materials training for all firstresponders,” Chief of Department PeterHayden said. “The Fire Department recog-nizes our new responsibilities, and thatincludes the need for everyone on the frontlines to be better trained and prepared.”

Sessions are expected to begin in July.They will include 16 hours (overtime) ofinstruction – over two days – for all EMSpersonnel, and an additional advancedtraining session for 50 Hazardous MaterialUnit (HazTac) paramedics.

The training, which will take a year tocomplete, will consist of classroom andhands-on instruction with new equipment.

All EMTs, paramedics and officers willbe certified at the HazMat Operations level;in the past, all EMS members were trainedto the Awareness level.

Additional advanced training will beprovided to paramedics to learn skills nec-essary to provide medical care to confinedspace victims before they are extracted.This training will satisfy some of therequirements necessary for participation inthe New York Task Force 1, Urban Searchand Rescue Team (NYTF-1 USAR).

This grant also allows for the purchaseof communications equipment for EMSmembers. The new technology will enablecommanders and dispatchers to reachmutual aid partners – including privateambulance companies – to assist inresponse and provide more coverage for theCity’s five boroughs.

“Our members will now be part of anelite group that have this advanced level of

knowledge,” Chief of EMS John Peruggiasaid.

The Assistance to Firefighter Grant pro-gram provides funds for operations, safetyand vehicle acquisition to Fire Departmentsnationwide. The FDNY applied for thegrant last spring and was among the morethan 20,000 applications received fromboth paid and volunteer departments underthe federal program.

“We are pleased that the Department ofHomeland Security was able to increaseour funding for this valuable training,” saidIrene Sullivan, Director of Grant Develop-ment for the Department. “This funding isimportant for EMS, the Department and theCity overall.”

The FDNY’s grant includes $2,238,718in federal monies and $559,680 in match-ing funds from the City of New York.

In the past, monies were distributedalmost exclusively to the fire service. Andto date, the largest award has been given toBroward County, Florida.

In 2003 and 2004, the FDNY alsoreceived federal fire grants to implement avideo-conferencing distance-learning pro-gram.

Preparing for the UnexpectedEMS gets $2.7 million for HazMat training from the feds

On January 25, two quick respondingfire marshals apprehended a

shoplifter who had a unique way ofescaping stores with bags of merchandise– she set racks of clothes on fire.

“Obviously these fires are dangerousbecause you have a store full of people,”said Chief Fire Marshal Louis Garcia.“For her it is all about getting away, butfor us, we have the factor of human life.These are dangerous fires.”

For months, fire marshals were hot onher trail.

They closely watched a Harlem H&Mclothing store’s surveillance tape record-ed last April, which caught her lighting arack of lingerie on fire with a cigarettelighter. Fire marshals captured her photofrom the tape and distributed fliers withthe picture to local retail outlets.

And this January, Fire MarshalAndrew DiFusco and his partner, Frank

Heffel, were able to arrest SavannaJohnson at the same H&M store aftera security guard recognized her fromher photo.

After Fire Marshals DiFusco andHeffel questioned the woman, theysaid she admitted to lighting the fireat H&M as well as another, set fourdays later, at an Old Navy clothingstore in the same neighborhood.

She was charged with arson in thesecond degree, reckless endangermentin the second degree, possession of stolenproperty, petit larceny and criminal pos-session of a controlled substance in theseventh degree.

Chief Garcia added that Johnson hadbeen arrested 59 times in the past forcrimes committed throughout the coun-try, including shoplifting, drug posses-sion, petit larceny, prostitution and bur-glary.

Fire Marshals Apprehend Shoplifter/Arsonist

At a press conference on January 20, ChiefGarcia holds up a flier that fire marshalsdistributed to clothing stores in Harlemlast April. The information and photo-graphs helped lead to the arrest ofshoplifter and arsonist Savanna Johnson.Joining the Chief behind the podium are (Lto R) H&M security guard JermaineStevens, SFM Robert Burns and FMAndrew DiFusco.


4 FDNYNEWS

She said she was excited, and a littlenervous, but Paramedic PatriciaFoley stood proudly as she was

sworn in as an EMS lieutenant – fromnearly 6,000 miles away.

Lieutenant Foley is currently servingthe U.S. Army’s 30th Medical CommandDivision at the Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq.And via satellite broadcast to Randall’sIsland, she took the oath along with 24other EMS officers at a promotions cere-mony on January 20.

“It is clear to me that this class of pro-motees embody the qualities the FDNYlooks to in its leadership – a commitmentto service in whatever form it may take,proven experience and the support offamily,” Fire Commissioner NicholasScoppetta said. “Every one of us knowsthat we can do more good together thanalone.”

The promoted members included onedeputy chief, four captains and 19 lieu-tenants. And the Commissioner noted thatthey are all bringing a breadth of knowl-edge to their new posts.

Deputy Chief Michael Fitton brings 22years of experience to his new position.Additionally, the four new captains – EricFay, Felipe Periu, Steven Quirindongo andRobert Rousso – bring with them a collec-tive 50 years of supervisory experience.

“Certainly you have all demonstratedthat you are motivated and dedicatedmembers of this Department,” said Chiefof Department Peter Hayden. “Today youare taking on more responsibility. By yourwork ethic, you have shown you are more

than ready to take on these new roles.”Also among those promoted to lieu-

tenant was Paramedic CatherineAbramshe. Her mother, EMT LindaAbramshe, has been on the job for nearly20 years. The new lieutenant said sheknew she would “love the job just bywatching my mom work.”

Lieutenant Abramshe also served withher brother, Firefighter Eugene Abramsheof Ladder 146, in Iraq for a year with the389th Operations.

Paramedic Michael Glenn was alsoamong those promoted to lieutenant dur-ing the ceremony. He served for sixmonths north of Baghdad, Iraq in the404th Civil Affairs Battalion – SpecialOperations.

“As we prepare to move forward withinitiatives to improve our capabilities andpreparedness and strive to enhance thedelivery of pre-hospital care to the citi-zens and visitors of New York City, I amproud to have the opportunity to workwith such a committed, dedicated andprofessional team,” said Chief of EMSJohn Peruggia.

And as the ceremony concluded, Com-missioner Scoppetta told the newly pro-moted EMS officers, “You are uniquelyqualified to lead. Lead responsibly andlead well.”

EMS Promotions Go Global Via satellite from Iraq, Paramedic Patricia Foley is promoted to Lieutenant

Via satellite broadcast from Iraq, Paramedic Patricia Foley is sworn in as a lieutenantat EMS Promotions. (Inset photo) Paramedic Lieutenant Patricia Foley.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta presided over the graduation of 90 EMSmembers on December 16 at the Training Academy on Randall's Island. Fifteenparamedics and 75 EMTs were among the graduates who will be assigned to unitsthroughout the City.


5FDNYNEWS

Members of the last proby class tograduate from the Fire Acade-my in 2005 filled the Brooklyn

College auditorium with big smiles onDecember 30.

“Most institutions have a ceremonywhen their members are getting ready toleave. In the Fire Department, we hold agraduation because we want everyone toknow that you have finally arrived,” FireCommissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said.“Today each of you becomes an importantpart of New York City’s identity.”

Family and friends of the 210 gradu-ates cheered as each new firefighter tookto the stage to accept his and her newpositions.

Many of the probies said they decidedto join the Department after watchingfamily members on the job.

“He made up his mind that he wantedto be a firefighter and he did everythinghe had to do to be here today,” said retiredFirefighter Winston Lawrence, a 29-yearveteran, whose son, Trevor, was in thegraduating class. “I am very proud of him.And I know he’ll love the job.”

Other Department legacies includedProbationary Firefighters Michael Mar-shall, Jr., Eric Walker, Terrence Felderand Andrew Sheirer. Also graduating wasProbationary Firefighter ChristianMinara, son of Firefighter Robert Minaraof Ladder 25, who made the SupremeSacrifice on September 11, 2001.

This proby class was alsorecognized for its diversity.Three women were among thegraduates and more than 25percent of the class representedthe African American, Hispanicand Asian communities.

“We are all thrilled to cometogether today, to join the bestFire Department in the world,”said class Valedictorian, Proba-tionary Firefighter Richard Sak.He was joined on stage withclass Salutitorian, ProbationaryFirefighter Joseph Esquivias,and the Physical Fitness Awardwinner, Probationary Firefight-er Marc Maresca.

The class also included six memberswho previously served in the military inIraq, including Probationary FirefightersJustin Bales (USMC), Timothy O’Neill(USMC), Joshua Wiener (USMC), DanielHansen Jr. (USMC), Cesar Perez (Army)and Anthony Delgado (Army).

“On behalf of eight million New York-ers, I want to say thank you for answeringthe call to keep us safe,” MayorBloomberg said.

Yet the ceremony was bittersweet, asthe probies recalled the accident that crit-ically injured Firefighter Matthew Long

of Ladder 43, a Fitness Instructor at theFire Academy. The tri-athlete was struckby a charter bus in Manhattan as he wasbiking to the Rock during the transitstrike.

The class collected $1,000 to be donat-ed to the Fire Family Transport Founda-tion in Firefighter Long’s name. Eachgraduate also signed an oversized cardthat many said they hoped would inspirethe injured firefighter to make a quickrecovery.

“He’s a real fighter and I know all ourprayers are with him,” Mayor Bloomberg

said. “We are all in this togeth-er. There are no one-manbands.”

Yet before the probies weresent off to their assigned units,Chief of Department PeterHayden offered the class someadvice. He told them to honorthose who came before themand pave the way for thosewho will follow in their foot-steps.

“When you come to workhave your head in the game,know your job and follow yourtraining,” Chief Hayden said.“There are no off tours for us.And I am sure you will be upto the challenge.”

All in the FamilyA Class of Department legacies, minorities graduates from the Rock

Two hundred and ten probies packed the Brooklyn College auditorium for their gradua-tion ceremony on December 30.

The proby class was filled with graduates who were following afamily tradition of service to the Fire Department. (L to R) FF Ter-rence Felder, retired FF John Felder, FF Michael Marshall, Jr., Lt.Michael Marshall, FF Gary Felder, FF Trevor Lawrence, retiredFF Winston Lawrence, FF Eric Walker and retired FF FrederickWalker.


6 FDNYNEWS

It’s not the Olympics, but it’s prettyclose.

On January 17, the FDNY joined theNYPD and PAPD at the First RespondersBenefit Dinner, celebrating the announce-ment that the 2011 World Police and FireGames will be held in New York City.

“The World Police and Fire Games willbe a celebration of teamwork and hardwork,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.“We are the perfect choice for these Gamesbecause no one hosts events like the BigApple can.”

The dinner at the Marriott Marquis inTimes Square was the first step in securingfunds and awareness for the Games. It wasattended by more than 400 friends of theCity’s fire and police departments, andincluded remarks by Senator Hillary Clin-ton (D-NY) as well as an auction led byactor Tony Lo Bianco.

“These games will continue the tradi-tion of putting competition where itbelongs – on the sporting field,” Fire Com-missioner Nicholas Scoppetta said. “Theywill strengthen the bond between all firstresponders, both fire and law enforcementpersonnel.”

Police Commissioner Ray Kellyagreed, adding “this will allow our policeofficers and firefighters to show their ded-ication and heroism.”

Retired Firefighter Jim Carney andLieutenant Bill Miccio of Ladder 48

worked for months to bring the event toNew York. And now the duo act as Presi-dent/CEO and Vice President/COO,respectively, for the Games.

“We are all part of a team,” Carney said.“The Fire Department and Police Depart-ment deserve the respect and considerationof the world for years to come.”

The World Police and Fire Games arethe world’s second largest sporting event,behind the summer Olympics. The 10-day,

biennial competition hosts nearly 20,000firefighters and police officers from morethan 70 countries. The men and womenparticipate in more than 60 sporting eventsthat range from archery and basketball tostair races and the “Ultimate Firefighter”competition.

“I can’t think of a more appropriateway to thank our firefighters and policeofficers than to have the opportunity tohost these Games,” Senator Clinton said.

Many also noted the poignancy of theGames occurring on the 10th anniversaryof the September 11th terrorist attacks.

“The prestige for the 2011 Games willbe in the opportunity to honor the 2,749people who perished on September 11,2001 and the opportunity to thank our FirstResponders,” Commissioner Scoppettasaid.

The Californian Police Athletics Feder-ation established the Games in 1985. Sincethen, the events have been hosted by citiesas diverse as Stockholm, Sweden;Barcelona, Spain; and Memphis, Ten-nessee. The 2007 Games will be held inAdelaide, South Australia and the 2009events will be hosted by British Columbia,Canada.

And as the crowd celebrated NewYork’s opportunity to host the Games forthe first time in the sporting event’s histo-ry, Commissioner Scoppetta cheered, “Letthe Games begin!”

Gearing up for GoldThe FDNY gets ready to help host the World Police and Fire Games in 2011

Retired firefighter Jim Carney speaks at theFirst Responders Benefit Dinner. The dinnerwas geared to raise awareness and funds forthe 2011 World Police and Fire Games, whichwill be held in New York City. Carney andLieutenant Bill Miccio campaigned formonths to bring the event to the City.

(Left) In December, four firefight-ers traveled to Slidell, Louisianawith the New York Says Thank YouFoundation, to help rebuild thehome of a 6-year-old boy withleukemia. The family's home, andthe boy's beloved fishing docks,was severely damaged by the highwinds and rain of Hurricane Kat-rina. (Left to right) FirefightersIsmael Bruno, Nick Lobosco,William Ehni and Jeffrey Schroed-er join the boy's aunt on the newlyconstructed docks. (Right) Six-year-old Tony Nata, Jr.enjoys fishing off the new docksbuilt by FDNY members.


7FDNYNEWS

“He is my hero,” said BrookeWilliams as she clutched thehand of Firefighter John

Jensen of Ladder 174.Balancing on crutches and filled with

emotion, 27-year-old Williams embracedFirefighter Jensen and thanked him for sav-ing her life two years ago.

But the five-year veteran of the Depart-ment did not pluck her from a burningbuilding or rescue her from a car accident;he saved her from leukemia.

On January 19 the Department celebrat-ed the second annual Honor Roll of Life.Sponsored by the New York Blood Center(NYBC), the event connects FDNY bonemarrow donors with the recipient whoselife was saved by the transplant.

“Today we celebrate another way inwhich members of this Department gobeyond their chosen duty and give back,”Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppettasaid. “I am proud of our firefighters andofficers for many reasons. Reasons I don’thave the opportunity to speak about much –the many contributions they make outsideof the Department.”

Firefighter Jensen met Williams, amother from Gouverneur, New York, forthe first time at the event.

He said he joined the Bone Marrow Pro-gram at a recruitment drive at the TrainingAcademy when he was a proby.

And although he said the donationprocess was extensive and days of flu-likesymptoms accompanied the procedure, hesays he never questioned being a donor.

“There was never a second thought inmy mind,” he said. “I think I was as happyas she was when I was told I was a match.I definitely felt a deep sense of satisfac-tion.”

Commissioner Scoppetta also inductedformer firefighter Joe Kazlauskas, who isnow a Nassau County police officer, intothe Honor Roll of Life during the ceremo-ny.

Kazlauskas’s recipient was 66-year-oldGlenn Hale of Phoenix, Arizona. Afterunsuccessful tests for a match from his foursiblings, including his twin, doctors foundthe former firefighter to be a perfect match.

“I joined the Fire Department because Iwanted to help people out,” saidKazlauskas. “I can see what a positiveimpact this program has on people’s lives.”

The FDNY is one of the leading bonemarrow donor groups nationwide. Morethan 8,000 Department members are regis-tered with the program.

The NYBC reports that more than35,000 Americans are in need of marrow orblood cell transplants each year. And since1991, 72 firefighters have been honored asdonors, helping patients with a wide rangeof life-threatening illnesses, includingleukemia and Hodgkin’s disease.

“I wish to thank Commissioner Scop-petta and New York’s Bravest for selflesssacrifices they have made to those in need,both on and off-duty,” said Dr. Robert L.Jones, NYBC president.

The Gift of LifeSecond Annual Honor Roll of Life pairs firefighter blood marrow donors with recipients

A HISTORY OF HELPING OTHERS

The FDNY and NYBC joined forcesin 1989, when retired Firefighter MarkKwalwasser from Engine 43 and hisbrother, Robert, created the ElaineDiedrich Memorial Donor Program.The program promoted bone marrowdonation and was named in honor oftheir sister, who lost her fight againstleukemia.

Later it became known as the ElaineDiedrich/Terrence Farrell MemorialDonor Program, honoring FirefighterFarrell from Rescue 4, a bone marrowdonor who died on September 11,2001.

(Top) Firefighter John Jensen (left) andformer firefighter Joe Kazlauskas arehonored at the second-annual Honor Rollof Life, which pays tribute to FDNY bonemarrow donors. The men stand behindtheir transplant recipients, BrookeWilliams and Glenn Hale.(Right) Firefighter John Jensen meets hisbone marrow transplant recipient, BrookeWilliams, for the first time at the ceremo-ny. Williams is continuing her recoveryfrom leukemia.


8 FDNYNEWS

I n t h e B o r o u g h :

By Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy, Battalion 49

Queens Battalion 49 has adopted apractice of ongoing analysis oftarget hazards to provide

improved delivery of service in theboundaries of their district. This is to ver-ify that we are providing a timelyresponse of professional service and careto our citizens, while ensuring the effi-ciency of our operations and the safety ofour members.

As Battalion 49 protects a predomi-nately residential community, it alsoincludes a myriad of target hazards suchas power generating stations, waste treat-ment facilities, numerous manufacturingprocesses including hazardous materials,LaGuardia Airport and the Rikers IslandCorrectional Facility.

In 2004, I alerted Queens BoroughCommander Assistant Chief RobertSweeney and members of Division 14 ofthe security and safety risk to whichmembers of the FDNY would be exposedwithin a prison facility while mitigatingan event either minor or major in scope.The objective was to improve our inter-agency relationship with the Departmentof Corrections, and prepare an organizedplan for joint operations and training.

We wanted our plan of operations tocomplement the CIMS protocols andimprove each agency’s understanding ofoperational procedures involving acci-dental fires, emergencies or the occur-rence of pandemonium and riot. This planwould also assure that during operations,the safety and security of each agency’smembers was paramount.

I contacted Chief of DepartmentEdward Reilly of the Emergency ServiceUnit at Rikers Island, and outlined a pre-plan of response, operations and trainingthat would be compliant with CIMS. Theplan defined the individual roles andresponsibilities of each responder, fromIncident Commander to entry officer and

firefighter. Also included are theresources required of information, com-munications and common terminologyshared to coordinate efficient operations,safety, security and accountability for allmembers including inmates.

Assistant Chief Sweeney, with theapproval from Fire CommissionerNicholas Scoppetta and direction fromour Assistant Chief of Training ThomasGalvin, organized a training curriculumprepared by Battalion Chief Stephen Ger-aghty. Members of our Tactical TrainingUnit then presented the training program

to the Department of Corrections (DOC). The program would involve joint oper-

ations between members of the DOC’sESU teams with that of the FDNY. TheseESU teams, 60 members in all, would betrained in the basics of fire behavior,SCBA confidence in fire and smoke,search with thermal imaging equipment,ropes and victim removal.

The training culminated with an exer-cise of joint entry into a live fire andsmoke situation (building # 5 at Randall’sIsland) where three mannequins depictingtwo inmates and one correction officerwere unaccounted for in the building.

The exercise proved successful. Bothagencies gained the experience of operat-ing within CIMS and learned from thesimulated drill. Most importantly, theylearned coordination, control andaccountability in a situation representa-tive of the anxiety and chaos while oper-ating in conditions of live fire and smoke.

In February of 2006 both agencies arescheduling a second series of the trainingsession to hone our efficiency of opera-tions and enhance our relationship.

The Tactical Training Unit of theFDNY made this all possible by present-ing this training with a high level of skilland professionalism.

The success of this plan has resulted inthe consideration of expanding the train-ing to other Battalions and New York CityDOC facilities in the Department’s effortsto enhance our efficiency, safety and rela-tions with other agencies.

FDNY and Corrections Dept. Hold Joint TrainingInteragency effort enhances safety and effectiveness of FFs and COs

Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy

Chief Tracy, along with other members of Queens Battalion 49, organized a joint train-ing session with members of the ESU at Rikers Island.


9FDNYNEWS

Q u e e n s

If you think chili is just a mediocremenu item, you have not met thecooks from Engine 275/Ladder 133.

They ran away with first prize – and$1,000 – for their winning recipe in aJamaica, Queens sponsored firehouseChili Cook-off. And this December, thefirefighters donated their winnings to theFire Fighters Burn Center Foundation andthe Fire Safety Education Fund.

The first-place recipe, MerrickMagic’s Magic Chili, remains a well-keptsecret, but the simmering flavor bowledover the judges and those in the crowdwho got a chance to sample the fare.

Mary Reda, who chaired the event forthe Greater Jamaica Development Corpo-ration, said that the Merrick Magic hadthe winning combination, hands down.

“It was the most delicious and it hadthe most kick,” Reda said.

Six firehouse teams from Queens par-ticipated in the cook-off, includingEngine 302/Ladder 155, Engine 315/Lad-der 125, Engine 308/Ladder 125, Engine303/Ladder 126 and Engine 298/Ladder

127.“It is gratifying

that so many of theguys helped makethis day a successby showcasing theirskills in thekitchen,” saidQueens BoroughCommander, Assis-tant Chief RobertSweeney.

He also congrat-ulated all the com-panies for helpingraise money for twoimportant causes.

“Chili is a rou-tine meal in the firehouse,” said Firefight-er Bobby Irving, who helped coordinatethe competition. “So there is no problemgetting firefighters to step up.”

The competition was a highlight of thefifth annual Harvest Festival held inQueens this fall. The daylong eventincluded music from a steel band, trolley

tours of the neighborhood, hayrides andvisits from clowns.

Reda said the Greater Jamaica Devel-opment Corporation plans to hold theevent again next year and hopes that evenmore firehouse cooks will step up to thechallenge.

Cooking for a CauseQueens firefighters raise $1,000 for fire charities in Chili Cook-off

Members from Engine 275/Ladder 133 receive checks for winning first prize in a Chili Cook-Off. The funds were donatedto the Fire Fighters Burn Center Foundation and Fire SafetyEducation Fund.

During December’s transit strike,traffic congestion and uncertaintymade things challenging for all

first responders. Yet in the socially turbu-lent 1960’s, record-breaking low tempera-tures and a citywide sanitation strike madethings especially taxing for firefighters.

And at the time, the City was without aContingency Plan to ensure that fire pro-tection would not be compromised duringthe walkout. Yet one notorious fire inQueens helped launch a city-wide emer-gency plan.

On February 2, 1968, the sanitationstrike was announced, and thousands oftons of uncollected refuse began to pile upin alleys and streets. Rubbish was stacked

high near occupied dwellings and otherstructures, and even obscured fire hydrantsfrom view.

Just two days later, a fire started in thepiles of garbage at a three-story, woodenrow frame dwelling in Astoria.

Flames raced up the inside wall andthen into the cockloft. Five alarms weretransmitted before firefighters containedthe spreading flames nearly two hours afterthe first company arrived on the scene.

When it was done, four buildings weredamaged severely and the original firebuilding collapsed. Two firefighters wereinjured in the collapse and two others wereovercome with smoke. The fire also routedmore than 24 families from their homes.

Following this blaze, Department mem-bers began patrolling the streets. Theyadvised landlords and superintendents tokeep hallways, cellars and other outsideareas clear, and worked to keep the grow-ing mounds of garbage away from build-ings. Firefighters also coordinated trashburnings throughout the City, wheregarbage could be disposed in a controlledsetting.

Six days after the strike began, 888 rub-bish fires were extinguished by firefightersthroughout the five boroughs. And allmajor newspapers reported that it was luckand the cleverness of the City’s firefightersthat prevented any real tragedy at that time.

This Month in FDNY HistoryRemembering the 1968 Sanitation Strike


10 FDNYNEWS

A New Face for Families in NeedDr. Suzanne Sebert named as new Assistant Commissioner for the FAU

Assistant Commissioner SuzanneSebert wants her phone number tobe on your speed dial.

The new Commissioner of the FamilyAssistance Unit (FAU) wants to spreadthe word that FDNY members and theirloved ones can call her office wheneverthey need help.

“We are the first phone number fami-lies can call for assistance,” she said.“This unit has a strong reputation forhelping the members of the Departmentwhenever they are in need.”

After taking the helm of the unit inDecember, Assistant CommissionerSebert said she has made visits to hospi-tals and support groups, to see firsthandthe stress FDNY families experience as aresult of an illness or death.

“Everything said about the FireDepartment being family-oriented istrue,” she said. “It’s even more true whentragedy strikes.”

Before she even had the chance to set-tle in her new position, Assistant Com-missioner Sebert began helping distributethe $10.5 million collected by the U.S.Postal Service for the families of thoselost on September 11, 2001. She has alsostarted preparations for the fifth anniver-sary of the September 11th attacks.

The job is stressful, but, she said, she

knew immediately that she would love it.“I just looked at the job description

and thought the job and me have a lot incommon,” she said.

Before coming to the FDNY, theAssistant Commissioner worked for Pro-ject Orbis International’s DC-10 FlyingEye Hospital Program, providing medicaltreatment and eye surgery for people fac-

ing blindness in the developing world. Prior to that she worked for AFS Inter-

cultural Programs and served for morethan 15 years as the Director of Commu-nity Services in Knox County, Tennessee.She also taught undergraduate and gradu-ate courses in political science and gov-ernment relations at the University ofMaryland, University of Minnesota andUniversity of Tennessee.

She said the position as AssistantCommissioner of the FAU appealed to herbecause it would enable her to supportindividuals whom she “deeply respectsand admires.”

Assistant Commissioner Sebert holds aPh.D. and Master’s degree in SocialResearch and Political Science, as well asa Bachelor’s degree in Political Science,from the University of Michigan.

The Family Assistance Unit (FAU)provides transportation, counselingand referrals for all FDNY families in need. Members of the Unit are

available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for anyone

who needs help. They can be reachedat (718) 999-1473 or

[email protected].

Assistant CommissionerSuzanne Sebert

Brendan Cawley, became trapped abovethe fire, and were forced to jump from thefourth-floor window.

Lieutenant Meyran was remembered asa skilled officer who had a passion for thejob. The 15-year veteran of the FDNY wascited twice for bravery during his career.

“In the Fire Department, the officersare on the fire floor with their company,”Commissioner Scoppetta said. “They arefirst in and last out. Curt Meyran was agood officer and a good man. That’s whyhe found himself on the top floor of thatBronx tenement.”

Jeanette Meyran, Lieutenant Meyran’swife, spoke lovingly of her husband and

the life they shared with their three chil-dren, Dennis, Danine and Angela.

She recalled his penchant for nick-names, his love of practical jokes and hispassion for firefighting.

“Every day was an adventure with Curtso I am not here to eulogize him; I am hereto celebrate him,” she said.

Lieutenant Meyran’s 11-year-olddaughter, Angela, read a poem she wroteto honor her father’s memory.

“I knew when the people had trouble,Dad was there to lend a hand,” she read.

Similarly, Eileen Bellew, the widow ofLieutenant John Bellew, said she wassaddened by the milestones her husbandmissed over the past year; yet she knewhe was in heaven, smiling down on hisfour children: Brielle, Jack, Katreana andKieran.

She noted that he, too, loved being afirefighter.

He joined the Department 10 years agofollowing a successful career on WallStreet. At the time of his death, the fire-fighter was 24 names away from beingpromoted to lieutenant. CommissionerScoppetta posthumously promoted him inApril last year.

“[Lieutenant Bellew] loved being afirefighter,” the Commissioner noted.“The strength, the commitment and therespect between firefighters was one of theprincipal reasons John loved this job.”

Terry Bellew, the firefighter’s brother,agreed, “These men were doing what theyloved when they met their fate.”

The family then played a video show-

Remembering Three Heroes(Continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 12)


11FDNYNEWS

New York’s Shield of ProtectionBureau of Fire Prevention Graduates 20 Inspectors

On December 29, a new group ofFire Protection Inspectors weresworn in and assigned a daunting

job: to protect all New Yorkers.“You know that most fires are preventa-

ble. So, being a Fire Protection Inspectorwill put you at the very front of our fire pre-vention efforts,” Fire CommissionerNicholas Scoppetta said to the 20 gradu-ates. “It has been said time and again thatthe best way to fight fires is to preventthem, and as Fire Protection Inspectors inour Bureau of Fire Prevention, you are ide-ally situated to turn that idea into a reality.”

The ceremony at Fire Headquarters wasfilled with family and friends who cheeredand held up large signs congratulating thegraduates.

Fire Protection Inspectors examine

commercial occupancies throughout thefive boroughs. These men and women areassigned to different divisions, and take ondistinctive roles, such as boiler and rangehood inspectors. All inspectors check forpermits and can issue violations.

In 2005, Fire Protection Inspectors con-ducted more than 219,000 total inspectionsand test witnesses, and issued nearly45,000 enforcement actions (not includingsummonses). This generated more than $50million in fines, fees and penalties.

“The mission of the Fire Department isto prevent loss of life and property,” Chiefof Department Peter Hayden said. “Andthat really starts with preventing fires fromhappening. What you do is important toprotecting the people of this City and ourmembers.”

And this class of Inspectors wasdescribed as unique. They hailed fromseven different countries and had widelydiverse career histories. But, as class Vale-dictorian Richard Mattaliano said, they allhad a common goal: “We all wanted to beFire Inspectors because we want to protectpeople. And I’m determined to make themost of this appointment.”

And as each Inspector received his andher certificates, they were reminded of theimportance of the work they do every day.

“You are dedicated professionals whoact as our eyes and ears on the ground, con-ducting inspections and enforcing compli-ance,” Commissioner Scoppetta said. “Thatis the essence of Fire Prevention and a crit-ical part of what we do here at the FireDepartment.”

It was a day hundreds came out to cel-ebrate strong leadership.

Fire Promotions on December 19marked the advancement of one deputyassistant chief, seven captains and 25lieutenants at the Fire Academy on Ran-dall’s Island.

“With these promotions, each of youtakes your place among the ranks of aselect few, among the men and womenwho lead our efforts to protect the largestand most complex city in the world,” FireCommissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said.“This means helping the firefighters youwork with find their place within theDepartment, keeping them safe whenoperating on the fireground, showingthem how to respect this Department’straditions, its rules and its regulations, andholding yourself to a higher standard, soyou can lead by example.”

The crowd roared as each member wascalled to the stage to accept his and hernew positions. Many said they were par-ticularly happy to see the promotion ofDeputy Assistant Chief James Manahan, a27-year veteran of the Department.

“He has distinguished himselfat every assignment and at everyrank with his intelligence and hiscommitment to excellence,” Com-missioner Scoppetta said. “ChiefManahan is a credit to the Depart-ment and a credit to his family.”

DAC Manahan said he alwaysworked hard to make his father, aformer Battalion Chief, proud.

He added that he had to thinkhard about leaving “the best job inthe FDNY” for his new post.However, he chose to move up inthe ranks because he said, “I havea such a strong commitment tothis Department.”

Also promoted was Lieutenant LouisMancuso, son of former UFA PresidentNick Mancuso, and Lieutenant MichaelFrancese, son of retired Battalion ChiefJohn Francese, who served as Chief ofPersonnel for more than 10 years.

Lieutenant Adrienne Walsh was alsopromoted during the ceremony. She saidshe was thrilled to be moving up in theranks, and thanked her friends and familyfor all the support they have given her.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have somany people here cheering me on,” shesaid.

Chief of Department Peter Haydenmade sure to leave the newly promotedmembers with a little advice before theytook their new posts: “Whatever yourposition is, you should strive for excel-lence. And always do the right thing. Itmay not be the most popular thing; but ifyou do the right thing, you’ll always dowell.”

Moving UpDivision Chief James Manahan promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief

On December 19, 33 members of the Departmentwere promoted in a ceremony at the FDNY TrainingAcademy on Randall's Island.

FDNYNEWS

F D N Y1865-2006

A 141 YEAR HISTORYOF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION


FRANCIS X. GRIBBONDEPUTY COMMISSIONER

S. PAUL ANTONELLIPUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

EMILY RAHIMIEDITOR

ANDREA DELLA MONICAWRITER

THOMAS ITTYCHERIAGRAPHICS / LAYOUT

SFM RALPH BERNARD, RANDY BARRON, PARAMEDIC OCTAVIO COLLADO,

FF BEN COTTON, FF SHKENDI DEMIRI, FF CHRIS LANDANO, KRISTIAN PORTELLA, HEATHER SMITH

FDNY 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

FEBRUARY 2006

Queens Box 7850, January 16, 2006: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and RooseveltAvenue. A gasoline tanker carrying 800 gallons of gasoline overturned on the BQE andburst into flames. It took firefighters nearly four hours to bring it under control. The fireshut down the Queens portion of the highway, in both directions, for most of the day.The driver of the truck escaped without injury.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

casing smiling photos of John Bellew withhis family and friends.

“Remember to take the time to hug,kiss and smile at the ones you love,”Eileen Bellew added.

***

Firefighter Richard Sclafani wasremembered as a go-getter who was

always willing to go the extra mile. Dur-ing his plaque dedication ceremony, hun-dreds paid tribute to the man known as “atough guy with a teddy-bear personality.”

The streets outside Ladder 103 in EastNew York, Brooklyn were lined with fire-fighters who came to celebrate the life oftheir comrade.

Surrounded by dozens of photographsof Firefighter Sclafani on the job, Com-missioner Scoppetta said, “He will be for-ever remembered for his selfless courageand commitment to protect and save thelives of others.”

While searching for victims at thescene of a fire at 577 Jerome Street, Fire-fighter Sclafani became separated fromhis crew. He was found unconscious andin respiratory arrest on the cellar staircase,and died a short time later.

Dozens of family members attendedthe emotional ceremony, remembering hisenthusiasm and the joy he brought to thosearound him.

“I have always felt the strength of mybrother,” said his sister, Joanne Sclafani-

Asch. “We will always love him and wewill never forget.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg held handswith Firefighter Sclafani’s mother, Joan,during the emotional tribute to her son.

Commissioner Scoppetta said thatwhile Firefighter Sclafani was “first andforemost a son and a brother, he also choseto become a member of a second family –the New York City Fire Department.”

The firefighter began his career withthe FDNY in October 1994. And CaptainCasey Politi of Ladder 103 said he was“an asset to this company and to theDepartment.”

Describing him as an overachiever whowas always willing to pitch in, he added,“I was always pleased to see his name on

the riding list when I came to work. It wasalways an honor and a pleasure to workwith him.”

And as the tearful ceremony came to aclose, Mayor Bloomberg noted, “Everyday, firefighters risk their lives for peoplethey’ve never met. January 23rd was nodifferent. These men will always beremembered as heroes.”

Remembering Three Heroes(Continued from page 10)

Joanne Scalfani-Asch (far right) and her mom, Joan, remember Firefighter RichardSclafani, who made the Supreme Sacrifice on January 23, 2005. Moments later, a plaquebearing his name was unveiled in the quarters of Ladder 103 in East New York.

plaque dedications honor three ... - city of new york

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