FDNY members gathered in Brook-lyn on August 2 to remember sixfirefighters who died in the Wald-

baum’s fire 30 years before.More than 200 people, including the

victims’ families and firefighters whoresponded to the fire that day, made thesolemn walk from the quarters of Engine276/Ladder 156 to the Church of St.Brendan’s in Gravesend, for a poignantmemorial service.

“These were brave, great men,” saidretired Lt. Tom Higgins, who was a pro-bationary firefighter at Ladder 156 whenhe responded to the Waldbaum’s fire.“I’m happy I can be here.”

Retired Firefighter Gene Bruno, whowas a member of Ladder 156 at the timeof the fire, remembered the six membersas “good friends,” adding “every year Icome to this service, I’m here for the fam-ilies.”

The fire began on August 2, 1978, in ahallway near the compressor room ascrews were renovating the Brooklynsupermarket, and quickly escalated to afourth-alarm. Less than an hour after thefire was first reported, nearly 20 firefight-ers were on the roof when the central por-tion gave way, plunging 12 into the

flames. Six firefighters were

killed, including Lt. JamesE. Cutillo, Battalion 33;Firefighter Charles S. Bou-ton, Ladder Company 156;Firefighter Harold F. Hast-ings, Battalion 42; Fire-fighter James P. McManus,Ladder Company 153;Firefighter William O’Con-nor, Ladder Company 156;and Firefighter George S.Rice, Ladder Company153.

Additionally, 34 fire-fighters, one emergencymedical technician and oneEmergency Services policeofficer were injured in thefire.

The tragedy is remembered as one ofthe worst disasters in the New York CityFire Department’s 143-year history.

“This service has been held for the 30

years since the tragedy and I hope it willcontinue for the next 30 years,” saidMsgr. John Delendick. “The memory ofthis fire should never die, the memory ofthese six men should never be forgotten.”

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

AUGUST 2008

Commissioner’s Message Page 2Rescues Pages 12-14Profile of the Month Page 15Photo of the Month Page 16

FDNY Remembers: 30th Anniversary of the Tragic Waldbaum’s Fire

(Top) The Honor Guard leads the walk from the quartersof Engine 276/Ladder 156 to the Church of St. Brennan'sfor a ceremony remembering the six firefighters who diedin the Waldbaum's fire 30 years ago.(Bottom) Retired Firefighter Tom Higgins (far right) was aproby at Ladder 156 when he responded to the Wald-baum's fire.

This report recommends additionalchanges, including the FDNY’s devel-opment of an automated, computer-based system that facilitates the sharingof inspection data throughout theagency, as well as with DOB and DEP.

We are already redesigning these inspection systems tocreate a single, comprehensive database containing allFDNY-related information about every building in NewYork City. This new Business Intelligence System beingdeveloped by IBM will incorporate historical data, andreplace some current data storage and tracking systems thatwere created at different times to collect information fordifferent purposes.

This plan has all the right elements – enhanced informa-tion sharing, cross-training, new technology to improveaccountability, and new protocols and regulations toimprove safety. The Department will implement these rec-ommendations and continue to do everything possible tohelp ensure that a tragedy like 130 Liberty St. never hap-pens again and that Lt. Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddiadid not die in vain.

Fire Department staff who were part of the report’s work-group included Legal Affairs Deputy Commissioner DonShacknai, Strategic Planning and Policy Deputy Commis-sioner Bill Eimicke, Chief of Operations Patrick McNally,Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention Richard Tobin and Inter-governmental Affairs Associate Commissioner CarolineKretz.

You can read the report in its entirety at www.nyc.gov.

COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE2

ViewPoint

Commissioner’s Message

Aseries of changes in the way demolition and abate-ment operations are regulated and carried out inNew York City were announced on July 16 and

outlined in a new report entitled, Strengthening the Safety,Oversight and Regulation of Demolition and AbatementOperations. The release of this report carries special signif-icance to the FDNY, because it was created in response tothe deaths of two brave FDNY members – Lt. JosephGraffagnino and Firefighter Robert Beddia – at theDeutsche Bank fire a year ago this month.

The report details 33 specific recommendations for theDepartment of Buildings, Department of EnvironmentalProtection and FDNY to coordinate and strengthen the prac-tices of City agencies, improve notifications between agen-cies, add new oversight, and ensure that the inspection andpermitting process make fire safety a priority.

In the wake of the tragedy at 130 Liberty St., a work-group was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to con-duct a comprehensive review of city policies, inspectionsrequirements and procedures relating to oversight andresponsibility at sites where construction demolition andabatement work were being done. The workgroup waschaired by Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler and the FDNY playedan active part as a member of the workgroup.

We came up with these 33 recommendations to encour-age enforcement efforts focusing on common fire- and life-safety concerns – regardless of which agency is working ata site – creating a fully coordinated, systematic approach toimprove overall safety at all these sites.

And already 31 of the 33 recommendations have beenimplemented or are underway.

Immediately following the fire, we conducted our owninternal review of the uniformed inspection program andmade a number of significant enhancements to the program,which has increased the timely inspections of high-rise con-struction and demolition sites.

Mayor and FDNY Announce Changes to Strengthen Safety, Oversight and Regulation of Construction,

Demolition and Abatement Operations in New York City

3

August 2008

FDNYNEWS

It was a ceremony to celebrate the lifeof a firefighter who was the definitionof a hero and loved by all who knew

him.A plaque dedication and street renam-

ing ceremony honoring Firefighter DanielF. Pujdak of Ladder 146 was held at thequarters of Engine 229/Ladder 146 onJune 22. Firefighter Pujdak made theSupreme Sacrifice while operating at anall-hands fire in Brooklyn on June 21,2007.

“We are proud to have known Danny,honored to have worked with him andheartbroken to have lost him,” said Cap-tain Jerry Horton of Ladder 146.

He described the firefighter as “hardworking, brave, polite and responsible,”adding that “he always took that extrastep and never was one to back downfrom a challenge.”

During the emotional ceremony aplaque was dedicated in Firefighter Puj-dak's honor, which will be hung on thewall of the apparatus floor of his fire-house. A street sign bearing his name alsowas unveiled on the corner of Richardsonand Leonard Streets.

“You have lived through all of us whoyou have touched so deeply,” said LeoPujdak, the firefighter's father, who wasjoined at the ceremony by his mother,Christina, brothers, Matthew and David,and girlfriend, Vanessa Pschirrer. “Danielgifted me, making me a better person giv-ing me golden insights that will take alifetime to absorb – not because he died,but because of how he lived.”

Leo Pujdak thanked the members ofEngine 229/Ladder 146 for nodding orwaving as they passed by his family overthe last year: “You did so much more withthose gestures than you could imagine.You honored Daniel and comforted us.”

Matthew Pujdak, who became a fire-fighter in August 2007, said he alwayscarries his brother’s badge with him.

“He’s my hero,” he said. “I carry himin my heart.”

His mother added, “He was a great kidand a hard worker, who loved being afirefighter.”

During the ceremony, the familyplayed a song by Ronan Tynan (who wasin attendance) entitled, Into the Fire.

“He put himself in harms way so thatothers might live,” said Mayor MichaelBloomberg. “The Department, this com-munity and this city will always remem-ber Daniel Pujdak with gratitude andpride.”

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppet-ta echoed the sentiments, saying, “Thename Daniel Pujdak will take its place onthis wall so that generations of firefight-ers will hear this story and remember thisgreat man.”

Firefighter Pujdak joined the FDNYin September 2005.

“Thank you to the members of Engine229/Ladder 146 for living up to theDepartment's promise that we will alwaysbe there for the Pujdak family,” Chief ofDepartment Salvatore Cassano said.

Firefighters said that they always willtell others of Firefighter Pujdak’s heroismand generosity.

“Danny’s image represents that of agreat firefighter,” said Firefighter GeneShramm of Ladder 146. “Strength, courageand respect for the people he worked with,his community and his family.”

Remembering a HeroPlaque Dedication and Street Renaming Honoring Firefighter Daniel Pujdak

(Top) Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Chief ofDepartment Salvatore Cassano join the Pujdak family - including his parents, Leo andChristina, and brothers, Matthew and David - as a plaque is unveiled in the Firefight-er Daniel Pujdak's honor at the quarters of Engine 229/Ladder 146 in Brooklyn.(Bottom) The corner of Richardson and Leonard Streets in Brooklyn is renamed Fire-fighter Daniel F. Pujdak Street.

FDNYNEWS4

ViewPoint

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scop-petta, Chief of Department Salva-tore Cassano and members of the

FDNY Law Department received aproclamation from the International CodeCouncil (ICC) on July 31, commendingthe work they have done to change theNew York City Fire Code.

“It is truly an honor that you havecome out today to acknowledge thisimportant project,” said CommissionerScoppetta. “These changes were longoverdue and will be a legacy for thisadministration.”

Among the FDNY members com-mended were Counsel to the DepartmentJulian Bazel and Director of the CodeRevision James Hansen, both of whomspearheaded the project.

“We admire your commitment to pub-lic and firefighter safety in the City ofNew York,” said Vice President of FireService Activities for the ICC Jim Tid-well, who was joined at the event by FireService Activities Regional ManagerBruce Johnson.

The new Fire Code for New York Citywas approved by the City Council on May28, replacing a code that had been in oper-ation for more than 100 years.

The Code is based on the InternationalFire Code with amendments to addressNew York’s urban needs. Among themany changes is a requirement that the

code be reviewed every three years, toensure amendments will be made whennecessary.

FDNY Honored by International Code Council for New Fire Code

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg andFire Commissioner NicholasScoppetta formally announced

on July 14 a new ambulance responseprotocol in which EMS members willgive victims of sexual assault the optionof being transported to one of 19 hospitalsoffering specialized care and counseling.

The new protocol was announced at apress conference at North Central Hospi-tal in the Bronx where the Mayor wasjoined by Chief of Department SalvatoreCassano and Chief of EMS John Perug-gia.

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner(SAFE) Programs are operated 24-hours aday and include comprehensive medicalmanagement for the victims of sexual

assault, as well as forensic examinationsfor evidence collection and expert testi-mony.

These centers also offer specializedequipment to detect and document injury,dedicated examination and shower rooms,trained advocates, and full-time socialworkers for follow-up counseling servic-es and emotional support.

In the year prior to the program imple-mentation (June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008)48 percent of the sexual assault victimstransported by the FDNY EMS Commandwent to SAFE Centers.

The new protocol now will be offeredby all ambulance service providers in theCity’s 911 system to patients age 12 andolder, who are stable and identify them-

selves as victims of sexual assault.“The Fire Department in recent years

has introduced a number of new ambu-lance response protocols aimed atimproving our EMS system by transport-ing patients to designated hospitals thatoffer advanced services for specific typesof medical emergencies,” said FDNYChief of Department Salvatore Cassano.“This new program will ensure that sexu-al assault victims now receive enhancednew services and care at designated facil-ities, and we are proud to partner with theMayor’s office, participating hospitalsand the advocacy groups who haveworked so hard to make this new programa reality.”

Mayor Announces New Response Protocol for Sexual Assault VictimsNew procedure will help EMS provide optimal care to victims

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Chief of Department Salvatore Cassanoreceive a proclamation from the International Code Council's Vice President of Fire Ser-vice Activities Jim Tidwell, commending the work the FDNY has done to change the NewYork City Fire Code.

5

August 2008

FDNYNEWS

Heroes Welcome276 probationary firefighters graduate from Academy

The FDNY celebrated a long tradi-tion of courage and pride on June30 as 276 probationary firefighters

graduated from the Fire Academy.“You are each making a commitment

to this city that goes above and beyondthe call of duty and I think it speaks to thefuture of New York,” said Mayor MichaelBloomberg during the ceremony atQueens College. “These are the peoplewho really are the best of the best and thebravest of the Bravest.”

Among the graduates were 35 mem-bers of the U.S. armed forces, includingProbationary Firefighter Christopher Lit-tle, who is currently serving a tour of dutywith the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq.

His family, Mike and Pat, as well as hisgirlfriend, Tricia, attended the ceremonyin his absence. All of the dignitaries andgraduates wore yellow ribbons and a seatwas left empty in his honor.

The class also included two sets ofbrothers – Probationary FirefightersEduardo and Hugo Diaz and Thomas andGerard Sheehan. Another class member,Probationary Firefighter MatthewSweeney, is the brother of FirefighterBrian Sweeney of Rescue 1, who died inthe line of duty on September 11, 2001.

“Today you join the best and mosthighly regarded fire service there is, barnone,” said Fire Commissioner NicholasScoppetta. “Today you pledge to protectthe millions of people who live and workin one of the greatest cities in the world. Itis a day to be proud and to look toward thefuture with hope and resolve.”

This is the second class to receive theexpanded 23-week training program atthe Department’s Fire Academy locatedon Randalls Island.

With 10 weeks of training added to theprevious 13-week program, the proba-tionary firefighters learn a variety of fire-fighting techniques aimed at increasingfirefighter safety, including hazardousmaterials training.

And the class already has put theirskills to the test. Fire units praised Proba-tionary Firefighter Taylor Murphy forhelping at the scene of a serious accident

that he witnessed while driving homefrom work, stabilizing the victims andassisting the responding units.

“You have all worked hard to get hereand you have so much more to learn,”said Chief of Department Salvatore Cas-sano. “All the lessons and procedures youhave been taught need to now becomesecond nature to you for you to succeed.”

The class also was hailed for its gen-erosity. They raised money for theCharleston Fire Department, which lostnine firefighters in 2007, and ArmyRanger Corporal Chris Levy, who lostboth legs while serving in Iraq.

They also assembled care packagesand phone cards to send to troops in Iraqand Afghanistan, and volunteered forevents such as the Special Olympics and a

memorial at the Brooklyn Wall ofRemembrance.

Probationary Firefighter ShaunScheurer was named valedictorian, Pro-bationary Firefighter Gerard Reilly wassalutatorian and the Physical FitnessAward was given to Probationary Fire-fighter Joseph Fronio.

“What makes this the best job in theworld is being able to help people,” saidProbationary Firefighter Scheurer.

He thanked his instructors at the Acad-emy for motivating him and his class-mates, joking as he addressed the crowdof hundreds, “it is because of all of themthat I would feel more comfortable in aburning building than I do here and now.”

(Above) Probationary

firefighters givethe Count on

Deck.(Right)

The 276 newprobationary

firefighterswere one of thefirst classes to

receive 23-weeks of train-ing at the Fire

Academy.

FDNYNEWS6

ViewPoint

Safer CitySeven Community Emergency Response Teams Graduate

Seven Community EmergencyResponse Teams (CERTs), includ-ing 159 volunteers hailing from all

five boroughs, graduated during a cere-mony at FDNY Headquarters on July 24.

The federal program trains communitymembers to prepare for, respond to andrecover from emergencies in their neigh-borhoods.

“I know the excellent work you do,because I have seen you out thereresponding to real emergencies,” saidDeputy Mayor Ed Skyler, who noted hehas seen CERTs assisting at the UpperEast Side crane collapse and the blackoutin Queens.

Numerous fire and EMS officers serveas instructors for the 11-week program,which teaches volunteers about disasterpreparedness for hazards that may impacttheir area and trains them in basic disasterresponse skills, such as fire safety, lightsearch and rescue, team organization anddisaster medical operations.

CERT members also are encouraged tosupport emergency response agencies bytaking a more active role in emergencypreparedness projects in their community.

“As you know, this city is unpre-dictable and ever-changing, so your

preparation and knowledge is critical –not only in responding to emergencies,but also in helping prevent them in thefirst place,” said Fire CommissionerNicholas Scoppetta.

CERTs were first organized in NewYork City five years ago by the Office of

Emergency Management (OEM). Todaythe city has 63 teams, with more than1,000 members.

“All of us, and the people of this greatcity, appreciate what you do,” said OEMCommissioner Joseph Bruno.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta addresses seven graduating Community Emer-gency Response Teams.

Thirty eight West Point MilitaryAcademy cadets shadowed FDNYEMS members on July 14 and 15

as part of the prestigious university’s newCadet Medial Intensive Training (CMIT)program.

The summer elective program includescertification as a nationally registeredEMT and military certification as a Com-bat Life Saver – which is military levelmedical training.

“For a lot of us, our job will involvecombat arms, so it’s important for us toknow how to treat a soldier that’sinjured,” said Cadet Ty Lin, a senior fromSan Francisco, Calif.

He shadowed EMTs Kevin Stringfield

and Erik Korzeniewski fromStation 10.

“All the cadets were verymotivated,” said EMT String-field, a 19-year veteran of theCommand. “I wish we couldkeep [Cadet Lin]. The three ofus would be unstoppable.”

EMT Bruny Ortega fromStation 10 said she and herpartner, EMT Alexander Martin,had Cadet Bryan Lee takingvitals and performing basictasks while out on a medicalrun.

“He did really well, it was great tohave an extra set of hands on the ambu-

lance and it’s a great learning experiencefor him,” said EMT Martin, who has near-ly 20 years on the job.

West Point Cadet Ty Lin (center) shadowed FDNYEMTs Kevin Stringfield (left) and Erik Korzeniewskifrom Station 10.

Military Training: West Point Cadets Shadow

7

August 2008

FDNYNEWS

Celebrating HeroesFDNY hosts joint EMS promotion and graduation ceremony

Three EMS members were promot-ed to the rank of captain and 50paramedics graduated from the

EMS Academy during a ceremony atPolyTech University in Brooklyn on July2.

“You are about to embark on whatmight be the most exciting and challeng-ing period of your professional lives,”said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scop-petta.

Chief of Department Salvatore Cas-sano added: “The service you provideallows the Department to say it is secondto none when it comes to keeping citizensand our firefighters safe.”

The three captains represent a com-bined 50 years of service to the city.

“In New York City our EMS Com-mand saves lives and we help people –that’s what we do 100 percent of thetime,” said Chief of EMS John Peruggia.

Among the graduates were five whomade pre-hospital cardiac saves prior totheir graduation – Paramedics Man WaiLaw, Josette Esquivas, Joshua Frumer,Katlyn Kang and Brendan Konrad – andone – Paramedic Andrew Clute – whodelivered a baby while on duty.

Paramedic Law said his outstandingtraining was the reason he was able tosave the life of a victim who went into

cardiac arrest while suffering an asthmaattack.

“Without hesitation I knew exactlywhat to do,” he said.

Paramedic Kang said she, too, wasprepared to respond when one of her vic-tims, suffering from multiple chronic ail-ments, went into cardiac arrest.

She said she was thrilled to learn herpatient had survived, saying that withevery one she treats, “I just hope this per-son comes back with a pulse and is able towalk out of the hospital.”

Also graduating were two veterans ofthe U.S. Military, Paramedics JasminScott (Army) and Latoya Darden (AirForce).

As the pair celebrated their graduation,they said they found the training chal-lenging, but Paramedic Scott noted that itwas all worth it.

“When you get a patient to the hospi-tal, and you know [his or her] condition isimproving, it’s the most amazing feeling,”she said.

The new paramedics speak more than11 languages, including Cantonese,French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew,

Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Russian andSpanish.

Four members have relatives who haveserved with the FDNY, including Para-medic Michael Toomey whose father,Firefighter John Toomey of Ladder 123,was killed in the line of duty.

The class valedictorian was ParamedicJosh Garber and class speaker was Para-medic William Rich, who asked his class-mates to join him in giving their family,friends and instructors, “the loudest,proudest, most thunderous cheer” for allof their support.

DO YOU HAVE AGREAT STORY

TO SHARE?HOW ABOUT

AN UPCOMING EVENT?

EMAIL THE VIEWPOINT AT

RAHIMIE@FDNY.NYC.GOV.

Cadet Lee, a junior from Anaheim,Calif., said he was thrilled to have theopportunity to follow the professionals.

“There’s only so much you can learnfrom lectures and handling dummies,” hesaid.

Cadet Jody Chapman, a senior fromFayetteville, N.C., agreed: “People don’thave the opportunity to train like this, ina concrete jungle as opposed to a class-room.”

He shadowed Paramedics DanielMboh and Brian Murphy from Station10, who praised his skills in the field.

Paramedic Mboh added, “If they everneed to implement what they learned [inthe CMIT course], this experience willhelp them a lot.”

FDNY EMTs

FDNY EMS members take the Oath of Geneva during a joint graduation and promotionceremony.

FDNYNEWS8

ViewPoint

Seeing Life Through Someone Else’s EyesTwo Firefighters Accompany Visually Impaired Athletes During the NYC Triathlon

It may have been 93 degrees with 60percent humidity on July 20, but Fire-fighters Kevin White and Jeff Pellis

never noticed … they were more concernedwith jellyfish, potholes and tandem bicy-cles.

The firefighters each led a visually-impaired athlete in the 2008 New York CityTriathlon.

“It was one of the most rewarding thingsI’ve ever done,” said Firefighter White,who works at the Fitness Unit at the FireAcademy.

Firefighter White led Charles Plaskon,65, from Moriches, Long Island, and Fire-fighter Pellis accompanied 15-year-oldJacob Goldberg from Boca Raton, Fl., inthe challenging competition.

Each found their partner through the CDifferent Foundation, which creates oppor-tunities for visually-impaired athletes toparticipate in sporting events.

“I wasn’t sure to expect, but it workedout really well,” said Firefighter Pellis fromLadder 25. “[Jacob] was a great kid.”

The race began at W. 98th St. in Man-hattan at the Hudson River, with the 1,500meter swim.

Firefighter White was tethered toPlaskon, who is blind, by a four-footbungee cord, swimming a short distancebehind him to make sure the athleteremained safe and clear of the many swim-mers and jellyfish in the water.

Since Goldberg is visually-impaired,Firefighter Pellis just swam alongside himto ensure he stayed on course.

When they exited the River at W. 79thSt., they began the 40 kilometer bike ridethat took them north on the Henry HudsonHighway to the Mosholu Parkway andback. For safety, both firefighters led theway on a tandem bike.

Then they did the 10 kilometer runacross W. 72nd St. and into Central Park.

Again Firefighter White and Plaskonwere tethered with a bungee cord, the fire-fighter running just behind the extraordi-nary athlete.

“If there was a step or a person comingI’d just say ‘a little to the left or right,’”Firefighter White said. “I had to watch

carefully.”Firefighter Pellis ran alongside Gold-

berg, letting him know about the water sta-tions and major obstacles ahead.

“He would tell me how he felt through-out the race,” he said. “And he was havinga great time.”

Yet neither the firefighters, nor the visu-ally-impaired athletes, are strangers tophysically difficult competitions.

At just 15-years old, Goldberg alreadyhas run several Olympic distance races andhalf marathons, and placed first among thevisually-impaired male athletes at theTriathlon.

“You see someone that young and youdon’t know how much he’d be able to do,”said Firefighter Pellis, who has run morethan 10 triathlons himself. “But he alreadyhad so many races under his belt and camehere with a lot of confidence.”

Similarly, Plaskon has completed eightmarathons and placed third among theTriathlon’s visually-impaired athletes.

Firefighter White, who counted this ashis third triathlon, joked: “He kept sayingthe six mile run was nothing, he was readyto do another 20 miles.”

Firefighter White said he learned about

the C Different Foundation in February,when he and several other FDNY memberscompeted in a half marathon against theBroward County Fire Department in a Ft.Lauderdale, Fl.

He said he was inspired as he watchedseveral visually-impaired athletes compet-ing in the race and began speaking with CDifferent’s founder, Matt Miller.

After learning that the organization wasbringing athletes to New York City for theTriathlon, Firefighter White found numer-ous FDNY firefighters interested in volun-teering.

Among them was Firefighter Pellis,who said he jumped at the chance becausehis brother is visually impaired.

Both firefighters said they cannot waitto partner with the C Different Foundationagain. And although only two FDNY vol-unteers were needed for this race, they saidthere will be many other opportunities formembers to participate in the future.

“These athletes are such an inspiration,”said Firefighter White. “Being up closewith these incredible people, who can’t seebut are still able to bike and run in this race– well, you have no excuse for staying onthe couch after seeing them.”

(Left) Firefighter Jeff Pellis steers a tandem bike with visually-impaired competitorJacob Goldberg and (right) Firefighter Kevin White runs while tethered to blind athleteCharles Plaskon during the New York City Triathlon.

Twenty paramedics, EMTs and fire-fighters descended upon PS 177 onJuly 23, but they were not there to

tend to an injured student or extinguish adangerous fire.

In fact, there was no emergency at all. The FDNY members were there as

volunteers for Emergency Safety Day, afun-filled educational event designed toteach blind, visually-impaired, deaf orhearing-impaired children what to do incase of a medical or fire emergency.

“This was something we needed todo,” said EMS Lt. Maria Garcia of Station20, the event organizer who also serves asPresident of Parents of Blind Children ofNew York. “This population of childrenwas being overlooked.”

More than 150 children visited fiveeducational stations during the all-dayevent in Fresh Meadows, Queens. Theylearned about the work of paramedics,EMTs and firefighters and the equipmentthey use; toured an ambulance, fire truckand an EMS Major Emergency ResponseVehicle; practiced fire evacuation tech-niques in the FDNY’s Fire Safety House;and learned what to do when there wasany emergency in their home – includinghow to call 9-1-1.

The event was the brainchild of Lt.Garcia, a 17-year veteran of the EMSCommand, who said she realized her 12-year-old, legally-blind daughter, Elora,had never been taught what to do in anemergency.

After launching similar classes in otherstates and cities, Lt. Garcia integrated theFire Safety Education program currentlyoffered by the FDNY with health safetyinformation to create the FDNY’s firstEmergency Safety Day.

“Most people don’t put a lot of thoughtinto how these kids can help in an emer-gency situation,” said EMS Lt. Lisa Fre-itag of Station 39, whose 20-month olddaughter, Kailee Rose, is legally blind.

While fire units taught groups of chil-dren the difference between an engine anda ladder company, paramedics and EMTstaught them how to determine if someoneis in need of medical assistance and how

to get help.“We’re trying to teach

children about the kindsof vehicles we have andhow to access the 9-1-1system,” said ParamedicDave Gell from the EMSAcademy.

And it seems to beworking.

“I learned how tocheck someone’s pulse byfeeling their wrist,” said12-year-old EmmanuelArmstrong from IS 448,demonstrating his newskill.

Chalique Lewis, 12,from IS 448 said hisfavorite part of the daywas touring an ambulanceand looking through anEMS medical bag.

Kynasia Russell, 14,also of IS 448 added: “Inthe case of an emergencyI can call 9-1-1 now.”

Every FDNY memberat the event was a volun-teer, with many needingto go straight to workafterward.

Yet Paramedic DanielBellingham of Station 39,who has volunteered toteach CPR classes forblind adults in the past,said it was well worth thecommitment.

“It is cool workingwith kids, you can teachthem new things and theyalways have a great time,”he said smiling.

Lt. Garcia added, “Weoften find that our mem-bers get more out of thisthan the kids do.”

Read more about Emer-gency Safety Day coordi-nator Lt. Maria Garcia onpage 15.

9

August 2008

FDNYNEWS

Higher EducationFDNY Members Volunteer to Teach Emergency Safety Day

(Top) Paramedics and EMTs show students, parents andteachers the tools they carry in their trauma bags.(Bottom) Paramedic Dave Gill teaches children how to call9-1-1.

10

ViewPoint

A50-year-old member of theFDNY retired on July 15, to starta new career ... as an artificial reef

off the coast of New Jersey.The Smoke II, an FDNY Marine Unit

fireboat, was towed from the BrooklynNavy Yard to great fanfare as members ofthe unit remembered the boat’s rich histo-ry.

“This was a great boat and served thedivision well,” said Chief of MarineOperations James Dalton. “Now it willserve the public well in its new restingground.”

The Smoke II was built in NewOrleans, Louisiana, in 1958. It was 52 feetin length, pumped 2,000 gallons perminute and was equipped with two moni-tors (water nozzles).

The fireboat was commissioned to beused as the chief’s tender for all marineoperations and served as a command post.Later it was used as a backup for MarineUnit 6, the Kevin Kane.

After September 11, 2001, the SmokeII pumped water to the World Trade Cen-ter site following the attacks. The boatalso transported Fire Capt. Al Fuentesfrom the site to a trauma center in New

Jersey after he was rescued from the rub-ble.

The Smoke II now will be cleanedaccording to the guidelines of the AtlanticStates Marine Fisheries Commission –including having its engines, floatablematerials and electronics removed –

before it is sunk in the Sea Girt Reef, 3.8nautical miles northeast of the ManasquanInlet.

She will be sunk in 80 feet of water,and will be used as a dive site and to sup-port native marine life.

Fond FarewellSmoke II Retires from FDNY Marine Fleet

Smoke II (left) is towed from the Brooklyn Navy Yard as Marine Unit 6, the Kevin Kane,provides a farewell water display.

Retired Firefighter Vic Hershkowitz, knownas the Department’s most accomplished

athlete, died at a Florida hospital in late June atthe age of 89.

Hershkowitz joined the FDNY in April1950, assigned to Engine 327, after serving asa New York City police officer.

During his 23 years as an FDNY firefighter,he worked out of Engine Companies 9, 246 and319. He also spent several years on Ambulance#2 and #3, a special transport unit that droveinjured firefighters, before retiring in July1973.

Yet even before joining the Department,Hershkowitz was a legendary handball player,with many describing him as the “Babe Ruth ofhandball.”

He learned the game on the playgrounds ofWilliamsburg, Brooklyn, often playing withthe future Hall of Fame basketball coach Red

Auerbach and boxing promoter Jimmy Jacobs.In 1994 he told a reporter from the South Flori-da Sun-Sentinel he began playing handballbecause it was the only sport he could afford –only needing a black Spalding ball, a pair ofinside-out dress gloves and a concrete wall.

In his time off from the firehouse he wenton to become a handball superstar.

He won 23 singles and doubles handballchampionships and 12 national Masters titlesfrom 1942 to 1961, including a record nineconsecutive three-wall singles championshipsfrom 1950 to 1958.

He was inducted into the United StatesHandball Association Hall of Fame in 1957.

Hershkowitz is survived by his wife, JennieTartaglia, two children and two step children,as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Retired Firefighter, Handball Champion Dies

11

August 2008

FDNYNEWS

Big-Hearted HonorLt. Christopher DiBiase Honored for his Charity Work

Who says good guys always finishlast?

One big-hearted FDNY hero was hon-ored for his charity work on July 22 byYankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain andrepresentatives from Dunkin Donuts.

Lt. Christopher DiBiase of Battalion19 was awarded two tickets to the finalgame at Yankee Stadium and free DunkinDonuts iced coffee for a year for his ded-icated service to the Leary FirefightersFoundation.

For several years he has helped theorganization raise millions of dollarsthrough various fundraising events.

“This is a little surprising and a realhonor,” said a smiling Lt. DiBiase duringthe event at Engine 16/Ladder 7, notingthat he once worked at Ladder 55, located10 blocks from Yankee Stadium.

Technology UpgradeEngine 65 Receives Grant for New Equipment

Members of Engine 65received a $25,000grant on July 17 from

Kornreich-NIA and Fireman’sFund Insurance Company for thepurchase of new firefighting,training and exercise equipment.

“We have an obligation to ourfriends and family to returnhome with our health after everytour,” Lt. Thomas Byrne ofEngine 65 said during theannouncement at his firehouse.“This [grant] will help usachieve that goal. It will help usdo our job.”

The money is earmarked forthe purchase of tools that willhelp keep the firefighters safe,including a technology trainingpackage that will enable them tostudy high-profile locations intheir area and an elliptical exercisemachine that will keep them healthy.

Located in the heart of Midtown Man-hattan, the firehouse responds to morethan 5,000 calls each year, often to land-

marks like Times Square.“You can’t help but feel like a little kid

in a firehouse,” said Executive Vice Pres-ident Steve Parnes of Kornreich-NIA.“But the work firefighters do is serious,

not fun and games. We allrespect and admire you, andwe are grateful to be able tohelp you.”

The grant package is partof a nationwide programcalled Fireman’s Fund Her-itage®, which is funded byFireman’s Fund InsuranceCompany. The program isdesigned to provide neededequipment, training and edu-cational tools to local firedepartments.

Since 2004, Fireman’sFund has issued grants to hun-dreds of different departmentstotaling more than $17 million,including more than $200,000to the FDNY.

“Giving back to our com-munity is important to us,”

said Terry McCormick, Fireman’s FundRelationship Manager. “This is more thana check writing campaign, it’s buildingrelationships with fire departments acrossthe country.”

Members of Engine 65 received the $25,000 grant from represen-tatives from Kornreich-NIA and Fireman's Fund Insurance Com-pany for the purchase of new firefighting, training and exerciseequipment.

(L to R) Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, Lt. Christopher DiBiase, Fire Commis-sioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano and Chief of Oper-ations Patrick McNally share a joke as the generous Lieutenant is honored for his char-ity work.

FDNYNEWS12

ViewPoint

FDNY firefighters, paramedics andEMTs worked together on July 18 tosave the life of a 31-year old woman

in cardiac arrest.“It’s great for all of us to have the

chance to save someone so young,” saidFire Lt. Andrew Serra of Engine 231.

A call was received at 1:44 p.m. for awoman in cardiac arrest at 1709 East NewYork Ave.

Firefighters from Engine 231 were thefirst to arrive on the scene and were met bynervous neighbors who said the victim wasdiabetic and had suffered a seizure in theirsecond-floor apartment.

They quickly rushed to her aid andfound her face down on the living roomfloor, without a pulse.

Firefighter Chris Corbett, a former para-medic, immediately started cardiopul-monary resuscitation (CPR). FirefightersRyan McNamara and James Denn (detailedfrom Engine 332) assisted with chest com-pressions and rescue breathing as Firefight-er Brendan Mooney hooked up the auto-mated external defibrillator (AED).

The firefighters gave her two shockswith the AED to restore her heart rhythmand continued administering CPR.

Moments later, EMTs Peter Bilardelloand Jean Mary Baptiste from Station 44arrived and rushed to transport her to their

awaiting ambulance. EMT Bilardello said they continued

doing rescue breathing and chest compres-sions on the way out, and had to shock heragain with the AED.

As they loaded her into the ambulance,they were met by Paramedics BrendanKonrad and Ajay Sharma, from Station 39,who then intubated her. Paramedic Konradsaid she had a slow ventricular rate as theyrushed her to Brookdale University Hospi-tal and Medical Center, and had to shockher two more times.

By the time they arrived at the hospital,

she had a steady pulse. And she washealthy enough to be released from themedical center on July 22.

“Everyone worked so well together atthis job,” said Konrad, who was promotedto the rank of paramedic on July 8. He saidthis was his first cardiac save since beingpromoted.

EMT Bilardello said this, too, was hisfirst save since graduating from the EMSAcademy in April, “I’m happy I couldmake a difference. It feels really good toknow she’ll be OK.”

FDNY Firefighters and EMS Members Save Woman in Cardiac Arrest

Firefighters from Engine 231, paramedics from Station 39 and EMTs from Station 44worked together on July 18 to save the life of a young woman in cardiac arrest.

A12-year old girl who survived a 15-story fall down a chimney isexpected to make a full recovery

after firefighters rescued her on July 31. Although it’s unclear why the girl was

playing on the roof-top of the historicWestbeth Building at 55 Bethune St. inGreenwich Village, firefighters said theywere amazed to find the girl only had sus-tained two broken legs and minor headtrauma when they responded at around10:30 p.m.

A build-up of soot is credited for cush-ioning her fall, and ultimately saving herlife.

“I was very surprised when her handcame out from the access door of the chim-ney – I jumped back two feet,” said Lt.Simon Ressner of Ladder 12, who madethe initial contact with the girl. “She was

covered in soot, all youcould see were her eyes, andshe was visibly shaken-up,but we told her we weregoing to get her out.”

Firefighters immediatelyworked to stabilize the girland remove her from thenarrow shaft.

“The teamwork amongsteveryone on-scene wasgreat, whatever we needed itwas right there,” recalledFirefighter John Taliercio ofLadder 12 during a pressconference at Engine 3/Ladder 12 onAugust 1.

He said he put a collar around the girl’sneck before she was removed and trans-ported by EMS to Bellevue Hospital Cen-

ter in stable condition.“It’s miraculous, I just hope she gets

better,” said Lt. Ressner, looking back onan outcome that could have been muchworse. “It’s a great feeling to know she sur-vived.”

Firefighters Rescue Girl Who Fell 15 Stories

Lt. Simon Ressner of Ladder 12 describes how he andother members of Engine 3/Ladder 12 rescued a girl whosurvived a 15-story fall in Manhattan.

13

August 2008

FDNYNEWS

FDNY EMTs Jason Ruiz and Juan Rios risked their lives tosave a 31-year-old woman who fell onto the subway tracksin Brooklyn on July 15.

At 4 p.m., the EMTs received a call for a victim at the G train’sMyrtle and Willoughby Aves. station.

When they entered at Myrtle and Marcy Aves., they found awoman face down on the tracks, covered in dirt. Witnesses saidshe had suffered a seizure before falling onto the tracks and off-duty Firefighter Tim Hogan, of Engine 216, had jumped down toimmobilize her head.

Without knowing if the trains were stopped or the electricitywas turned off, the EMTs jumped onto the tracks to begin treat-ment.

“We just tried to stay away from the third rail,” said EMTRuiz. “You don’t think about the risks until afterwards.”

They used a neck brace and a long board to keep her from sus-taining further injury, and lifted her to the train platform wherethey gave her oxygen. The EMTs said she was semi-consciousand talking, but a little disoriented.

They transported her to Woodhull Medical and Mental HealthCenter in stable condition.

“We just jumped in and did what we had to do,” said EMTRios. “We didn’t think about our safety – just her.”

FDNY EMTs Save Woman Who Fell onto Subway Tracks

EMTs Jason Ruiz and Juan Rios saved a woman who fell on thesubway tracks in Brooklyn.

Firefighters fromEngine 287/Ladder136 saved an

unconscious man from asmoky apartment fire inon July 27.

“Here’s one casewhere not knowing thatsomeone was trapped, butstill entering the apart-ment and taking that riskreally paid off, and wewere able to save thisguy’s life,” said Lt. TimKeenan of Battalion 46working at Ladder 136.

Firefighters receivedthe call for a fire at 961-1597th Street at 8:50 p.m.

Although there were no reports oftrapped victims, members of Ladder 136found a chain lock was used on the doorof the fire apartment, indicating someonewas inside.

After forcing open the door, firefight-ers saw the smoke was down to the floor.It was dangerous to enter the apartmentwithout the protection of a hoseline, butthe firefighters knew that they needed toreach the victim quickly, so they put onbreathing apparatus and began their

search.Firefighter Ron Soltysik found an

unconscious man face down in a tighthallway between the bedroom and thebathroom.

“Any victim that is unconscious is dif-ficult to remove,” said FirefighterSoltysik.

So he turned the victim onto his backand placed a firefighter tool called web-bing around the man’s chest to help thempull him to the door.

There they were met byfirefighters from Engine 287,who helped quickly carry himto an awaiting ambulance.

Yet even though fire wasentering the hallway in whichthey were operating, firefight-ers said they knew the victimwas going to be removedswiftly.

“There was never amoment when we thought wewouldn’t get him out, and wewere going to do whatever itwould take to get him out,”

said Lt. Keenan. “The quickthinking of Firefighter Soltysikand the use of the webbing har-ness really enhanced our abilityto remove him before it was too

late.”FDNY EMS transported the victim to

North Shore – Forrest Hills Hospital instable condition. He suffered smokeinhalation, but is expected to make a fullrecovery.

Fire marshals determined the fire to beelectrical.

“They did a tremendous job,” Battal-ion Chief Robert McBride of Battalion46 said. “They definitely saved his lifewith their actions.”

Firefighters Pull Man from Queens Apartment Fire

Firefighter Ron Soltysik describes to the media how he and othermembers from Engine 287/Ladder 136 saved a man from an apart-ment fire.

FDNYNEWS14

ViewPoint

It was the FDNY at its best. Firefighters rescued six people

from a second-alarm apartmentfire in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, onJuly 1.

“This is an outstanding job – wecouldn’t have done better,” Lt. Vic-tor Spadaro of Ladder 157 said.

Dispatchers began receivingcalls at 2:19 a.m. for a fire at 1001Ocean Ave., with multiple callersindicating people were trapped.

Firefighters said when theyarrived, they found a heavy vol-ume of fire coming from a secondfloor apartment of the four-story,brick building.

They saw a man hanging off achild gate and were told a womanhad already jumped out a window. Thefirefighters also learned more people weretrapped in the apartment, so they quicklygrabbed their tools and entered the build-ing.

When they reached the second floorlanding, they said they saw fire shootingout the apartment door’s peep hole andaround the frame.

They forced open the door and weremet by a heavy volume of fire and smoke

that poured into the hallway.“Literally the whole apartment was on

fire,” said Lt. Spadaro.Lt. Paul Driscoll of Engine 255 said that

he and his team – Firefighters ChristopherCorrar, Damian Salatino, Thomas McNi-cholas, Brendan Ielpi (of Ladder 157) andStephen Laureno (of Engine 248) – madean aggressive push into the apartment toextinguish the fire as quickly as possible.

At the same time, members from Lad-der 157 – including Firefighters Chris

Ganci, Chris Neilson, KeithBerowski, Matt McDonald andMike Ryszetnyk – began tosearch for victims.

Three young boys weresaved by Lt. Spadaro, Fire-fighter Ganci and FirefighterNeilson inside the apartment,and Firefighter Berowski useda portable ladder to rescue apregnant woman from a win-dow.

Firefighters from Ladder113 also were able to rescuetwo other children from the fireescape connected to the apart-ment.

“This was the best rescueeffort I’ve ever witnessed in

person,” said Lt. Driscoll.Firefighter Corrar, who was among the

three firefighters injured in the fire, said“we had a job to do and we did the best wecould.”

Firefighter Ganci (whose father, Chiefof Department Peter Ganci, was killed on9/11) agreed, saying, “We got great direc-tion and I was just following their lead. Iwas just hoping to make a difference.”

Firefighters Rescue Family from Brooklyn Fire

FDNY EMTs Glenn Steinle and Jos-miry Rodriguez have only been with

the Department a year and a half and fourmonths respectively, but on August 8 theyperformed a unique rescue like seasonedveterans.

They saved a man in his 20s who hadfallen through a subway grate at Marcyand Willoughby Avenues in Brooklyn.

“We knew we had to get down there,get him out and get him to the hospitalright away,” said EMT Steinle. “We havereceived excellent training that allowedus to do that quickly and efficiently.”

The victim was walking to the subwayto go to work at around 8:50 a.m. whenthe grate gave way and he fell 10 feet intothe hole.

The EMTs arrived less than three min-utes after the call was received and founda police officer sitting with the victim.The young man was lying on his left sideatop the metal grate.

They said they grabbed a backboard

and jumped into thehole, assessing hiscondition and puttinghim in a neck brace.

He was a littleshaken and had minorabrasions, neck painand possible rib frac-tures, but he was inotherwise good con-dition.

“It seemed like hewas really lucky andfell just the right way[to avoid seriousinjury],” said EMTRodriguez.

Since he wasapproximately 6-feettall, they said it wasdifficult to removehim from the tight space, but managed topull him out quickly with the help ofresponding firefighters.

He was transported to Kings CountyHospital in stable condition.

FDNY EMTs Rescue Man Who Fell Through Subway Grate

FDNY EMTs Glenn Steinle and Josmiry Rodriguez saved a manwho fell through a subway grating in Brooklyn.

Lt. Victor Spadaro of Ladder 157 tells the media how his compa-ny rescued a family from a Brooklyn Apartment fire.

15FDNYNEWS

Lt. Maria Garcia, Educating Special Children

When EMS Lt. Maria Garcia’sfather fell ill in 2000, shewould often walk to his house

with her legally-blind daughter, Elora, tocare for him, sometimes leaving theyoung girl with him while she left to doerrands.

Yet she realized that if something wereto happen to her father while she wasaway, Elora would not know how to react.

“Would she know how to call 9-1-1,would she know what to say? No,” saidLt. Garcia of Station 20, who organizedEmergency Safety Day on July 23 formore than 150 blind, visually-impaired,deaf and hearing-impaired children. “Thispopulation of children was being over-looked. They were not being taught this inschool.”

So she began investigating emergencypreparation for visually-impaired andblind children. She helped organize sever-al safety education classes out of state,and began to develop a program that theFDNY could use.

“It would simply be adding medicaltraining to fire safety education,” she said.

While at a conference for the Parentsof Blind Children of New York, she metEMS Lt. Lisa Freitag of Station 39, whosedaughter, 20-month old Kailee Rose, islegally blind.

They joke that they have each workedfor the Department for years – Lt. Garcia

for more than 17 years and Lt. Freitag formore than 18 – but met through their chil-dren. The two became fast friends.

“It’s so wonderful that there are peoplelike her out there who want to help kidswith disabilities,” said Lt. Freitag as shepushed her sleeping daughter in a strollerduring Emergency Safety Day.

Lt. Garcia has held multiple positionsthat support these special children.

In 2004 she was honored with a com-munity service award by the Cosmopoli-tan Lions club in NYC, elected to the

board of the National Organization of Par-ents of Blind Children and asked to jointhe advisory board of Blind Line a tele-phone and internet service that providesinformation regarding resources for theblind in NYS. Then a year later she wasappointed by Public Advocate Betsy Got-baum to the Citywide Council on SpecialEducation.

She also has served as President of Par-ents of Blind Children of New York since2003. It is in partnership with this organi-zation that she started the FDNY’s Emer-gency Safety Day with two sessions inJuly.

She was able to rally 20 EMS and firevolunteers to help with the program andsaid she looks forward to conducting moreof these classes.

“This is something we can use as atemplate for the future,” she said, survey-ing the crowd of fascinated students onJuly 23.

Among the children involved in theeducation day was Elora, Lt. Garcia’s now12-year-old daughter, who was quick tohelp other students learn about how tostay safe. She now knows exactly what todo when someone is unconscious (try towake him or her and call 9-1-1) and howto wrap a bandage.

And Lt. Garcia hopes that every childin New York will be able to do the same.

August 2008Profile of the Month

Homerun!: FDNY members, friends and family celebrat-ed FDNY Night at a Brooklyn Cyclones game on July 25.Chief of Operations Patrick McNally threw the first pitch- kicking off a great game in which the Cyclones defeatedthe Staten Island Yankees with a score 5-2. The eighthannual event at KeySpan Park also included a memorialceremony at the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, a fire-boat water display, a performance by the FDNY Pipesand Drums band and fire safety education demonstra-tions. Children of FDNY members stood on the field nextto Cyclone players during the singing of the NationalAnthem by Firefighter Regina Wilson of Engine 219. Pro-ceeds from the night's ticket sales support the UniformedFirefighters Association Scholarship Fund, which givesthe families of active and deceased firefighters the oppor-tunity to receive higher education.

Lt. Maria Garcia

FDNYNEWS

F D N Y1865-2008

A 144 YEAR HISTORYOF COMMITMENT, COURAGE & COMPASSION

ViewPoint August 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

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

AUGUST 2008

Fire in the Bronx: Fire was reported at 550 E. 180 St. at 11:09 p.m. on August 6. Thefire was in the cockloft of a one-story, 150x175 taxpayer building and quickly grew toa fifth-alarm. A partial roof collapse occurred as a result of the fire before it wasbrought under control at 12:52 a.m. EMS transported 15 firefighters and five civilianswith minor injuries and one civilian in serious condition to local hospitals.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Upcoming Fundraisers Benefitting FDNY-Related Charities

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL MICHAEL J. OTTEN MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING AND DINNERHost: Michael J. Otten Memorial Scholarship Fund and Charity (FF Otten made the Supreme Sacrifice

on September 11)When: September 22, 2008Where: Swan Lake Golf Club, Manorville, NYSupports: College scholarships for graduates of East Islip and Deer Park high schools, as well as charities aiding chil-

dren and community enrichment programsMore info: www.michaelotten.org or email rotten@michaelotten.org or mrandazzo@michaelotten.org

BACK IN THE DAY DOO WOP FUNDRAISER HONORING FF MICHAEL KIEFERHost: Bud KieferWhen: October 12, 2008Where: Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NYSupports: FDNY Family Transport Foundation and the FDNY Firefighters Burn Center FoundationMore info: Bud Kiefer at (516) 485-5021

TWENTY THIRD ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNERHost: New York Police & Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit FundWhen: September 23, 2008Where: Hilton New York City Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NYSupports: The families of New York City’s firefighters, EMS members and police officersHonorees: Charles A. Davis, CEO of Stone Point Capital, LLC; Mark Messier, six-time Stanley Cup winner and mem-

ber of the NHL Hall of Fame; Harrison Ford, actor will receive the first J. Patrick ‘Paddy’ Burns Award More info: https://www.answerthecall.org/events/fundinvite.html