nfd2004

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

Recently EMTBRAVO Member "Bad Box" was interviewed in His Own Words regarding his story as a FDNY Member during the Attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked the very busy Ladder 123 in Brooklyn, Engine 75, Ladder 33 and Rescue 3 in the Bronx during his career. His father was a Battalion Chief in the 38 of Brooklyn.
I have actually never met "Bad Box" but I have talked to him several times on the phone. No doubt I have seen him in action during my many years of buffing and chasing the fires of Brooklyn and the Bronx. But I do what to say, "He is a True Gentleman, and somebody who I have the Highest respect for." His story is also in the book "In Their Own words" written by Firehouse Editor Harvey Eisner.
His video interview: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/09/11/3483179/it-was-a-war-zone-retired-fdny.html

I Agree. To all the Heros that so many of us take for granted in our daily lives. The police officers, the firefighters, the military, our nurses and our "911 Dispatchers". We can't live without you. Thank you for what you do and helping us in our time of need.

I Agree. To all the Heros that so many of us take for granted in our daily lives. The police officers, the firefighters, the military, our nurses and our "911 Dispatchers". We can't live without you. Thank you for what you do and helping us in our time of need.

Seems those guys sure gave up a lot to protect their Brothers jobs. Five percent reductions in pay, incentives, and staffing levels. I guess they show us what real Brotherhood is all about. EVERYBODY pays the price. I sure hope it is remembered and appreciated. And I hope in fairly short time, they will be able to regain what they have willing given up.

I don't very often do this but I would like to recommend an excellent book that I recently read. It is called; "By the Grace of God". This book was written by a woman named Jean Potter. She was working in the World Trade Center on the 81st floor in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. The day that America was attacked and a day we will never forget.
It is also about her husband Dan, a New York City Firefighter who saw that Tower Burning from over in Staten Island. He went to Manhattan to check on his wife, when the Tower Collapsed and his duty as a New York City Firefighter kicked in. It is the story of their survival and how they were renunited after hours of searching for each other.
I think the book sells for about $25.00 for a hard cover. But I do think it is available in soft cover too.

Went on the job in a small city in Connecticut in May, 1975. No formal training. Only thing the Capt told me was ride the back step and hang on tight. He then brought me up to the third floor attic area of the firehouse and told me to pick some gear that fits from a pile of used stuff. Of course Nothing really fit, but I took the best I could find in that junk pile. Then he brought me out and showed me how to tie into a hydrant.
One thing that helped me was that I had been a volunteer in a combination paid/volly dept. Those career guys (Fairfield, Ct) were Great. They gave us a lot of training, and the Capt of training would train us every Wednesday Night. Everything like air packs, hose handling, and ladders.
I was told that I had to put the flag out and take it in. And make sure there was always fresh coffee on the stove. Being thick skinned was certainly a requirement. The senior guys had no trouble telling you what they thought.
Around 1990 or so, we went to the new Bunker gear. I hated the stuff, but I know it was a lot safer. We also all got to carry our own radio on each shift. Before that, only the officers had portables.
I put in 30 years. Saw so many changes its hard to list them. One such change was that we used to watch the ambulance go by the firehouse for a heart attack victim. In those days you would respond to a trash can fire, but, NOT for a life threatening medical emergency. We were just starting to get EMTs on the Dept. I was one of the first. The older guys would say "We're Not doctors, we're Firemen". Now, in that 50 man dept, EVERYBODY IS an EMT.
In those days maybe we didn't go on medicals, but we sure went to a lot more fires.
I loved the job. When I retired it was like I had "Won the Lottery and Lost my Best Friend" at the same time. A bitter/sweet day. But I knew it was time. When everybody in the firehouse wasn't even born when I got on the job, I guess its time to go. So in January, 2004, I did.
Firefighting is certainly a young, strong persons job. No longer called "Firemen" they are called "Firefighters". Another major change to the fire dept during those years. We had our first lady "Firemen", I mean, "Firefighters".

Went on the job in a small city in Connecticut in May, 1975. No formal training. Only thing the Capt told me was ride the back step and hang on tight. He then brought me up to the third floor attic area of the firehouse and told me to pick some gear that fits from a pile of used stuff. Of course Nothing really fit, but I took the best I could find in that junk pile. Then he brought me out and showed me how to tie into a hydrant.
One thing that helped me was that I had been a volunteer in a combination paid/volly dept. Those career guys (Fairfield, Ct) were Great. They gave us a lot of training, and the Capt of training would train us every Wednesday Night. Everything like air packs, hose handling, and ladders.
I was told that I had to put the flag out and take it in. And make sure there was always fresh coffee on the stove. Being thick skinned was certainly a requirement. The senior guys had no trouble telling you what they thought.
Around 1990 or so, we went to the new Bunker gear. I hated the stuff, but I know it was a lot safer. We also all got to carry our own radio on each shift. Before that, only the officers had portables.
I put in 30 years. Saw so many changes its hard to list them. One such change was that we used to watch the ambulance go by the firehouse for a heart attack victim. In those days you would respond to a trash can fire, but, NOT for a life threatening medical emergency. We were just starting to get EMTs on the Dept. I was one of the first. The older guys would say "We're Not doctors, we're Firemen". Now, in that 50 man dept, EVERYBODY IS an EMT.
In those days maybe we didn't go on medicals, but we sure went to a lot more fires.
I loved the job. When I retired it was like I had "Won the Lottery and Lost my Best Friend" at the same time. A bitter/sweet day. But I knew it was time. When everybody in the firehouse wasn't even born when I got on the job, I guess its time to go. So in January, 2004, I did.
Firefighting is certainly a young, strong persons job. No longer called "Firemen" they are called "Firefighters". Another major change to the fire dept during those years. We had our first lady "Firemen", I mean, "Firefighters".

I certainly have to agree with you on this one "lad45der". I remember the incidents well. I think both rigs were hit by tractor trailer rigs. Stamford and Stratford on I-95 in Connecticut. No striping or vest would have helped there. Its a Miracle nobody was killed.
I think its all about salesmenship. I actually think some people are getting smarter and starting to catch on. Kind of reminds me of the days when every fire truck should have been painted Lime Green for better visability. The desk commandos thought that one up too.

He probadly should have studied alot harder in school and be able to become a Career Firefighter.
But lets think about this. Any pay or benefits that ANY Fire Dept has been given was given with the full knowledge city officials at the time. It was a give and take game. Each step of the way was a battle and it took years to get anything that was given to them. It wasn't just out of the Goodness of some politicians heart. It was negotiated fair and square.
When I went on the fire dept in another city in Connecticut, people thought I was CRAZY. I started working for one third of what the average factory worker was making. The benefits were not as good as the rest of my working class friends of people. People tried to talk me out of the job because of the very low wages, and terrible benefits. While I worked my share of the holidays, most people enjoyed EVERY HOLIDAY. At the time, I loved the job and about the only thing I had more than those factory workers was job security.
Nothing has been handed to any IAFF Firefighters no matter where they come from. Stamford or other. Now as the tables have seemed to turn, Firefighters appear to be "Letching Off the System".
After reading that letter, its no wonder there are serious problems between career and volunteer firefighters. I was a volunteer firefighter in Fairfield, Ct for several years before becoming a Career Firefighter. I would NEVER consider insulting those guys. I sure wanted to be a part of them, BUT I never let jealousy take over. I had respect for them. And by the way, all my Volunteer buddies from Fairfield got on a Career Fire Dept. Most have now retired.

Nice job done by the Yonkers FD, PD and EMS. I consider Yonkers, "New York City's Sixth Boro".

Continued from above:
As the snow kept falling and the night shift came in, all the on duty crew was held over. Besides the four engines, one ladder, and rescue, our reserve engine and ladder was also manned. In addition that brush truck would now be pulling the trailer with the snow mobiles and the two snow mobile operators riding in that rig.. The city plow trucks were out trying just to keep up with some of the main streets espically the ones with the firehouses, the hospital, and the police station. We had maybe one or two calls.
Around 1:30 AM one of the members working at Engine 3s firehouse saw flames in the third floor window of the high school. This is a four story brick building of ordinary construction about 50 x 150. Called the Bradlaw building. One of about four other buildings on the high school property. Engine 3 pulled across the street and stretch a line into the building using a ground ladder. The snowmobile crew was able to find a hydrant burried under the snow. They got the supply lines off the back of the rig, tied them into the hydrant and got the water started.
As luck would have it, a city plow truck was in the area at the time and plowed a path for the other engine and the truck to reach the front side of the building. That Engine wasn't able to lay in because they couldn't find their hydrant. Once again, the snowmobile was put to work grabbing the supply lines from the rig and taking them out to the street to find the closest hydrant. After all was done, NO DOUBT it was the snowmobiles and that city plow truck that saved the entire building from burning down.
The next day and night shift everybody was held over again. Those snowmobiles responded to a few calls, but by far there were two medical calls that those snowmobiles had a huge affect on. Both calls were houses located at the end of dead end streets. One was a woman who was described as a bleeder. No vehicle was able to drive down that street due to the huge amount of snow. She was towed on a plastic stretcher using the snowmobile to the corner of the main st where an ambulance was waiting. The second was a call, also the last house at the end of a dead end street. It was for a male with chest pains and went into cardic arrest. CPR was done on that male while being pulled in the snow covered street by the snowmobile. We later found out that both civilians survived.
Those Snowmobiles played a huge part in fighting that High School fire and saving those two civilians. They earned the name of "Rocky" and his "Flying Squirrel". I'm sure those Snowmobiles worked out just as well for the Chicago Fire Dept, as they did some three or four decades ago for Buffallo, N.Y. and Norwich, Ct.

I must say, I certainly enjoyed watching this video. It reminded me of the Blizzard of '78 where most of New England got record snowfall for three straight days. I had about three years on the Fire Dept in a small city in Eastern Connecticut (Norwich). At that time, we ran four Engines, One Ladder, and One Rescue. There were reports of a coming snow storm but nothing like what we were about to get hit with.
I left for work at the firehouse about 4 PM. It was just starting to snow. I was working an overtime shift at Engine 3 which happens to be right across the street from the firehouse. We were also the first due Engine at the Hospital. I remember reading in Firehouse Magazine maybe the year before how the Buffalo, N.Y. Fire Dept had used snowmobiles during some of their heavy snowstorms during that year (I guess it was 1977).
I worked the firehouse that night with one of the more senior members in the dept, and the senior Captain who was in great shape for his age. We didn't make a run until about 4 AM and that was for an alarm at the Hospital. As we went out, I couldn't believe how much snow was on the ground. It was up to the bumper on the truck, and still coming down extremely heavy. When we got back to the firehouse, the Captain told me that "HE" was going to shovel the ramp to the firehouse. I said; Are you kidding me Cap". He said, "No, you go put on the coffee because I want the exercise". He was one strong 50 year old plus guy. He's in his late 80s to this day.
The next day I had to work my regular shift at fire headquarters on the Rescue. A Small Ambulance type rig. Just some extrication equipment etc. As the snow kept falling much faster than anybody could keep up with, one of the guys mentioned that he had a snowmobile that he was willing to use. Then somebody mentioned about Buffalo using them the year before. Then another guy said that he was also willing to bring in his too. These two guys loved playing on their snowmobiles in Vermont etc and it would give them a chance to play. The Chief of Dept gave them the okay, with the understanding that they respond to Every Call. It was decided that the two snowmobiles would be towed on a small flatbed trailer using a four wheel drive brush truck we had. An old army surplus jeep. By the following night shift we had the two snowmobiles in service, and everybody was held over. We couldn't get home if we wanted to. The snow just kept coming down.
To Be CONTINUED :

I guess we shouldn't get too upset with this. It actually helps to keep the Unemployment Rate DOWN. I'm sure that's what he would say if asked about this.

Thanks there "efdcapt115" for posting that youtube video. It certainly was very touching. Also Thank You to all that have posted your stories and respectful thoughts.
I certainly respect our Police Officers for the job they do. We depend on you to protect us in the world we live. "THANK YOU" for what you do. Please be safe out there.
Too many of you have paid the ultimate price, along with their families, friends, and Brother/Sister Police Officers. Some are carrying a price for the rest of their own lives from their injuries they recieved, trying to protect us from the viscious animals that roam our streets.
May the Good Lord be with you as you protect us. "THANK YOU SO MUCH".

Thanks George (efdcapt115)for posting this portrait. It's called "Me Irish eyes tis Smilian" featuring Willy O'Dennis. George, you are one of the very few to have your very own photo. Maybe this photo didn't get the Firefighter of the Year Award. But this photo has been used as a "mouse chaser" to keep the little critters away, or used as a "vampire shield".
But I got to say, when this photo was unwrapped and given as a raffle prize, the lucky winner was amazed, everybody sure was surprised, and it sure got a few laughs.

Zach, Thanks for posting all these pictures. Kind of help me out here. If I wanted to post some info about a particular picture, how do I do it ?

It is with regret to announce the passing of Josephine Harris. Josephine was confined to a wheel chair trapped on the upper floors of one of the Towers on 9/11. The FDNY Members of Ladder 6 were coming down the many flights of stairs when they came upon Josephine who was unable to go down those stairs. As the members of Ladder 6 approached her, she said for them to leave her, and just save themselves. Of course the members of Ladder 6 did NOT do that. Instead they all took turns carrying her down the many flights of stairs. Then with only a few more flights to go, the entire 110 Story Tower came down on them. Trapping Josephine and those Ladder 6 Members. Later they were all rescued and of course Josephine was very Thankful to those FDNY Members.
The History Channel did a story on those FDNY Members and Josephine, along with a few others that survived that day. That story is called "Countdown to Ground Zero". It is now on DVD featuring Josephines story. She was certainly a hero that day and offered herself to stay back for the safety of others.
May you Rest in Peace Josephine Harris. You were a Hero as far as I am concerned, along with those Firefighters from Ladder 6 who carried you down those many flights of stairs to safety.

It is with regret to announce the passing of Josephine Harris. Josephine was confined to a wheel chair trapped on the upper floors of one of the Towers on 9/11. The FDNY Members of Ladder 6 were coming down the many flights of stairs when they came upon Josephine who was unable to go down those stairs. As the members of Ladder 6 approached her, she said for them to leave her, and just save themselves. Of course the members of Ladder 6 did NOT do that. Instead they all took turns carrying her down the many flights of stairs. Then with only a few more flights to go, the entire 110 Story Tower came down on them. Trapping Josephine and those Ladder 6 Members. Later they were all rescued and of course Josephine was very Thankful to those FDNY Members.
The History Channel did a story on those FDNY Members and Josephine, along with a few others that survived that day. That story is called "Countdown to Ground Zero". It is now on DVD featuring Josephines story. She was certainly a hero that day and offered herself to stay back for the safety of others.
May you Rest in Peace Josephine Harris. You were a Hero as far as I am concerned, along with those Firefighters from Ladder 6 who carried you down those many flights of stairs to safety.