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On Thursday evening, February 20, a nightclub fire in Rhode Island killed 96 civilians and left many others critically injured. On Friday, February 21, a major explosion and oil tanker fire in Staten Island destroyed a large part of the Port Mobil refinery and sank a tanker while 40 companies and over 200 members responded. "Swift work by firefighters prevented flames from igniting any of the scores of petroleum tanks that dot the industrial landscape nearby", reported the N.Y. Times. Each event drew national attention.
During the tanker fire, Steve Cassidy did interviews with FOX News, Channel 2 News and 1010 WINS. He did several newspaper interviews and was quoted in the N.Y. Times the next day: "In this post 9/11 world, the FDNY needs to be prepared to fight two or more major catastrophes at the same time. And we clearly do not have the resources to do that." Staten Island Trustee Don Ruland spoke at a press conference at the site of the tanker explosion delivering the same message.
UFA Fire Marshal Rep. Ed Burke was featured on ABC & NBC TV News, in the Daily News and N.Y. Post discussing the Rhode Island night club fire and the increased dangers to NYC caused by the reduction of Fire Marshals. He noted how the City eliminated its Social Club Task Force last year and cut its Fire Marshal staffing in half. He commented that existing reductions in Fire Marshals are increasing the likelihood that similar tragedies could happen here.
NYC continues to be the #1 terrorist target in the world. These two major events point to the fact that any reduction of fire services in NYC (which the public does not support) can and will have serious consequences. We will continue to push for the added resources the FDNY needs (and fight proposed firehouse closings) so we can adequately protect the public during these incredibly dangerous times. Back To Top
Fraternally, Joseph A. Miccio
Recording Secretary, Stephen J. Cassidy
President
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