This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department PUBLISHING SINCE 1993
FDNY NEWS
WWW.1RBN.COM
MAY, 2016
STEVE WHITE
Staten Island, NY. On March 22, 2016, a 10-75 was transmitted for a large area of brush at 4:50 p.m. at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place in Staten Island. Battalion 23 advising three brush fire units responding as well as U.S. Forest Service.
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
APPARATUS IN ACTION
If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Five alarms in Brooklyn commercial For more than six hours FDNY units in Brooklyn fought a blaze that consumed a restaurant supply company, but were able to keep it from spreading to additional exposures including a church. At 10:48 p.m. on April 3rd, Brooklyn dispatched received a phone alarm for smoke in a warehouse at Clarkson and Nostrand. Four minutes later, Engine 249 transmitted an “urgent 10-75” for a fire in a one story 80 x 120 brick commercial warehouse at the corrected address of 640 Parkside Ave. (Parkside was the front of the
JUMP TO FILE #040516102 building, Clarkson was the rear). Two lines were quickly stretched, but companies had trouble finding the seat of the fire. At 11:08 p.m., a second alarm was transmitted as fire took hold of the cockloft. Two tower ladders above the second were requested and at 11:28 all members were withdrawn from the building. A third alarm was sounded at 12:26 a.m., followed later by a fourth and then a fifth as flames
worked their way throughout the building. Three tower ladders, two on the C side and one in front of the building as well as several hand lines were able to hold the flames from spreading to attached structures including a church on the B side. The fire was able to be placed under control shortly before dawn, but units remained at the scene throughout the day. One firefighter and one civilian were reported to have received minor injuries. - BILL TOMPKINS
A rare sight in the FDNY, a piece of apparatus over 25 years old still in service. The spare Field Communications Unit, a 1985 Mack R / Saulsbury, at the scene of a fifth alarm in Brooklyn on April 3.
JOHN HOPPER
Engine Company 96 operating at Bronx All Hands Box 2844 at 1120 Close Avenue on April 1, 2016.
BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
The 2014 Seagrave/Aerialscope 75’ of FDNY Tower Ladder 85 operated at a three alarm church fire on Staten Island on September 30th.
JOHN HOPPER
All hands in the Bronx
On Friday April 1, 2016 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Bronx companies turned out to 1120 Close Avenue at Watson Avenue for a report of a fire in a commercial building. Battalion 3 arrived on scene and notified Bronx dispatchers that units were investigating a light smoke condition and were stretching a precautionary line. Battalion 3 then transmitted a 10-75 and put all hands to work for a fire in the rear storage room of a one story 50 x 50 commercial building. Two lines were stretched and placed into operation and the fire was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with a 35 minute duration. Due to Engine 94 responding from the opposite end of their response area, Engine 96 arrived on scene first due and operated as the first due engine.
BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
FDNY Squad 41, a 2013 Seagrave 1000/500 at the scene of a four alarm fire in an OMD on 2-23-16.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Fire in Queens commercial building On April 3, 2016, fire started in the rear of a one story commercial dry cleaners at 38 Avenue and 13th Street in Queens. Extension was found to the cockloft and fire blasted through the roof. Units had heavy fire and smoke with a partial collapse of the roof. Three tower ladders, four hose lines and three Stangs were used to extinguish the fire.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Six firefighters injured in East Elmhurst
On March 29, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 91 Street and 23 Avenue in East Elmhurst, Queens for a structure fire. Crews arrived to find a blaze that started in a garage, spread to two additional garages and further extended to two private homes. Three alarms, which included five hose lines and a tower ladder were needed to extinguish the fire. Six firefighters sustained minor injuries battling the blaze.
March is always known for the madness of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament appropriately named March Madness. When referring to the FDNY, it is anything but that. It is a month remembered for incredible tragedies that are never far from the minds of the people involved, who were there, or remember. Starting back in 1899 during the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, a fire broke out at the Windsor Hotel on Fifth Avenue and 47th Street. The hotel was full of patrons and many more had gathered at the windows to see the parade proceed by. A discarded match started a fire that quickly spread through the sevenstory hotel. Firefighters were hampered getting around the large crowds that were trying to help rescue people. Victims were at windows as the building filled with heavy smoke. Firefighters, using scaling ladders, performed many daring and spectacular rescues. Lines were advanced and aerials raised to save people from the upper floors. Despite this, nine people jumped to their deaths. A total of forty-five people were killed and the front wall of the building collapsed into the street. On Saturday, March 25, 1911, a fire in the ten-story Asch building on Washington Place and Greene Street in Manhattan was largest loss of life due to fire in the city’s history. This was infamously known as the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. The fire started in a bin on the eighth floor. The bin contained rags and rapidly spread to garments hanging above workers’ tables. Most of the employees were young Italian immigrant women between the ages of 16 and 23. A large majority of the girls on the eighth floor were able to escape via the stairs and the freight elevator, which happened to be on their floor. Employees on the tenth floor managed to break open a skylight and escaped to the roof. They then climbed onto an overloaded fire es-
May, 2016
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March Madness
cape. But, those on the ninth floor were trapped due to locked doors, which were meant to prevent theft, and an unusable overloaded fire escape. Many waited as long as they could before jumping to their death, some in groups. As firefighters arrived, apparatus positioning was difficult due to bodies in the street. Despite this, lines were stretched, ladders raised, and many dramatic rescues made. The fire was extinguished within an hour, but the damage was done. 146 people died. This fire was so bad that legendary chief of the department at the time. Edward Croker, resigned. He tried for years to convince the city and it’s leaders that high rise buildings needed strict fire code enforcement and something like this was going to happen. He went on to start his own fire prevention company. After such a horrible loss of life, laws were passed nationwide to make buildings safer and implement adequate fire protection. A memorial plaque sits on the front of the building as a reminder of that day. Ironically on the same day March 25, 1990, a man trying to exact revenge on his former girlfriend started a fire that claimed the lives of 87 people in an illegal social club, known as the Happy Land Social Club. It was located on Southern Boulevard off Tremont Avenue. After being thrown out of the club, he vowed he would return. The man bought a container of gas and hid in a phone booth outside the front door. When clear, he entered the front entranceway, poured the gas, and lit the fire. His former girlfriend, who worked as the coat check girl, was nearby and able to escape quickly. But the fire raced up the interior stairs and trapped most of the occupants. The fire department response was quick and the fire extinguished rapidly, but those above had no chance. As firefighters performed searches, some were shocked and paralyzed by bodies lying on top of each other and others in each other’s arms. For lack of a better term, they looked like they were sleeping. The dead were mostly immigrants from Honduras, who had
flocked to the Bronx in search of a better life. A side bar to this incident that many do not know is that the victims died of smoke inhalation, no burns. They had soot on their faces. The firefighters, with dignity for the victims, used towels to clean them and fixed their clothes before taking pictures for identification purposes for the next of kin. After the incident, several firefighters commented that they were in disbelief. One even thought that upon seeing the bodies, they were mannequins being stored there. Many others; who were experienced firefighters, had worked through the war years of the department and saw many things; have always been plagued by this fire. As one commented, “as the time goes on, the scars never heal.” A monument was erected and stands on Southern Boulevard just south of the fire building. Less then two years prior, a fire in another illegal after hours club on Jerome Avenue took the lives of six and hospitalized forty. In that case, the extraordinary actions of firefighters saved the lives of two people. Luck prevented a larger loss of life as the club was packed with over 100 patrons. On March 7, 2007 a fire erupted on the first floor of a four-story brownstone on Woodycrest Avenue in the High Bridge neighborhood of the Bronx. The occupants were awakened by the fire, which started in a first floor bedroom at 11:00 p.m. by an overloaded power strip. An adult female tried to put the fire out with a pot of water to no avail. She left the apartment with her two children to go upstairs to warn the other tenants, but left the door open. Along with an open door in the front and the rear, this allowed the fire to take off and race up the stairs, trapping an additional fifteen people. First arriving companies were confronted with fire blowing out windows on the second floor and jumpers. Even with aggressive hose line advancement and searches, ten people died in this fire, nine were children. No working smoke detectors were found in the building. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
APPARATUS IN ACTION
If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
STEVE WHITE
FDNY Marine Operations ATV Utility Polaris vehicle
STEVE WHITE
Domestic dispute leads to stabbing and fire An emotionally disturbed male stabbed a woman in a domestic dispute and set a two story home on fire at 271 Nicholas Ave. in Staten Island on March 24th. FDNY responded and knocked down the fire.The male was taken into custody by the NYPD and the woman was treated by FDNY Emt's.
FDNY Division15
STEVE WHITE
FDNY ladder 120
STEVE WHITE
FDNY HOUSES -Continued from page 3
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Bushwick fire goes to six alarms On March 29, 2016, fire broke out at Dekalb and Wilson Avenues in Brooklyn. Crews found fire in the rear of a three story frame with extension to the upper floors. Firefighters quickly got to work, but extension was found in four additional buildings. Heavy fire and high winds hampered firefighting efforts. Two tower ladders and eleven lines were in operation. Eleven residents received minor injuries and 100 were left homeless. The FDNY had over 300 firefighters at the scene including OEM, the NYPD, DEP, ConEd and the American Red Cross. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.
On March 12, 2014 a gas explosion and subsequent fire destroyed two buildings and damaged several others on Park Avenue and 114th Street in East Harlem. The explosion, which occurred at 9:30 in the morning, killed eight people. Residents had smelled the odor of gas for days. One year later on March 26, 2015, another natural gas explosion destroyed three buildings and damaged three others on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Two people were killed and two dozen more injured when an illegal gas hookup ignited in the basement of one of the buildings. A spectacular fire that made national headlines followed. Several firefighters escaped
death when the interior of the main fire building collapsed while they were conducting searches. These are only a few of the devastating events that took in the month of March. Calamities happened during every month and will continue to happen in the future. Hopefully, lessons were learned and will continue to be learned, so these victims did not die in vain, but will always be remembered. These are only a few of the many buildings throughout the city with plaques and memorials to commemorate and remind us of what took place. An amazing amount of history is on every street. We should all take some comfort in knowing that the FDNY will always be ready to respond, no matter what and where it should happen.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
May, 2016
PAGE 5
STEVE WHITE
All hands in Staten Island on Easter Sunday Staten Island, NY. On March 27, 2016, firefighters were dispatched at 1:52 p.m., 7-5 Box 0544 to 608 Cary Avenue in Staten Island for a fire in a two story private dwelling, 15'x20'. Fire was on the second floor exterior. Fire was probably will hold at 2:07 p.m. Division 8 transmits a 10-41-1 for a suspicious fire at 2:41 p.m.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Junk yard fire needs two alarms On March 27, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 127 Street and 37 Avenue in Queens for a large fire in a junk yard. Two tower ladders and two hose lines were needed to extinguish the fire.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
One dead in Jackson Heights house fire
On March 27, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 87 Street and 25 Avenue in Queens for fire on the first floor in the rear with slight extension to the second floor in a private house. Crews found colliers mansion conditions and used two hose lines to extinguish the fire. One resident was found deceased on the first floor in the rear.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands working in Middle Village house fire On March 24, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 75 Place and Furmanville Avenue for a working fire. Crews arrived to find fire in the attic of a home in Middle Village, Queens. An additional engine and truck were needed above the all hands. Two hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
JOHN HOPPER
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Three perish in Queens house fire
On March 21, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to Ithaca Street and Whitney Avenue in Queens for fire in a two brick. Crews found fire on the first floor in the rear with extension to the second floor as well as exposure two. Four hose lines were used to extinguish the fire. Three residents were found deceased. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.
Multiple calls for private dwelling fire On Saturday March 12, 2016 at approximately 4:50 p.m., Bronx Fire Alarm dipatchers started receiving multiple calls for a fire in a private dwelling at 606 East 242 Street at Carpenter Avenue. Battalion 15 arrived on scene and transmitted a 10-75 and put All Hands to work on arrival for a fire in a two story flat roof private dwelling. The fire was located on the first floor and extended to the second floor. Two lines were stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down. An extra engine and two trucks were put to work. The fire was placed under control with an approximate 45 minute duration.
ALLEN EPSTEIN ALLEN EPSTEIN
Vacant home in Woodside On March 14, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to a vacant home at 72 Street and 48 Avenue in Queens. Units arrived to heavy fire on all floors and made a good stop before the blaze spread. Exposure two had minor damage to an outside wall. Four hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
Top floor fire in Woodside
On March 13, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 48 Street and Skillman Avenue in Queens for a structure fire. Crews arrived at a six brick mixed dwelling and found fire on the top floor in the rear. No extension was found to the cockloft. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire and one male was removed to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
PAGE 7
May, 2016
Vehicle News
FDNY PFS Engine 2 is a 2004 Seagrave 1000-gpm pumper that saw original duty with Engine Co. 68, first due at Yankee Stadium. The rig still has the Yankees pinstripes and logo. These two pumpers are to be used only by probationary firefighters and their instructors. RON JEFFERS
The FDNY has designated two pumpers to be used only by the Probationary Firefighter School, and they are lettered accordingly. This program is designed to give probationary firefighters a sense of responsibility in taking care and cleaning of their company apparatus. PFS Engine 1 is a 2004 Seagrave 1000-gpm unit that saw original duty with Engine Co. 308. RON JEFFERS
FDNY Rescue Medic units are being assigned new International TerraStar model ambulances with Wheeled Coach bodies. These units will be special called to technical rescue operations, high-rise fires, collapses, and other mass causality incidents, plus they can be used for normal ambulance assignments. RON JEFFERS
FDNY Tactical Support Unit 2 is one of two new Interna- FDNY Engine Co. 320 has been assigned a 2016 KME FDNY BFU 3 will be assigned a 2016 International 4WD/KME 500-gpm/500-gwt/20-gft apparatus. tional 4WD/Seagrave units to go into service. Features 2000-gpm/500-gwt pumper. include a generator, air compressor, light tower, crane and assorted power tools. RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
STEVE WHITE ALLEN EPSTEIN
Third alarm needed for church fire On March 13, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to Rockaway and East New York Avenues in Brooklyn for a fire. Crews arrived to find a blaze in a two brick church, which started in the basement and was extending to the first floor with heavy smoke. Crews had the building laddered and one minor extension was found to the second floor. Four hose lines were used to quickly extinguish the fire.
Second alarm in Staten Island
Staten Island, NY. On the afternoon of March 9, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 38 Ada Avenue. At 2:54 p.m., crews were alerted for 2-2 Box 1951 for a two story 20x40 PD. All hands were needed on arrival for fire through the roof. At the height of the fire, five lines were stretched and in operation. The fire was brought under control at 4:11 p.m.
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
FDNY Division 8
STEVE WHITE
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Small job in Glendale
On March 14, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 68 Street and Central Avenue in Queens for a small fire on the second floor of a private home. One line was stretched, but the fire was quickly extinguished with a can.
FDNY Satellite 5
ALL IN THE FAMILY
STEVE WHITE
If you have photos you would like to see in our All in the Family feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Deck fire extends to house
PROVIDED
Mike Prior ran with Ladder 156 from 1981 to 1984 and then with Ladder 138 from 1984 to 2016. On his last tour, he was joined by his three firefighting sons; Kris from Ladder 132, JT from Engine 332 and Matt from Ladder 155.
On March 6, 2016, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to Woodbine Street and Irving Avenue in Brooklyn for a deck fire. Crews arrived to find fire in the rear of a three frame with extension from a deck to the outside of the house on the second and third floors. Fortunately, there was only minor fire extension to the interior. A ladder was extended and firefighters quickly got to work using two hose lines to extinguish the fire. The cause if under investigation.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
May, 2016
PAGE 9
New York
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT First Priority Emergency Vehicles Expands Operations Nationwide
First Priority Emergency Vehicles, one of America’s leading designers, manufacturers and distributors of a comprehensive array of firefighting, medical, rescue, public safety and mission-specific vehicles and equipment, has expanded its operations from 3 facilities across New Jersey to major new sales and production facilities in North Carolina, California and Texas.
With a significant nationwide distribution and service capability, First Priority provides comprehensive vehicle and apparatus solutions for federal, state, and local agencies and fleet customers nationwide.
Whether the need is a patient transport ambulance, a critical care unit, an advanced life support ambulance in the emergency medical service or a fire pumper, aerial ladder/platform, rescue truck in the fire service, First Priority has the solution. For nearly 20 years, First Priority has distinguished itself from the competition by offering vehicles that are best suited to each client's exact mission and offers both stock designs as well as fully customized emergency vehicles to suit a wide variety of budgets.
By maintaining a firm understanding of the most current automotive, emergency, safety and fuel technologies, First Priority has the expertise, reputation, experience and resources to ensure their customers receive high quality vehicles and transportation solutions for emergency response, mission specific purposes and general departmental
functions.
First Priority applies its significant production experience and technical knowledge to remain at the forefront of the specialized vehicle industry.
The company takes a collaborative, consultative approach to its clients' needs and identifies cost effective solutions to produce high-value vehicles, products and solutions. Robert J. Freeman, President of First Priority Emergency Vehicles, states “Across the nation, First Priority products are used daily by American heroes in their life saving and property preserving missions.
First Priority is consistently recognized by first responders across the US and worldwide for technical innovation and functional design.
We are grateful for their sacrifices and proud to partner with them by providing the tools necessary to ensure the public safety of our nation and its families.” First Priority is a proud recipient of the prestigious President’s E-Award for its contribution to the American economy through exporting of premium-grade American made products worldwide. For additional information, visit First Priority at www.FirstPriorityGlobal.net and by phone at (800) 247-7725.
Campbell Supply Co. LLC
Campbell Supply Co. LLC is a family owned second-generation company and the leader in Fire Apparatus Sales and Service, for over 49 years.
Campbell Supply services all brands of fire apparatus from our three facilities located in South Brunswick and Newark NJ, and Montgomery NY. Campbell Supply is proud to represent sales and service of Spartan Emergency Rescue Vehicles, Wheeled Coach Ambulances, and ASAP Emergency Vehicles. Campbell Supply’s facility is going strong now in our third year here at our South Brunswick location. Stop in and see our 90,000 square foot facility that opened in the Summer of 2013.
We have one of the largest truck parts warehouses on the east coast, holding over 3 million dollars in parts inventory. With 18 parts delivery trucks, that make deliveries twice a day to New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania; we
strive to make sure the customers get what they need.
Our service department utilizes 39 service bays and two wash bays, with over 30 ASE Certified technicians, each of which carry certifications for engines, transmissions, axles, pumps, electrical, hydraulics, ladder refurbishing and repair as well as other services. Campbell Supply also offers five mobile repair trucks that are ready to repair your vehicle at your location. Our 24/7 Emergency Repair Service makes sure that no matter the time we are available to respond to our customer’s emergencies! With the first quarter of 2016 in the rear view, Campbell Supply is preparing to deliver Spartan fire trucks all throughout the tri-state area.
We are currently working with the Philadelphia Fire Department as well as a few other customers for
multiple orders including both pumpers and boomers.
Spartans All-in-One Boomers design lends itself to protect raised homes on the Jersey Shore with the extra reach of the waterway.
Lastly, our ambulance division has been going very strong! Wheeled Coach is the largest manufacturer of ambulances with hundreds of chassis on the ground ready to go, which translates to shorter build times and the final product to you faster!
Campbell Supply has several Wheeled Coach units available, so do not hesitate to contact us regarding Wheeled Coach ambulances! Feel free to stop in to our facility located a mile from Exit 8A on the NJ Turnpike.
Come see our stock of vehicles that consist of Spartan ER pumpers, Wheeled Coach ambulances, and ASAP vehicles. Or call in to schedule a demo today!
PAGE 10
May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
FDNY Engine 262
STEVE WHITE
FDNY Battalion 48
STEVE WHITE
STEVE WHITE
Two alarm Staten Island brush fire
Staten Island, NY. On March 22, 2016, a 10-75 was transmitted for a large area of brush at 4:50 p.m. at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place in Staten Island. Battalion 23 advising three brush fire units responding as well as U.S. Forest Service. Division 8 ordered a second alarm at 5:13 p.m. with two additional engines above the second alarm. At 5:36 p.m., Division 8 advising the main body of fire is knocked down.
JOHN HOPPER
All hands in the Bronx
On Sunday, March 20, 2016 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Engine 63 and Ladder 39 turned out first due to a reported Class 3 alarm activation at 1777 Bussing Avenue between Gunther Avenue and Wickham Avenue. Bronx Fire Alarm dispatchers then received a call reporting a fire at the same location. Battalion 15 arrived on scene and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire on the first floor of a two story 20x50 private dwelling. One line was stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 30 minute duration.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands fire in Brooklyn deli
On March 7, 2016, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to a fire in a Brooklyn deli at Cozine and Pennsylvania Avenues. Crews arrived to find fire in a one brick commercial and used two hose lines to extinguish the fire in the basement.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
May, 2016
PAGE 11
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
FDNY Engine 165
STEVE WHITE
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Third alarm needed for top floor fire
FDNY Special Operations
STEVE WHITE
On March 26, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 601 West and 151 Street in Manhattan for fire on the top floor with extension to the cockloft in a large building. Five hose lines were needed to extinguish the fire.
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY