2007

RETIRED L43 MEMBER SAVES MOTHER

12/25/2007 - On Christmas morning, retired L43 member Danny Manning was visiting his mother when she suddenly went into cardiac arrest. Danny was able to start CPR until the FDNY and EMS arrived. Working together they were able to regain a pulse and transport her to the hospital where she is in stable condition. Great work Danny, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

EL BARRIO'S BRAVEST GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE ON CHRISTMAS EVE


12/24/2007 - As the Christmas holiday approached, the night tour of December 23rd seemed routine for El Barrio's Bravest, closing in on a dozen runs before midnight. The Manhattan Fire Dispatchers turned out Harlem companies just before 3 am.  Engine 53 3rd due and Ladder 43 2nd due to box 1363 E 112 St and Madison Ave for a reported apartment fire.  Engine 58 and Ladder 26 transmitted a 10-75 without delay.  This fire was held to an all hands assignment  with a 10-45 victim removed.
       Moments after going back into service at 0421, the tone alarm and teleprinter once again came to life.  Box 1277 was in for the El Barrio's Bravest to respond 1st due to the reported address of 425 E 102 St. reporting fire on the 4th floor and people trapped.   As the companies pulled out of quarters and onto E 102 St the Manhattan Fire Dispatcher, advised units they had numerous addresses and reports of people trapped in apartments 3A and 3C.  Battalion 10 arrived and transmitted all hands on arrival.
      When Engine 53 and Ladder 43 arrived at 425 E. 102 St. they were met with fire out the windows on the 3rd floor and multiple people trapped. While E53 began a long stretch due to the complicated layout of the building and hydrant location, L43's Officer, Can, and Irons went to work forcing the apartment door and searching the fire apartment. The inside team found the living room fully involved, were able to crawl past the fire, and located 3 victims in the rear bedrooms. Meanwhile L43's OV and Chauffer were removing one victim out the exterior window via portable ladder and L43 Roof man was setting up for a roof rope rescue of the 5th victim. Just before he went over the side Engine 53 had the fire knocked down. The 5th victim was found to be trapped in the window glass and child safety gates and had to be extricated. Extraordinary job by both Engine 53 and Ladder 43 and the initial minimum required FDNY response of 2 engines and 1 truck. This fire was held to an all hands assignment by division 3 using the following units  Eng  53, 22, 35, 44  Lad 43, 13,   L14 Fast  Lad 22 (salvage)  Rescue 1 Sq 41 Rac 1 Bn 10, 11 Div 3  Field Comm*  Car 4D* Car 12C *
* = units assigned do to the # of fire victims

FIRST ANNUAL ENGINE vs. TRUCK FOOTBALL GAME

12/06/2007 - It was a cold day on the frozen tundra known as Thomas Jefferson Park. It is a place where Engine men become legends and Truck men try and usually fail. The birthplace of legends like John "you can't touch this" Regazzi and Jimmy "Crazy Legs" Leonard. Last Thursday on 113th St. and 1st Ave. in Spanish Harlem, after much controversy we finally had the First Annual Engine 53 vs. Ladder 43 Football Game.

It was a great day, one the Truck will not soon forget. Engine 53 was victorious with a final score of 5 to 3. Fun was had by all. New legends were being born like Mark "I can't win no matter how hard I try" Carpiniello and Dan "no hands" O'Keefe.

PHOTOS

43 TRUCKS NEW MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

12/03/2007 - Congratulations to one of 43 Trucks newest members Steve "it wasn't me" McAnulty. Steve managed to get his picture in the paper during his first tour at the firehouse. He also did a great job of "stepping up" to take the heat for another unnamed Truck Company. Keep up the good work Steve!

                                    Albert Serino                                                Steve McAnulty

43 TRUCK WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

11/29/2007 - El Barrios Bravest would like to welcome 2 new members to 43 Truck. Steve McAnulty transfers in from Ladder 15 and Albert Serino from Engine 324. Good luck men.

MEMBERS TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON DC FOR MEDAL OF HONOR CEREMONIES TO HONOR NAVY SEAL LT. MICHAEL P. MURPHY

10/22/2007 - On Monday October 22, 2007 three members of El Barrio's Bravest were invited to attend the Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony at the White House for Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy. On Tuesday October 23, over 50 members of Engine 53, Ladder 43 and the FDNY made the journey to attend the Hall of Heroes Medal of Honor Ceremony at the Pentagon. After the ceremony the bus was given a police escort to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where members met with wounded warriors and gave out  FDNY shirts, hats and patches that were donated by the members. The bus was then escorted  to the United States Navy Memorial in Washington DC for the Medal of Honor Flag Ceremony and reception. During the reception El Barrios Bravest presented the SEAL's from SDV Team One with a plaque in honor of their fallen teammate Lt. Mike Murphy.

     The officers and members of Engine 53 and Ladder 43, El Barrio's Bravest and the FDNY would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Murphy family for the privilege of attending  these ceremonies and for your sacrifice. We would also like to thank the families of all SEAL's and Army Special Operators who were lost on 28 June, 2005, it was a honor to meet you all. 

PHOTOS

WATCH THE CEREMONY

Lt. GEORGE BRENNAN NOMINATED FOR THE 2007 LIBERTY MEDAL

10/12/2007 - Lt. George Brennan has been nominated for the 2007 Liberty Medal by FDNY Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. Congratulations Lt. Brennan!

Read the NY Post article HERE

Lt. MICHAEL P. MURPHY TO BE AWARDED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

10/11/2007 - Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy will be awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony scheduled for October 22, 2007 at the White House in Washington D.C.

Read the Navy Times Article HERE

Read about Lt. Murphy and El Barrio's Bravest HERE

E-53 / L-43 GOLF OUTING

9/27/2007 - Thanks to all who turned out to make  El Barrio's Bravest annual golf outing a success! A  special thanks goes out  to Tim "Tim Tim" Reistetter for organizing the event and the guy who screwed up the "Spainish Harlem" koozies. Hey at least the shirts were spelled right!

SLIDESHOW

2 BROTHERS KILLED IN BOSTON

8/30/2007 - It is with deep regret that we announce the Line of Duty Deaths of two of Boston's Bravest. The Firefighters who gave their lives in the Line of Duty last night are Paul Cahill (55) and Warren Payne (53), who were assigned at Engine 30 and Ladder 25. The Brothers were operating at a fire in a Thai Restaruant  when heavy smoke and fire conditions in the initial stages of operations caused the members to become disoriented.

El Barrio's Bravest send our deepest condolences to our Brothers and their families.

For further details and arrangements check www.bostonfirelocal718.org

HAMPTON INN THANKED FOR SUPPORT

8/23/2007 - Members of El Barrio's Bravest presented a plaque and company shirts to Ed Murphy and the Staff at the Hampton Inn, Daphne Alabama. Their "Southern Hospitality" and exceptional care was greatly appreciated throughout the 4 post Hurricane Katrina supply trips to the "Gulf."

2007 COMPANY PICNIC

8/22/2007 - A good time was had by all despite the poor weather and 43 Trucks poor athletic ability. Engine 53 beat the Truck 3 for 3 in dodge ball)! Thanks to everyone who helped out!

SLIDESHOW

SIGNAL 5-5-5-5

8/19/2007 - It is with deep regret that the New York City Fire Department announces the Line of duty death of Firefighter Joseph Graffagnino of Ladder Co. #5 (detailed to Engine Co 24) and Firefighter Robert Beddia of Engine Co. 24 which occurred on August 18, 2007.

The firefighters were fatally injured while battling a seven-alarm high-rise fire at the former Deutsche Bank building at 130 Liberty Street in lower Manhattan.

The two firefighters became trapped in maze-like conditions on the 14th floor of the building, which is undergoing demolition. They suffered severe smoke inhalation and were taken to NY Downtown Hospital in cardiac arrest where they succumbed to their injuries.

Firefighter Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddia are the 1,136th and 1,137th members of the New York City Fire Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the Department's 143-year history.

El Barrio's Bravest send our deepest condolences to our Brothers and their families.

BLOOD DRIVE

8/13/2007 - On AUGUST 16, 2007 FOX NEWS is having a blood drive at their news office on 67th Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave from 7AM-9AM and 5PM-6PM.

Matt Long would like members from this house to show up with a house tee shirt on and donate blood. This is to thank the blood bank for the many pints of blood that Matt has received over the past 20 months.

There is a severe blood shortage and the blood bank has asked Matt and our House to show up for the morning and evening newscast's in a hope that people throughout the city will donate blood.

SIGNAL 5-5-5-5

6/21/2007 - It is with deep regret that the New York City Fire Department  announces the death of Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak of Ladder Company 146 in Brooklyn.

Firefighter Pujdak, 23, was fatally injured this afternoon while battling an all-hands fire at 83 Meserole St. in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

Preliminary reports indicate Firefighter Pujdak was operating on the roof of a four-story apartment building when he fell to the ground and sustained critical injuries. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Firefighter Pujdak, a resident of Fresh Meadows, Queens, was appointed to the FDNY on September 25, 2005.

Firefighters received a call for a fire at 4:54 p.m. at 83 Meserole St. Upon arrival, a fire was discovered in a fourth-floor apartment and was soon brought under control. Approximately 60 firefighters and 12 units responded. There were no other reported injuries.

Fire marshals determined the fire was accidental and appears to have been caused by careless smoking. The investigation is continuing.

This is the first line of duty death since Firefighter Michael C. Reilly of Engine Company 75 and Lieutenant Howard J. Carpluk Jr. of Engine Company 42 made the Supreme Sacrifice while battling a third-alarm fire in the South Bronx on August 27, 2006.

Firefighter Pujdak is the 1,135th member of the New York City Fire Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the Department's 143-year history.  

NINE (9) BROTHERS KILLED IN S.C.

6/18/2007 - Nine Charleston South Carolina Firefighters were killed this evening while fighting a fire at a furniture warehouse. They are:

Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson, 30 years
Capt. Mike Benke, 29-year veteran
Capt. Louis Mulkey, 11 1/2 years
Engineer Mark Kelsey, 12 1/2 years
Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, Nine years
Assistant Engineer Michael French, 1 1/2 years
Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton, 32 years
Firefighter Brandon Thompson, Four years
Firefighter Melven Champaign, Two years

Keep them, their families, and fellow firefighters in your prayers. Click here for updates and more details.

CONGRATULATIONS LT  BRENNAN E53

6/6/2007 - Lt. George Brennan of Engine Company 53 was awarded the Thomas F. Dougherty Medal for the rescue of a woman from a fire at Box 75-1274, 173 East 101st Street on November 6, 2006.

SLIDESHOW

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE BROTHERS

5/24/2007 - Members of  Engine Company 53 and Ladder Company 43 got together to wish our most recent retiree's good luck! Members were awarded plaques for their dedicated service.

SLIDESHOW

TEAM MURPHY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

05/05/2007 - Matt Shorrock, Chris Schneider and Sean Bergstrom are Team Murphy and they are participating in the annual Race Across America, the longest running ultra-distance bicycle racing competition in the world.

All three are NROTC scholarship students at Villanova University who are officer candidates pursuing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S). They are racing in honor of a fallen SEAL, Lieutenant Michael Murphy of Patchogue, Long Island, a recipient of the Purple Heart and Silver Star. They are attempting this grueling test to raise money for the Naval Special Warfare Foundation in honor of Lt. Murphy.

Please support them on their mission by going to www.cyclingformurphy.com

E53 / L43 ALUMNI LUNCHEON

05/03/2007 - The annual El Barrio's Bravest luncheon was held this afternoon at C.J. Sullivan's in Bayside. Click on the link below to see more alumni events and photos.

ALUMNI

E53 / L43 PROVIDE LZ FOR PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTERS

04/23/2007 - E53 / L43 was tasked to provide Landing Zone fire protection for the Marine One Helicopter Squadron HMX-1. The squadron practiced landing in Central Park at 103rd St. in preparation for the presidents visit to Harlem the next day.

SLIDESHOW

MEMBERS COMPLETE PROBATION

04/18/2007 - Congratulations to Joe (Joe Joe) Boardt and Tom (Tom Tom) Coates on the successful completion of their probation. They were both awarded their E-53 patches at a ceremony at the firehouse. Unfortunately the ceremony was cut short due to a very isolated rain shower! The members of El Barrio's Bravest wish Joe and Tom a happy and safe career.

MORE AWARDS FOR EL BARRIO'S BRAVEST

04/06/2007 - Congratulations to the following members of  E-53 and L-43 on their recent awards.

Lt. George Brennan E-53, Service Rating "A" for actions on November 6, 2006.

FF Daniel O'Keefe L-43, Service Rating "B" for actions on October 23, 2006.

FF John Sullivan E-53, Service Rating "B" for actions on December 27, 2006.

FF Kevin Torrey L-43, Unit Citation while detailed to L-2 on October 11, 2006.

UNIT CITATION AWARDED TO 53 ENGINE

03/21/2007 - Congratulations to E-53 for being awarded a unit citation for operations at Manhattan Box 75-1274, 173 East 101 Street @ 1560 Hours on November 6, 2006. Members are Lt. George Brennan, FF John Regazzi, FF Kevin Deehan, FF Daniel McGinn, FF Nathan Evans, and FF Timothy Reistetter.

 ST. PATTY'S DAY 2007

03/17/2007 - The St. Patty's Day breakfast tradition continues at El Barrio's Bravest. This year we hosted over 100 firemen who are friends of the firehouse from all over the US and Germany. Special thanks to our friends from Orange County, CA.

SLIDESHOW

 1ST DUE 2ND ALARM AT MT. SINAI

03/07/2007 - Just before 0800 E-53 and L-43 received the run for Box 1265, 1188 5th Ave. for a Class 3 (automatic alarm) at the Mt. Sinai Medical Centre Aninberg Building. E-53 and L-43 arrived to find fire showing out 4 windows on the sixth floor and transmitted the 10-75. Shortly thereafter a 10-76 and a Second Alarm was transmitted. The fire was extinguished and was under control in just over 1 hour.

SLIDESHOW

VIDEO

 BLACK SUNDAY

01/23/2007 - Today marks the 2nd Anniversary of Black Sunday where Lieutenant Curt Meyran and Lieutenant John Bellew Ladder Company 27 lost their lives at a tenement fire in the South Bronx. Rescue 3 Firefighters Jeff Cool and Joey DiBernardo as well as Ladder 27 Firefighters Brendan Cawley and Eugene Stalowski were very critically injured. That same day at a separate fire in Brooklyn Richard Sclafani died after becoming trapped in the basement of a private dwelling marking the largest loss of life in a single day for FDNY since September 11, 2001. CLICK HERE to read an article about that day from New York Magazine.

ANNUAL COMPANY AWARDS NIGHT

01/18/2007 - The annual company awards night brought out the best in everyone! We would especially like to thank the limo driver, AKA ChaChi's uncle for accepting a multitude of awards on ChaChi's behalf. Click Here for the pictures.

UNIT CITATION AWARDED TO 43 TRUCK

01/10/2007 - Congratulations to L43 for being awarded a unit citation for operations at Manhattan Box 1279, 103 East 102 St. @ 1815 Hours on April 26, 2006. Members are Lt Tony Montaruli, FF Bill Duffy, FF Mike Diaz E53, FF Jerry Dietz E53, FF Patrick Carr, and FF Mark Becker.

NEW KITCHEN TABLE PLACED IN SERVICE

01/04/2007 - After more than a year of anticipation, El Barrio's Bravest new kitchen table has been placed in service. Thanks to all who helped with the "Big" project.

SLIDESHOW

FIRST JOB OF 2007 IN THE BIG APPLE GOES TO E53 / L43

01/01/2007 - The first job in the City of  New York for 2007 is 1st Due work for E53 & L43. Not long after midnight while E53 was responding to an ERS Box, Manhattan Dispatchers were receiving multiple calls reporting fire with people trapped at 434 East 105 Street. E53 was redirected and at 0053 hours received Box 1303 bringing E53 E91 E58 L43 L26 & BC12. E53 arrived on scene, gave the 10-75 and reported fire on the 4th floor of a 6 story 100x100 project building. After long stretch and a quick knock down the fire was under control by 0130 hours. Happy New Year!