Many times throughout history people were saved from seemingly impossible situations by the bravery of men. These men, without regard for their own safety, would lead others from impending disaster. A good example of this was the disaster of 9/11. It is estimated that over 46,000 people were led to safety and as we all know hundreds of rescuers were killed. Entire fire companies were decimated. Knowing that the towers could fall at any time, New York City fire fighters, along with others, rushed back into the buildings time and time again, until time ran out. By so doing this, they carved a niche in history where they will always be remembered as the bravest of the brave. Over 350 firemen did not return to their fire houses after 9/11. Even a fire chaplain, a Franciscan priest, died while administering the last rights.

The Naval War College recently teamed up with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for a seminar war game designed to explore methods that could assist emergency response teams combat a new age of homeland challenges.

"This event gave us the opportunity to provide an environment for operational leaders of the New York Fire Department to engage in critical thinking and share ideas of how to better prepare for the road ahead," said Dr. Kenneth Watman, director of the Naval War College's war gaming department. "We discovered there are a lot of similarities in how military and domestic emergency units approach command-and-control type scenarios." (Source: US Navy)

New York City is a big place, here are some of the statistics for 2002:

Number of Incidents: Structural Fires - 26,248 Non-structural Fires - 25,315 Non-Fire Emergencies - 170,867 Medical Emergencies - 158,461 False Alarms - 45,651

As you can see there is not much time for idle hands in the New York City Fire Department. All those tall buildings also present their own problems. Obviously no ladder can reach the top of a sky scrapper, as witnessed on 9/11. This makes fire fighting in sky scrappers even more dangerous at times than in smaller buildings.

During operation Enduring Freedom, the US Navy borrowed the flag that had flown over the world trade center and flew it from the ships of the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group. "This flag has served as both a remembrance and as a motivator for our forward-deployed naval forces," said Adm. Robert J. Natter. "We're privileged to have served as custodians of this national treasure." (Source: US Navy)

At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 2, 2002 -- The now famous world trade center "Ground Zero" national ensign, along with a New York City Police Department flag and New York City Fire Department flag are flown to commemorate the last day of flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as she begins her journey home.
Source: US Navy

The New York City Fire Department runs a fire safety cadet corps. College students can join but must commit for a minimum of one year. During this year they are trained for a career in the fire department. They are then given an opportunity to enter the EMS Academy and become a provisional EMT at the starting salary of $28,900 per year. The fire department than makes arrangements for permanent civil service status for them so that they can take the promotional test to fireman. If anyone is interested they can go to http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/general/cadet.html for further info.

NYC Firemen at World Trade Center after collapse
Source: FEMA

NYC Firemen going through the rubble
Source: FEMA

Crushed NYC Fire Department Truck
Source: US Coast Guard

 

Ground Zero
Source: US Coast Guard

Towers Collapsing
Source: US Coast Guard