Henry D. Brookman Medal

Firefighter Daniel R. Foley, Rescue Company 3

April 17, 2004, 0808 hours, Box 2447, 526 Drake Street, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on February 14, 1999. Previously assigned to Engine 68 and Ladder 49. Brother, FF Thomas Foley, Rescue 3, died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. Member of the Emerald Society. Holds a Bachelor’s degree from Iona College. Recipient of a unit citation; WTC Rescuer Ribbon/Medal; and a Class II rating for this incident. Resides in New Rochelle, New York, with his wife, Carrie, and their daughters, Erin and Kiera.

In the early morning of April 17, 2004, an alarm was transmitted for Bronx Box 2447, reporting a person stuck in a drain. While responding, Rescue Company 3 received additional information stating that a worker had fallen into an underground oil storage tank. FF Daniel R. Foley and the members of Rescue 3 prepared themselves for a confined space rescue.

On arrival, size-up showed that a victim had fallen into the tank and the confined space also was an explosive atmosphere. Ladder 48 had begun to operate and managed to reach the victim with 10-foot hooks. The hooks allowed members to reach into the tank and hold the unconscious victim’s head out of the oil and sludge. The victim was in severe respiratory arrest with approximately four breaths per minute.

Lieutenant Kevin Williams began the rescue operation by calling for a tripod to be set up over the tank man-way (access/egress sleeve) to be used as a high point for lowering FF Foley into the tank. Assisted by Squad 41 and Rescue 4 members, they began to set up required equipment that would be needed to effect this removal--meters for air quality monitoring, supplied air system and 4-to-1 mechanical advantage lowering and retrieval system for both rescuer and victim.

After examining the man-way into the tank, a clearance problem for access was obvious. The tank measured 35 feet long by 15 feet wide and 10 feet deep. The tank was seven feet deep and contaminated with oil, sludge and gasoline. The tank was buried five feet below the garage floor. The sleeve, or man-way, measured 23 inches in diameter and four feet down to the tank opening. However, the sleeve was improperly installed and not in line with the tank opening below. This caused the diameter to go from 23 inches down to a narrow opening of only 20 by 14 inches. Removing the sleeve was not an option. Simultaneously, the meters used to monitor the oxygen content were in full alarm, indicating an explosive atmosphere existed inside the tank and the slightest spark would trigger a major explosion.

FF Foley realized that due to the narrow opening, he would not fit down the sleeve with his turnout gear and equipment. Lighting would have to be from above. Communication would be by voice only. Time was quickly running out. Without hesitation, FF Foley prepared to be lowered into the ink-dark tank. With his SCBA tank/harness tied off and suspended by utility rope above him, he was lowered down and squirmed his way through the narrow man-way into the tank below until he was waist-deep in the sludge. He was careful not to disturb the 10-foot hooks holding the man’s head above the surface.

In this highly explosive atmosphere, he quickly ensured the unconscious victim’s airway, then began to tie a tubular nylon harness around the victim. This proved to be a difficult task while being suspended without any footing and trying to work in the thick sludge. FF Foley rechecked the victim and found that he had stopped breathing. With time extremely critical, FF Foley called up through his mask to Lieutenant Williams above and stated that applying the harness to the victim would be halted and a simple girth hitch would be attached to the 4-to-1 hauling system to expedite the removal.

As the removal began, FF Foley guided the victim, Anselmo Alfaro, from below. Mr. Alfaro’s small frame proved helpful in passing through the restricted passageway. When the victim reached the surface, he was in full respiratory arrest and immediately turned over to EMS, whose members began resuscitation efforts. FF Foley was hauled back up through the tight opening to complete the operation. The victim was transported to the hospital and after a week of care, he was released. Because FF Foley risked his life, Mr. Alfaro is alive.

The extremely dangerous conditions, limited egress, operating while being suspended, working without his turnout coat in an explosive environment and without any chance of escape if anything were to go wrong is a true testament to the severity of this situation. Performing courageously under these conditions can only be described as an act of great personal risk and in the highest traditions of this Department. It is with great pride that the FDNY recognizes FF Daniel R. Foley with the Henry D. Brookman Medal.—TPW