FDNY CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT FRANK P. CRUTHERS ACCEPTS THE DONATION OF SEVEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLES FROM THE “SPIRIT OF LOUISIANA PROJECT”

Today, FDNY Chief of Department Frank Cruthers accepted the donation of seven emergency response vehicles given to the New York City Fire Department from the “Spirit of Louisiana Project.” The new vehicles, a Recuperation and Care Unit (RAC), a Decontamination Unit (Decon), and five Ford Crown Victoria Sedans were paid for by the fund raising efforts of the citizens and fire departments of Louisiana through its “Bucks for Trucks” campaign. The “Spirit of Louisiana Project” has also provided the FDNY with a new fire engine for Engine Company 283 located in Brooklyn that was received on December 20, 2002.

“The people of Louisiana, both emergency personnel and civilians alike, have been extremely generous in helping the FDNY rebuild,” said FDNY Chief of Department Frank Cruthers. “This is the second apparatus donation from this wonderful group. These new vehicles will help the FDNY continue to carry out its mission of protecting the lives of all New Yorkers.”

Among those attending today’s event were Louisiana State Representative and Chairman of the “Spirit of Louisiana Project” Hunt Downer, President and CEO of Ferrara Fire Apparatus Chris Ferrara, President of the Louisiana Firemen’s Association Chief Donald Bock, Louisiana Fire Officers and Firefighters, members of Engine Company 283, FDNY Chaplain Father John Delendick, and members of the FDNY Pipes and Drums.

The new pieces of apparatus will be given designated assignments, and will most likely be in service as soon as next week.

Contact: Francis X. Gribbon/Mike Loughran (FDNY) (718) 999-2056

No. 02-03

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