Firefighters Rescue Man in the East River

Firefighter Andy Bowman describes his water rescue in the East River with Battalion Chief Thomas Reilly (far left), Lt. Frank Giacoio (far right) and members from Ladder 7.

Firefighter Andy Bowman and other members of Ladder 7 saved the life of a man who fell into the East River on July 17.

“You don’t expect to jump into the East River everyday, but we train for this kind of thing,” said Firefighter Bowman. “I’m just glad I was able to help out.”

Firefighters were called to the waters near 23rd Street at around 1 p.m.

Bystanders pointed them to a man who was caught on the rocks about five feet from the sea wall.

Firefighter Bowman dressed in a cold water suit and jumped into the water. Once he reached the victim he wrapped a life ring around him and checked for any injuries.

Then the pair made their way against the current, with the firefighter trying to keep the victim’s head above water.

Firefighters secured a portable ladder against the wall and helped Firefighter Bowman pull the man to safety.

Members of Ladder 7 leave quarters.

“It was a team effort, it took everyone there to get him out,” he said.

The man was transported by EMS members to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.

“Everyone at the scene did an outstanding job,” said Battalion Chief Thomas Reilly.