Commissioner, Chief of Department Speak at World Burn Conference

Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano addresses the crowd at the 21st Annual World Burn Congress in New York. On the dais, (L to R) Ronald Siarnicki, President of the Board Trustees for the Phoenix Society; Nicholas Scoppetta, Fire Commissioner; Dr. Laura Forese, Chief Medical Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell; Fabrizio Michelassi, M.D., Chair of Surgery for Weill Cornell Medical College; Firefighter Billy Leahy, President of the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation; and Amy Action, Executive Director of the Phoenix Society.

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano helped open the 21st Annual Phoenix Society’s World Burn Conference for Burn Survivors on Aug. 27.

“The pain and suffering caused by burns leave life-long consequences for victims and their families,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “It requires teamwork to help people heal.”

Nearly 900 burn survivors and their families, firefighters and specialists in burn treatment from across the country are attending the weeklong conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan.

“Being here brings greater meaning to the job we do every day,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. “As firefighters, we’re often applauded for our bravery - but I’d like to congratulate you for your bravery and for becoming role models for us all.”

The event was sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.

President of the Foundation, Firefighter Billy Leahy of Ladder 4, added, “It is a unique and humbling opportunity to be here and we’re honored to be your host. I know amazing things will happen here this week.”