Mayor, Fire Commissioner Congratulate Members Who Performed Rescues During Hurricane Irene

Mayor Michael Bloomberg addresses the media, along with Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, Chief of Department Edward Kilduff, members of area fire companies who performed the rescues and local politicians.

Just hours after Hurricane Irene passed through New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano visited the quarters of Engine 166/Ladder 86 on Staten Island to thank them for their outstanding work in the wake of the storm.

The members were part of a team who saved 64 people - including three children - and numerous pets from homes on Staten Island that had flooded as a result of the storm.

"The FDNY proved why New Yorkers are called the Bravest," Mayor Bloomberg said during the Aug. 29 press conference. "Thank you to all the FDNY members, here on Staten Island and across the city, who proved they are ready to meet every emergency."

Firefighters from Engine 166/Ladder 86, Ladder 79, Engine 154, Battalion 21, Rescue 5 and Tactical Support Unit #2 used three rescue boats to remove residents from homes in a three block area of the Bulls Head neighborhood. These homes were not in the flood zone, but still collected waist-deep water. Learn more about the incredible rescues.

Lt. Gilbert Montalvo from Ladder 86 said the evacuations went very smoothly: "We relied on our training and the civilians helped a lot too - even the cats, dogs and rabbit."

One of the three rescue boats used to rescue residents on Staten Island after Hurricane Irene. Inside the boats are the wetsuits firefighters wore during the operation.

Firefighter Richard Nagy said the situation proved dangerous as the water reached the top of vehicles and they were beginning to lift off the ground.

Although the arduous work took more than three hours, the Firefighter reiterated that the residents' demeanor helped in their evacuation.

"Everyone was fairly calm, though a little panicked," he said. "I probably would have been the same way if that was my house."

Commissioner Cassano praised their work along with the work of all FDNY members who went above and beyond the call of duty to help the city prepare for and recover from the effects of the hurricane. This included the EMS members who helped evacuate people from medical facilities to firefighters who helped with downed trees and power lines.

"The work done by our members is just an example of the work the FDNY does on a daily basis," said Commissioner Cassano. "Yesterday was a culmination of many years of training and preparedness."