Fire Inspectors Safely Remove Gasoline Cans from Protest in Lower Manhattan Park

Fire Inspectors Richard Roche and Nicholas Morat.

FDNY fire inspectors always say there is never a typical day at work, and this day was no exception.

Fire Inspector Richard Roche received a call requesting response to a protest in Zucotti Park in Lower Manhattan on Sept. 19, indicating there was a gasoline generator and several gasoline cans stored near it.

"If they had some how lit off, it could have - and likely would have - severely burned many people," Inspector Roche said. "It was a dangerous situation."

So after speaking with Chief of Fire Prevention Joseph Woznica and Chief Inspector Samuel Assamoah from the District Command, Inspector Roche was placed in control of the event along with Inspector Nicholas Morat.

The partners traveled to the area and met up with NYPD officers. The team determined the two gasoline cans - one full five-gallon can and a half-full two-and-a-half gallon can - would need to be removed for the safety of the crowd.

The Inspectors and several police officers entered the park and explained the situation to the protestors.

The fuel was transported to and secured at a local police precinct.

"You have to work together," Fire Inspector Roche said. "I am just happy to have a great command structure to work under."