FDNY Holds Annual Bio-Terrorism Drill throughout NYC

Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano receives a flu shot at POD located at FDNY Headquarters.

Members of the FDNY always stress the importance of preparedness, and for nine years, the BIOPOD drill has been part of that mission.

The annual terrorism drill was held on Nov. 10, during which all FDNY first responders and staff were offered the influenza vaccine at 15 different points of distribution (PODs) throughout New York City over the course of 18 hours.

The drill simulated the need to vaccinate all FDNY members after a biological attack.

"It's a way we can offer protection to our members in the event of a terror attack," Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said. "We want to make sure that if they go home to their families, everyone will be safe."

The FDNY's entire workforce was offered the influenza vaccination as they went through BIOPOD.

BIOPOD is conducted by the FDNY Bureau of Health Services in conjunction with the FDNY Bureau of Operations. Each year the staff alters the scenario and distribution methods, to determine the most effective means of vaccinating the Department's entire workforce.

The drill is part of the Presidential Policy Directive (which describes the nation's approach to preparing for threats and hazards that pose a national security risk) and the City's overall emergency response plan that combines the efforts of the Fire Department with other city agencies, including the Police Department, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Office of Emergency Management. It is part of the Department's ongoing initiative to plan for its response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents.