Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2001

Release # 018-01

 
Contact: Sunny Mindel / Michael Anton
Frank Gribbon (FDNY)
(212) 788-2958
(718) 999-2025




MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI AND FIRE COMMISSIONER THOMAS VON ESSEN HONOR FIREFIGHTER JAMES SLEVIN

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today honored New York City Firefighter James Slevin, who came to the aid of a heart attack victim during the opening minutes of the NFC Championship Game at the Meadowlands last Sunday.

The Mayor and the Fire Commissioner were joined by Modell's Sporting Goods President Mitchell Modell, who presented Firefighter Slevin with an all-expense paid trip to the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida.

"New York City Firefighters are in the business of saving lives, whether they're on the job, or on their own time," Mayor Giuliani said. "Firefighter James Slevin demonstrated this on Sunday when he helped save the life of a heart attack victim at the Giants-Vikings Playoff Game. He acted without hesitation to come to the aid of a fellow human being-and with the kind of bravery that New Yorkers know they can expect from their Firefighters."

"Firefighter Slevin's selfless actions define the very best this Department has to offer -- a commitment to serve and protect the people each and every day, whether on or off-duty," said Fire Commissioner Von Essen. "His training and determination made a remarkable difference for the victim's chances of surviving. Thanks to his immediate decision to render CPR-to keep the victim's blood circulating-the patient's pulse was regained and he was transported to the hospital."

"We have seen many times before the unconditional commitment to service made by New York City Firefighters," said Mitchell Modell, President of Modell's Sporting Goods. "I know personally that this is not the first time a member of New York's Bravest has stepped up -- on or off duty -- to try and make a difference in someone's life and we all know it won't be the last. While his actions may have caused him to miss some of Sunday's game, Modell's would like to help make sure he sees all of the Superbowl -- from the stands. We are happy to provide him with an all-expense paid trip to Super Bowl XXXV."

While enjoying the game with his friends, off-duty Firefighter James Slevin noticed a man screaming for help, and hurried over to discover a 56-year old Perth Amboy, New Jersey, resident unconscious on the ground. After carrying the patient to a less crowded location, Firefighter Slevin noticed that the victim was not breathing and had no pulse. He immediately began CPR and was able to establish a pulse before the patient was transported to Meadowlands Hospital in critical condition.

Slevin, an avid Giants fan, is the son of a retired Battalion Chief and is a 5-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department. He is assigned to Ladder Company 7 in Manhattan.

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