Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 1998

Release #538-98

Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Mike Regan (718) 999-2025 (FDNY)


MAYOR GIULIANI, FIRE COMMISSIONER VON ESSEN AND QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT SHULMAN CUT RIBBON TO OPEN LADDER COMPANY 133 IN QUEENS

Ladder Company Becomes The First New Fire Company Created in 11 Years

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen and Queens Borough President Claire Shulman today cut the ribbon officially opening Ladder Company 133 -- New York City's first new Fire Company in more than a decade. Serving the communities of St. Albans, South Ozone Park, South Jamaica and Jamaica, Ladder 133 will be among the busiest companies in the City.

"Today marks the first time in a decade that a new Fire Company joins the ranks of New York's Bravest," said Mayor Giuliani. "While the firehouse on Merrick Boulevard has been the proud home of Engine Company 257 since 1960, in recent years, the needs of South Queens have demanded that we improve services to local residents - many of whom live in older wood-frame houses, common in this area."

The Mayor added, "In addition to the City's aggressive fire safety initiatives, such as the distribution of free smoke detectors and batteries and an innovative educational campaign, Ladder 133 will result in better response times, while freeing up other ladder companies in this busy area.

"During the 1990s, New York City has seen a dramatic drop in the number of fire fatalities. Ten years ago, we routinely experienced more than 200 fire deaths a year. This year, fire fatalities continue to fall and we may conceivably end the year with less than 100 deaths for the first time since records were kept. This is a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of our firefighters and the Department's leadership," the Mayor concluded.

Ladder Company 133 opened on November 9, 1998 and will bring relief to local area Ladder Companies, 126, 155, 165, 127, and 150.

"Once again, as in 1994 with the re-opening of Engine Company 294 and the creation of the 13th Division in 1997, Mayor Giuliani has continued to demonstrate his strong support for the Fire Department and its mission," said Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen. "The establishment of this new company will allow the Fire Department to provide a greater level of protection to the residents of South Queens. Ladder companies are primarily responsible for saving lives. When a ladder company arrives at a fire and there is an evident life hazard, those firefighters will immediately enter the burning building to search for and remove trapped individuals. Because this is often done prior to the establishment of a hoseline for protection, it is the most dangerous work firefighters must perform, but it is necessary to save lives."

Civilian fire fatalities have decreased by 57 percent Citywide between fiscal year 1990 and fiscal year 1998, including a 15 percent drop between fiscal years 1996 and 1997. In fiscal year 1998, the City also had the lowest number of malicious false alarms of any year in at least 20 years, a 60 percent decline from fiscal year 1992.

The consolidation of EMS into the Fire Department is providing better and faster coordinated response to life-threatening emergencies, and the new MetroTech headquarters in Brooklyn is enabling the Department to enhance performance and accountability at every level.

"The creation of a new fire company is a rare event that any community would welcome with open arms," said Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. "I want to thank Mayor Giuliani and Commissioner Von Essen for responding to the increased need for fire protection in southeast Queens, which for many years had one of the highest fatality rates in the City. Ladder Company 133 is a welcome addition to the ranks of the Bravest and the communities of southeast Queens."

The Mayor was also joined by FDNY First Deputy Commissioner William Feehan, Acting Chief of Department Peter Ganci, Ladder Company 133 Commanding Officer Captain William Youngson, Division 13 Commander John McCormick, Division 13 Deputy Chief Joseph Curry, Uniformed Firefighters Officers Association President Arthur Parinello, Uniformed Firefighters Association President Kevin Gallagher and FDNY Chaplain Reverend Wilfred Callendar.

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