Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Day, Month, Year

Release #332 -99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958

Marilyn Mode, DCPI (212) 374-6700

Michael Regan, Fire Dept. (718) 999-2025



MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS HERO FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS WHO PERFORMED DARING RESCUE OF TWO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AFTER SCAFFOLD GAVE WAY

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today honored hero firefighters and police officers for the daring mid-air rescue of two construction workers outside a Manhattan highrise yesterday morning. The construction workers who were waterproofing the building were left dangling from cables twelve stories above the ground when their scaffold gave way at 200 West 108th Street. Teams from FDNY Squad 41 and the NYPD Emergency Services Unit quickly positioned themselves on the roof and on the ground, while one firefighter and one police officer were lowered from ropes anchored to the roof. Both construction workers, who sustained minor injuries, were then safely escorted 120 feet down the side of the building to awaiting emergency personnel.

The Mayor was joined at the ceremony by members of FDNY Squad 41 and the NYPD Emergency Services Unit, who were presented with certificates of recognition. Dauberto Hernandez, one of the construction workers who was saved, was also at the ceremony to thank his rescuers.

"Yesterday afternoon, several firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line to rescue two people they had never met," the Mayor said. "We were once again reminded in dramatic fashion of how thousands of men and woman routinely put others' lives ahead of their own. Working in concert, the Fire Department and the Police Department effected yet another synchronized rescue that was truly a team effort."

The Mayor continued, "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to commend the brave members of Squad 41 and the Emergency Services Unit, who represent the Finest and Bravest our City has to offer."

Representing FDNY Squad 41 (Bronx) at the ceremony were Firefighter Thomas Foley, an 8 year veteran of the Department who was lowered by rope to rescue Dauberto Hernandez; Lt. Richard Portello, a 14 year veteran of the Department; Firefighter Robert Delia, an 18 year veteran of the Department; Firefighter Kevin Quinn, a 15 year veteran of the Department; and Firefighter Edward Walsh, a 9 year veteran of the Department.

Representing the NYPD Emergency Services Unit at the ceremony were Police Officer Romano Amleto, a 15 year veteran of the Department who was lowered by rope to rescue Jose Lopez; Sergeant Michael Curtain, an 11 year veteran of the Department; Detective Joseph Vigiano, a 12 year veteran of the Department; Police Officer Clifford Allen, a 14 year veteran of the Department; and Police Officer Joseph Wendler, a 14 year veteran of the Department.

www.ci.nyc.ny.us


Go to Press Releases | Giuliani Archives | Mayor's Office | NYC.gov Home Page
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map