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  April 1, 2002
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NYPD, FDNY Coming Back Stronger Than Ever
By Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg


Last week I took part in two events that clearly show that New York City's uniformed services are well on their way to recovering from the tragedy of the World Trade Center attacks

On Wednesday, March 27th, I attended the commencement ceremony for the first class of new recruits to join the NYPD since last September 11th. These new officers reflect the great diversity of New York City: Half are minorities, and 20 per cent are women. They are also the most experienced class ever to graduate from the Police Academy. After September 11th, they were pressed into service at the World Trade Center site. Earlier this year, they provided security during the World Economic Forum. As Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said during the graduation, "They've clearly earned their stripes."

Under the leadership of Commissioner Kelly, the NYPD continues to keep New York City the safest large city in the United States. Major crimes are down 8% since January 1st, and murder is down 40%. In fact, since January 1st, there have been fewer murders in the city than anytime since 1962. Operation Clean Sweep, which is aimed at reducing offenses like panhandling and graffiti, has resulted in more than 3,000 arrests and the issuing of more than 30,000 summonses - all in an effort to improve the quality of life of all New Yorkers.

The next day I joined firefighters in Lower Manhattan to accept delivery of a new fire truck to Ladder Company 10. It was the first of many that will replace the more than 90 vehicles the Fire Department lost at the World Trade Center. The cost of these new trucks, ambulances and other vehicles is being underwritten by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The new truck comes from the Seagrave Company, which has supplied the FDNY with trucks for more than 80 years. The new truck is covered with a beautiful mural of the American flag. And like all of the other new trucks Seagrave will be sending the Fire Department, it bears a bronze medallion on the outside of the cab that reads, "Dedicated to New York's Bravest: 9-11-01."

It is fitting that the Department's first new truck went to Ladder 10, the first company to arrive at the World Trade Center following the attacks. Ladder Company 10's firehouse, which they share with Engine Company 10, is located directly across from where the Twin Towers once stood, and sustained extensive damage on September 11th. Ladder 10 and Engine 10 now share temporary quarters with other companies, but both they, and their new rig, will be able to move back to their rightful home at 124 Liberty Street once repairs are completed this fall.

From a personnel standpoint, the Fire Department, like the NYPD, has already begun to rebuild. The number of new firefighters sworn in will soon reach 900, bringing the Department up to pre-9/ll strength. There is also other encouraging news. Under Commissioner Nick Scoppetta, the time it takes the FDNY to arrive at fires has decreased. Counter-terrorism training has been upgraded. A new preparedness plan will ensure that the Fire Department has a back-up fleet in the event of another serious disaster. And the FDNY's remarkable handling of the recovery effort at the World Trade Center site continues to bring comfort to victims' families, and inspiration to all New Yorkers.

To those who lost colleagues and loved ones at the World Trade Center, the NYPD and FDNY may never be whole again. But my administration is committed to working with Commissioner Kelly and Commissioner Scoppetta to make those Departments stronger than ever. Rebuilding the NYPD and FDNY is essential to keeping the people of this City safe, which is the most important part of keeping New York the greatest city in the world.


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