Release #098-01

 

Contact:	Sunny Mindel / Sid Dinsay:	(212) 788-2958
	Dave Billig (FDNY):	(718) 999-2056

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today presented the New York City Fire Department's (FDNY'S) Administrative Medals and Awards at a ceremony held at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. The awards, given out for the first time since 1994, highlight the contributions of civilian employees of FDNY.

The Mayor was also joined by the FDNY's First Deputy Commissioner William Feehan, Chief of Department Peter Ganci, Chief of Operations Daniel Nigro, Chief Brian Dixon, EMS Chief Robert McCracken, and FDNY Chaplain Rabbi Joseph Potasnik.

"While it is appropriate that we focus attention on the bravery of the firefighters who stare down the flames every day, it is also important to acknowledge the contribution of the men and women behind the scenes who help to make the New York City Fire Department so successful," Mayor Giuliani said. "That's what these medals and awards are all about -- recognizing the administrative excellence that has helped transform the Fire Department over the past several years."

Commissioner Von Essen said, "It is an honor and privilege to re-establish the Administrative Medals and Awards Program, which pays tribute to over 1,500 men and women in the Department who, through their extraordinary efforts, help to make the FDNY a better organization for everyone, everyday. I congratulate and thank all of you for your tremendous commitment and your dedication to the Fire Department and the City of New York."

This year's award recipients --19 individuals and six groups -- helped to fulfill the FDNY's mission: to protect the lives and property of New Yorkers, and keep FDNY members safe while on duty. The honorees serve in many units throughout the Department, including Fleet Services; Recruitment; Field Communications; Fire
Prevention; Legal; Information Technology and Technology Management; Building Maintenance; Probationary Firefighter School; the Mand Library; EMS Command; Publications; Fire Safety Education; and Management Analysis and Planning.

Two recipients who went above and beyond the call of duty received special awards during the ceremony. They are:

Julian Bazel of the Legal Affairs Division, who received the Fire Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Service. Mr. Bazel helped author Local Law 10 of 1999, which required sprinklers to be installed in newly-constructed buildings comprising four or more units. It also mandated the posting of fire safety notices on the back of apartment doors.

Lieutenant Joseph Torrillo of the Fire Safety Education Unit, who received the Fire Commissioner's Award for Meritorious Service. Lieutenant Torrillo was instrumental in the implementation of many of FDNY's fire safety education programs.