FDNY Receives $25,000 Grant to Support Firefighter Safety

Manhattan Borough Commander Chief Michael Weinlein (far left) and the members of Engine 9/Ladder 6 joined members of the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and Curry MacWilliams Janitschke Underwriters, Ltd., for a grant presentation.

The members of Engine 9/Ladder 6 in Manhattan received a generous grant on Oct. 15 that will help keep members safe.

The Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and Curry MacWilliams Janitschke Underwriters, Ltd., partnered to present them with a $25,000 check that will be used to purchase equipment for training and physical fitness.

“The Department is so grateful for this generous grant,” Manhattan Borough Commander, Chief Michael Weinlein, said during the presentation ceremony at the quarters of Engine 9/Ladder 6.

The grant funds will be used to purchase a digital camera, laptop computer, and television to make customized presentations that deal specifically with the buildings, hazards and environments in the response area for Engine 9/Ladder 6.

Following the check presentation, members demonstrated how they use a Fast-Pack to rescue a firefighter in trouble. The Fast-Pack rapidly refills a firefighter's air tank, giving him or her an extra 20 minutes of air. The demonstration included how firefighters use a hose line to fight a fire as other members get the injured firefighter air and remove him or her from the fire building. With the grant funds, the firehouse will purchase three life-sized dummies to use for similar drills.

Funds also have been allocated for the purchase of rescue dummies, to be used during drills to simulate fire victims, and a forcible entry simulator, which is designed to train firefighters on how to gain forcible entry though all types of doors during emergencies.

Additionally, exercise equipment will be purchased to enhance the physical fitness of the members.

“On behalf of our members, thank you,” said Capt. Russell Strobel from Engine 9.

Capt. Stephen Corcoran from Ladder 6 added, “To have this equipment close at hand is a tremendous asset to us.”

Since December 2006, Fireman’s Fund has awarded the FDNY more than $400,000. This is the second grant to the FDNY by Curry MacWilliams Janitschke Underwriters, Ltd.

“We’re extremely proud of this program,” said Danny Perry, Corporate Communications Manager for Fireman’s Fund Insurance. “We know the tools we have funded have saved lives.”