A special tribute was performed on September 11, 2010 at the Lipe Art Park located on West Fayette Street at Geddes Street. Off-duty Syracuse Firefighters commemorated the loss of 343 FDNY firefighters by recreating a pose made famous in the aftermath of the tragedy at Ground Zero. The image of an exhausted, dust-covered FDNY firefighter has been circulated around the world as the epitome of the emotions that surrounded the efforts of the first responding firefighters to the scene. The Syracuse Firefighters struck one of two poses that are easily recognized from the media coverage that ensued that horrific day. The depiction is part of a ‘Live Art’ exhibit ran from 07:30 am until 9:00 pm on September 11th, 2010. A sole SFD member depicted the image in 30 minute blocks. At the end of 30 minutes they were relieved by another SFD member. Ted Ackerman (Station 1) lead the effort. For photos of the event, click here.
Fire Chiefs finding new ways to communicate "McLees said that while he doesn't use online social media, his
department does produce a 'Chat With the Chief' television show that is
shown in stations throughout the city. . . . " Read more at Firehouse.com
New pumpers cut costs, add maneuverability
The Syracuse Fire Dept. recently accepted delivery of two new Sutphen pumpers. What is extraordinary is the fact that these are the first pumpers to be delivered to the city in recent history without an elevated stream device. Syracuse Fire has been known nationwide for its mini/maxi concept which dates back to the late 1970’s. Every pumper in the city was a 2000gpm 4wd maxi-pumper outfitted with a 50’ boom. These two pumpers were specified without booms in a cost-cutting measure. While it is a break with tradition, the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight make the rigs more maneuverable. Photo by Tom Shand.
City Firefighters honored by national magazine
Firehouse Magazine honored three Syracuse firefighters for
bravery in its April 2010 issue. Lt. Frank Somers, Firefighter Kevin
Cox, and Firefighter Eric Szentmiklosi each received the magazine’s
Heroism and Community Service Award for their displays of courage while
responding to a structure fire on Otisco St. with victims trapped
inside. Cox and Szentmiklosi forced their way in through a rear door
where, in high heat and venting smoke, they discovered an infant and an
adult male trapped inside. Lt. Somers entered the structure through a
window and helped to carry the victims to a window where they were both
lowered to safety.
