A possible solution for recovered FF at WTC

[asolomon]

Maybe each station could designate one or two representatives that would go to Ground Zero if they are called about a recovery.
This way, at least the victim can be properly "saluted" by his own without causing disruption at the station.

Just a thought.

[daysleeper47]

FDNY companies are once again allowed to go to Ground Zero to recover thier own. Companies must tell the dispatcher they are going downtown and must also have a company come over to cover.

[E229Lt]

Yes, the companies CAN go down to recover their own again. Two days after the loss of Tom Von YES-MAN dignity and respect are coming back to our job.

[CollegeBuff]

I may take major heat for this, but I have to at least ask....

Isn't the first priority of a firefighter to the living?

By all means, company members should be recovering their dead with honor and dignity. No civlian has higher respect for all of you and what you do than myself. But isn't it kind of irresponsible to be, in effect, sneaking out of service to recover a body? Companies going oos without prior planning (unless that was going on all along?) leave their districts unprotected, there's just no way around that. Perhaps some provision for off-duty members to be called in the event of a body discovery could've been looked at. I'ms sure they wouldn't mind. That way company members are able to render the proper honors, while the members on-duty uphold the legacy that the fallen leave behind- the protection of their fellow man.

Just a few thoughts from an outside observer.

[TailboardJockey]

[quote]Originally posted by CollegeBuff:
I may take major heat for this, but I have to at least ask....

Isn't the first priority of a firefighter to the living?

By all means, company members should be recovering their dead with honor and dignity. No civlian has higher respect for all of you and what you do than myself. But isn't it kind of irresponsible to be, in effect, sneaking out of service to recover a body? Companies going oos without prior planning (unless that was going on all along?) leave their districts unprotected, there's just no way around that. Perhaps some provision for off-duty members to be called in the event of a body discovery could've been looked at. I'ms sure they wouldn't mind. That way company members are able to render the proper honors, while the members on-duty uphold the legacy that the fallen leave behind- the protection of their fellow man.

Just a few thoughts from an outside observer.

---

The situation has been resolved, go back to sleep!

FDNY Lifts WTC Ban on Escorts

By JOANNE WASSERMAN and ALICE McQUILLAN
Daily News Staff Writers

Fire companies will again be allowed to escort the remains of their fallen brethren from Ground Zero, Fire Department officials said yesterday.

The department lifted a short-lived ban on the practice after firefighters, their relatives and union officials complained.

The FDNY stopped the escorts last week, saying the Ground Zero trips left firehouses unattended and risked problems with families if bodies were misidentified.

However, the ban greatly upset firefighters and families of the missing, who consider the escorts a fitting tribute to those they lost.

Sources said the ban also has created tension within the department, with members of one company, Ladder 25, calling in sick on New Year's Day after being turned away from Ground Zero.

They cited "the strain of not being able to pick up their own men," said a firefighter who asked not to be named.

Compromise OKd

Sources said FDNY chief of operations Salvatore Cassano sought a compromise, and new Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta signed off on changes in the escort procedure.

In a memo, Cassano warned firefighters not to immediately call relatives of the recovered fallen but instead to let the medical examiner notify them after identification.

Also, companies headed to the disaster site first must notify higherups and the dispatcher, so other companies can cover their area.

Union officials hailed the change.

"Just to have a company go down and carry the remains out has a great healing effect on the company and assists with closure for the families," said Peter Gorman, head of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association.

[johnexfdny]

[quote]Originally posted by E229lt:
Yes, the companies CAN go down to recover their own again. Two days after the loss of Tom Von YES-MAN dignity and respect are coming back to our job.

---

Oh Mother Mary, me Irish heart is growing weak! Hope is returning to da land!