PFD at GROUND ZERO
2001 - THE PFD AT GROUND ZERO
OVER 125 PFD MEMBERS PARTICIPATED AT GROUND ZERO
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On September 11, 2001 is a day all Americans will remember. The Paterson Fire department was part of the story, as they responded to a mutual aid request by FDNY. Engine 5 is seen below stationed at West and Barclay Streets feeding standpipes 2 blocks from the trade center. PFD also helped fight a 40 story structure fire as well as assist in recovery operations at Ground Zero. Engine 5 was relieved after three days of mutual aid service. |
Created by Louis Ponstingel son of Captain Louis Ponstingel
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On September 11, 2001 at 0940 Hours, a request from MICCOM (Mobile Intensive Care Communications) was made for an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) mobilization to Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Paterson Fire Department personnel under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Guerrieri (90) and Executive Officer Michael Ventimiglia responded with 2 EMS units, the Field Communications Unit, and the Mass Casualty Unit. Both ambulances and the Mass Casualty Unit were assigned to the Triage Sector.
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At 1000 Hours, a recall of off-duty PFD personnel was instituted and a contingency of firefighters, under the command of Deputy Chief James Tasca, Battalion Chief’s Kevin Hancock and Scott MacGilvray, were bused to Liberty State Park.
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DC James Tasca
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While at Liberty State Park, PFD personnel assisted victims who were transported to NYC by NYPD marine units. In the photo below starting on left are William Duncan, Carlos Pagan, Frank Liscio IV (E 5 helmet shield), Hector Almeyda, Anthony Camal, Joe Parkin Jr., Gene Kretkowski (with his back to camera) Ray Cusack, Jack Harris (wearing helmet), ? Glen Vetrano (wearing helmet with #4 shield), BC Kevin Hancock (white helmet), Jimmy Hughes, and Carlos Abreu. Pete Lobosco was also in boat (but not seen in photo)
During such time, a request for assistance was made for all available firefighters. 2 initial firefighting crews led by Captain’s Joseph Murray and Brian Burns were shuttled across the Hudson River, where they reported to the 44th Battalion, and were assigned to work in conjunction with FDNY Engine Co. 311 for fire attack operations at 90 West St., a high-rise office building. Crews ascended to the roof of the Marriott Financial Center Hotel with 2-1½ inch hose and a Stang Gun. Upon arrival, crews were then redirected to the Northside of the 37th floor, 25th floor, and 32nd floor and conducted fire suppression operations.
NYPD Marine Division shuttled additional PFD firefighters across the Hudson River to the South Cove Dock. At such time, Deputy Chief Robert Mosier of the FDNY (8th Division) advised of major water problems as water mains had been compromised as a result of the collapse of the towers. Mosier requested that the initial firefighting crews continue fire attack operations while the additional crews attempt to locate additional water supplies and hose.
NYPD Marine Division shuttled additional PFD firefighters across the Hudson River to the South Cove Dock. At such time, Deputy Chief Robert Mosier of the FDNY (8th Division) advised of major water problems as water mains had been compromised as a result of the collapse of the towers. Mosier requested that the initial firefighting crews continue fire attack operations while the additional crews attempt to locate additional water supplies and hose.
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With FDNY Marine 1 (McKean) docked at Albany St, PFD crews began working in conjunction with FDNY crews to establish a water supply to West St. All of the 3-½ inch supply lines from Marine 1 were hand stretched to establish relays up to West St. With Marine 1 now depleted of hose, efforts were initiated to locate additional hose. PFD crews began surveying FDNY apparatus, many of which were significantly damaged
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from the collapse, for any available hose. FDNY crews were also summoned to retrieve old hose from the quarters of Marine 1; much of which had not been retrofitted with the proper couplings. The crew of Marine 1 was able to locate the proper adapters and place the old hose into service. As the incident unfolded, pallets of new hose were eventually delivered and all available hose was utilized.
Please visit The Fireboat McKean (FDNY Marine 1) web site where the PFD response to Ground Zero is mentioned: Click here the button below
Numerous relays were set-up which established a continuous water supply for the Albany/West Sector; however, water pressure was still lacking due to the long distances of the relays. It was at such time that Deputy Chief Mosier made a request for pumpers with large-diameter-hose (LDH). A pumper from West Orange FD arrived but did not have sufficient LDH. PFD Engine Co. 5 was dispatched and responded via the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Upon the arrival of E-5, they were paired with the pumper from West Orange Fire Department as both New Jersey pumpers were equipped with LDH and compatible hose couplings. With the two New Jersey companies operating in tandem with Marine 1, a 5-inch water main was now established at West and Albany St.
Numerous master streams and standpipe systems were now fully operational. It was estimated that over 250 lengths of 3-½ inch hose was supplied by Marine 1.
Over the next successive days, The Paterson Fire Department continued to rotate firefighting personnel to NYC to assist with firefighting and search and rescue operations. In all, over 125 firefighters of the Paterson Fire Department partook in firefighting and search & rescue operations in NYC.
On November 17, 2001, the Paterson Fire Department personnel, along with other responders from Passaic County , who participated in the 9/11 rescue and recovery operations, were recognized by the Board of Chosen Freeholders and presented with appreciation award certificates for commitment and dedication in preserving human life under extraordinary conditions during the attack on America on 9-11-01.
FF Glen Calamita and Anthony Innocent with helmet of DC Tasca visible
September 2001 NJ State FMBA Bulletin
RSalmanowitz/A Natoli Collection
November 17, 2001: Passaic County Freeholders honor PFD firefighters who responded
Hancock Collection
August 2002: Excerpt from Firehouse magazine
Battalion Chief Tom Vallebuona, Battalion 21 - FDNY: “I remember we had a pumper go down the street, still no water going further south…The next thing I know, guys were coming up the street with 3½-inch lines and firemen from New Jersey were with them. It was unbelievable.”
For full story refer to:
http://www.firehouse.com/news/10544377/wtc-this-is-their-story-part-ii
What the FDNY Chief meant is -- firemen from Paterson New Jersey were with them --
Battalion Chief Tom Vallebuona, Battalion 21 - FDNY: “I remember we had a pumper go down the street, still no water going further south…The next thing I know, guys were coming up the street with 3½-inch lines and firemen from New Jersey were with them. It was unbelievable.”
For full story refer to:
http://www.firehouse.com/news/10544377/wtc-this-is-their-story-part-ii
What the FDNY Chief meant is -- firemen from Paterson New Jersey were with them --
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Birth: May 11, 1933
Death: Sep 11, 2001 FATHER MYCHAL JUDGE Father John Piccione the Paterson Fire Department's Chaplain during the 911 attacks, was a good friend of FDNY's beloved Father Mychal Judge, who was killed at Ground Zero (seen together in photo at right) Father John assisted with funeral arrangements and the Paterson Fire department assisted with the interment of Mychal Judge, which was at The Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Paterson / Totowa NJ. |
Father Piccione, Chief Pasquariello and Father Judge
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2016: PFD at Memorial service for Father Mychal Judge at Holy Sepulchre Cemetary
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Honor Guard with Rescue 2 in background
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2017 Ceremony at Father Judge's Gravesite
2002 PFA Ball Book
July 6, 2002: Presentation to PFD
September 11, 2002: 9/11 Memorial Dedication Ward Street and Railway Avenue
L-R Captain Sean Burns, FF Luis Vega, Captain McGuire (in rear), DC Scott MacGilvray, Chief James Pasquariello, FF Ken Beekman in rear, Louis Ponstingel, BC Chris Ricciardi, Captain Fernando Rodriguez, FF Lee Mondelli, Captain Joe Statuto, Captain Greg Lisowski, FF Armando “Julio” Cortez, Captain Javier Tovar, Captain John Botero, FF Mike Gallo (Marty Pelta photo)
Chief Pasquariello in white cap. Designer Louis Ponstingel at center rear
By NJ Transit Station near Post Office - monument design by Louis Ponstingel
Dedicated 9/11/2018
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Gift from NYFD to PFD - a piece of steel from the Trade Center
Displayed in Chief's Offices at McBride Avenue FH
Letter that goes with above plaque - Displayed in Chief's Offices at McBride Avenue FH
Memorial Bell
Dayspring Photo - 6/3/2018
September 11, 2017: Annual Memorial Service held in Paterson - at Railroad Plaza - Breast Medal for PFD FF and PPD (who were still active) Ground Zero responders on September 11, 2001
Brian McDermott, Kevin Hancock, Ryan Murray & BC Robert Gardner with PFD members in front of Ladder 1
September 11, 2018: Annual Memorial Service held in Paterson - at Railroad Plaza -
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Chief McDermott 2nd from left
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Memorial photos taken at Liberty State Park
Ron Johnson Photo
Ron Johnson photo
Engine 6 -- Peter Danzo photo 9/11/2016
Peter Danzo photo
Ladder 1 - September 2018 - Marchese photo
9/11/2018 - Bill Tompkins Photo -
September 11, 2019 - Bill Tompkins photo
September 11, 2019 - Bill Tompkins photo
PFD Ambulance - Bill Tompkins photo
Battalion 1 Bill Tompkins photo
2001 - NEIGHBORHOOD IN PATERSON WAS ONCE HOME
TO SOME 9/11 HIJACKERS
BY RICHARD COWEN AND HANNAN ADELY
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
The slightly rundown three story building at 486 Union Ave, is typical for Paterson: There’s nothing special about the architecture; it’s in a transient neighborhood, where no one seems to stay long.
For a short time in the summer of 2001, Paterson was a safe haven for many of the terrorists who plotted the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Authorities believe that at one time or another, during that summer, as many as 11 of the 19 hijackers who participated in the attacks spent time at this Paterson address. Federal agents swarmed the neighborhood in the frenzied aftermath, and for a time, 486 Union Ave. became notorious.