10/30/2013
By Ivan Pereira
The FDNY showed off Wednesday its new, superstorm-ready equipment that it has invested in over the last year.
Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano unveiled state of the art, trucks, rescue boats and trailers designed to help New York’s Bravest weather out major storms and save people.
During Superstorm Sandy, firefighters handled 94 serious structural fires — including the blaze destroyed 130 housesat Breezy Point — and rescued more than 500 New Yorkers.
“This new specialized equipment, and this group of newly promoted fire officers, demonstrates the department’s unwavering commitment to always improving our preparedness and the lifesaving services we provide,” the fire commissioner said of the $6 million investment in a statement.
The biggest additions to the FDNY’s fleet are the six high-axle vehicles that can work in 53-inch deep waters. The fire department said the $175,000 trucks will help with evacuations in deeply flooded areas.
Cassano also demonstrated a 13-foot long Swift Water Rescue Pod which includes equipment that firefighters can use to get through deep waters including inflatable rafts, ropes and waders.
The commissioner said 80 FDNY members learned new training procedures to improve search and rescue tactics during extreme weather conditions. More training will take place in 2014, according to Cassano.
