International Firefighters’ Day is a Way to Say Thank You

While May the 4th is most commonly known as Star Wars Day, it is more importantly known as International Firefighters’ Day. Firefighters respond to more than just building or house fires and deserve to be recognized for their bravery and service. Whether it is a report of smoke, toxic fumes, a possible gas leaks, an accident or a medical emergency, the fire department is there to assist the public any way they can.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) was started in 1865 and is the largest fire department in the country, serving more than eight million residents in the five boroughs along with countless tourists in The Big Apple. Over 10,000 firefighters respond to over a million calls every year. The most recent class of 300 firefighters graduated this week and included four women, which will give the department a record 53 female firefighters.

Being a firefighter comes with constant challenges. Just in the past ten days the FDNY has had to respond to a number of intense blazes including:

• A 4-alarm fire at a century old church in the Flatiron District of Manhattan which took 160 firefighters three hours to extinguish
• A 3-alarm fire at an apartment building in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, which displaced residents
• A fast-moving fire in a Bronx home which sent 12 people to the hospital
• A 2-alarm fire at a six story building in SoHo that needed more than 100 firefighters to extinguish
• A 5-alarm fire at a house in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, which spread and caused major damage to two other homes and a church

Thankfully none of the hundreds firefighters involved in these incidents were seriously injured. While intense and extensive training is a major part of successfully and safely putting out a fire, firefighters also need reliable and updated equipment to do their job. This is one of the reasons why actor and fierce firefighter advocate Denis Leary started The Leary Firefighters Foundation. In 16 years the foundation has raised over $10 million for new equipment, training and technology to keep firefighters safe.

Firefighters bravely and selflessly risk their lives every day to ensure the public’s safety. Even with their effort and skill, fires can get out of control and cause major injuries. When a fire is due to negligence or a blatant disregard for safety, it is even more devastating. If you or someone you love has been injured in a fire, it is important to have an attorney who will work diligently to bring the responsible party to justice. Do not hesitate and call Finz & Finz, P.C., today.