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Newletters From September, 2001
EMERGENCY RESPONDERS CAN GET ONLINE AND PDA INFO ON TERRORISM, TRAUMA AND BIOCHEM WARFARE FREE
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
eMedicine.com is offering free info to first responders, health professionals and PDA users looking for quick reliable info on medical issues related to terrorism, trauma and biochemical warfare.
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POWDERED BULLETS MAY BE USED ON AIRLINES BY PILOTS, POLICE, AND MARSHALS
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
The debate in Congress over guns on planes has centered on what kind of bullet should be used. It looks like more testing is needed on the frangible bullet which bursts into powder when hitting a hard surface but will penetrate a soft surface such as human skin. Experts fear that lead bullets will pierce the airplane's shell and cause loss of pressure or hit a fuel or communications line.
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CO COMPANY INCREASES EFFORT TO DEVELOP W911 SO EMERGENCY RESPONDERS CAN LOCATE CELLPHONE CALLERS
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
NEEDA has reported on the national effort to convert the wireless system so that 911 callers can be located by first responders. Here is yet another story about one of the companies working in this business. All wireless carriers are working on complying with new rules from the Federal Communications Commission which say that by a certain date they need to have a system which shows the location from which a 911 call is being made. The new system will be called W911.
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FIRE SHELTERS WERE NOT AT FAULT IN DEATH OF FOUR WILDFIRE FIREFIGHTERS
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Following the death of the four young wildfire fighters in the Washington Cascades, the question was asked: were the fire-resistant personal shelters carried by all wildfire fighters at fault? NEEDA Executive Director asked this question of firefighters when he was in Washington State shortly after the tragedy. The long-awaited report on the incident cites other problems which may be attributed to the tragedy but does not site the heat-resistant product issued to all wildfire fighters and used by the four who were killed.
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EMS AIR SHIPMENTS AND RESPONDER EQUIPMENT NEEDED IN EVENT OF CHEMICAL TERRORIST ATTACK
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 2, 2001 10:30 AM
The grounding of crop dusting planes which carry 510 gallons while flying 110 MPH, may spread to the planes used by emergency medical services to ship products needed to respond to emergencies. While the only planes grounded at this time are crop dusters, if there are other restrictions on small planes and helicopters, EMS reponses could be affected. Meanwhile, do all EMS units have the proper equipment, including air suction units, with which to respond to a terrorist attack which features chemicals?
This will be a major topic of discussion at the upcoming EMS trade shows and conventions as professionals develop the right answers for the Congress and for local governments. The National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association and the National Emergency Medical Services Dealers Association encourage you to share your views with NEEDA so we can publish a dialogue on the subject. To contact NEEDA send your e-mail to: KentonP1@aol.com
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PENNSYLVANIA ISSUES GRANTS TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES: DEC. 17, 2001 IS DEADLINE
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Pennsylvania is distributing Federal money as grants to local communities to prevent wildfires. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will give away $425,000 in US funds to grants to meet state requirements, are spending some of their own money, and need the grant help.
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SPECIAL EQUIPMENT MONITORS HEALTH OF SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS WORKING WHOLE DAY SHIFTS:DISASTER SITES
Originally Posted: September 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Dogs needing monitoring in New York at the World Trade Center, got help from two donated pieces of equipment. Search dogs have proven very effective but their health in bad work conditions and in long shifts needs to be monitored.
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US POSTAL SERVICE WILL ASK FOR 9% INCREASE LATER THIS MONTH
Originally Posted: September 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
As soon as the Postal Service can get the OK, the First Class stamp will go to 37 cents and parcel shipment rates will rise 8.9 percent.
Emergency equipment dealers planning to conduct direct mail promotions or distribute catalogues and flyers or other customer communications should plan on paying more for postage. Similarly, postal increases may precipitate price increases by United Parcel and other private delivery services. Your 2002 business budget will definitely be affected. Click on this news item to get NEEDA's line by line prediction for probably postal rate increases this Winter.
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OSHKOSH/PIERCE/MEDTECBIZ PROJECTIONS DUE NOV 1
Originally Posted: September 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Oshkosh Truck Corporation (Oshkosh WI) a manufacturer of specialty trucks and trucks bodies for the defense and fire and emergency markets will provide an update regarding Oshkosh's business outlook during its regularly scheduled conference call to discuss fiscal 2001 results. The call is scheduled for November 1, 2001, at 11:00 a.m. eastern standard time.
Oshkosh Truck is a Fortune 1000 company with products marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce, McNeilus, Geesink, Norba and Medtec brand names. The had annual sales of $1.324 billion in fiscal 2000.
MORE INFO? Charles L. Szews 920-235-9151, Ext. 2332 or Kirsten Skyba, 920-233-9621
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RURAL METRO CONTINUES FINANCIAL RECOVERY WITH $5.9 MILLION INTEREST PAYMENT TO NOTEHOLDERS
Originally Posted: September 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Rural/Metro Corporation (Scottsdale AZ) paid a $5.9 million semi-annual interest payment to its senior noteholders in a continued effort to restore financial stability to the company. Progress has been made in the past year, as reported in NEEDA NEWSLETTER.
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NY RESCUE WORKERS NEWS:FILLING BOOTS OF FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS...CA & IN SEARCH TEAMS HELP
Originally Posted: September 16, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
The 11,400 firefighter strong Fire Department of New York promoted 168 firefighters to fill the positions left vacant by the firefighters who fell on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services has provided New York City with three Urban, Search, and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces. Saturday, September 15, 2001 working near an Indiana US&R task force, when the Indiana unit forced entry into a burning area and had a fire flash on them, the California rescuers extinguished the fire and helped get the Indiana firefighters out.
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CONGRESS APPROVING $40 BILLION FOR VICTIM AID AND TERRORIST APPREHENSION
Originally Posted: September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
The US Senate has approved 96-0 $40 billion to help the victims and hunt down the terrorists. The House 442-0 approved the same legislation. Ten billion will be immediately available. The President will need to submit a plan to Congress on how he plans to spend most of the funds.
The New York City Council, blocked from meeting in City Hall, used the New York Public Library auditorium to request the state up the city's borrowing ceiling by $2.5 billion. The State legislature in Albany said yes.
The State Legislature OK'd $5 billion in federal aid, and committed $500 million in NY state money.
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MANY COMPANIES RESPOND TO TERRORIST STRIKES WITH CONTRIBUTIONS
Originally Posted: September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
NEEDA has compiled a partial list of those who are contributing to the firefighters and other first responders, their families, the victims and their families of the terrorist attack on the US. We will update this list as additional names are received by NEEDA. If you, your company, or an organization you know are making a contribution, let NEEDA know so we can add your submission to this list of great Americans. To send an item to NEEDA: KentonP1@aol.com
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EMPLOYERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES TO BE CALLED INTO ACTIVE RESERVE DUTY
Originally Posted: September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
US employers will need to brush up on the Federal rules applying to military reservists because President George W. Bush will be calling up 1 million reservists. He has the backing of his Cabinet for this new move.
Congress has already approved $40 billion for the counter terrorism and rescue campaign. Up to half will be used in New York.
30,000 to 50,000 troops will support air patrols of major cities such as New York and Washington DC and military bases.
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RESTORING CELLULAR SERVICE IN WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER AREA & REPLACING T-1 LINES CRITICAL
Originally Posted: September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
First responders and businesses in the lower tip of New York City's Manhattan Island have lost most wireless phone service because the now destroyed World Trade Center was a key transponder. Restoring cellular phone service and public safety radio system is urgently needed by rescue workers and those trying to restore business operations in this commercial zone of the city.
AeroComm engineers are working with the Port Authority to restore its emergency public safety radio systems.
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NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT URGENTLY NEEDS EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS URGED TO HELP
Originally Posted: September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
In the wake of Tuesday's tragedies at the World Trade Center, an urgent request for help has been received from the New York City Fire Department. The Fire Department is seeking donations of very specific equipment and supplies to aid them in their ongoing rescue efforts.
The supplies needed are as
follows:
Lamps and lanterns, industrial battery-operated (NO propane, please)
Shovels
Flashlights
Light sticks
Eyewash, sterile isotonic buffered (in portable bottles)
ECG conductor, liquid
Basins, emesis
Goggles, safety
Masks, dust
Gloves, heavy duty work
Towels, bath
Bags, large biohazard
NEW YORK SEEKS EXTENSIVE LIST OF DONATIONS FROM COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS
List of critical medical and non-medical supplies required by the officials and volunteers supplying the workers and survivors of the World Trade Center disaster in lower Manhattan.
Supplies should be dropped primarily to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 34th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues in Manhattan or at the Union Square South staging area. Food can also be dropped off at any cross street bisecting Houston Street or 14th Street to a uniformed officer.
If you are living outside of the New York City area, we urge you to contact a local Red Cross, Salvation Army or other voluntary organization to see how donated supplies can be delivered.
Basic Medical: These are items that the public can obtain from most
commercial pharmacies or groceries
Aspirin / Tylenol
Gauze Pads
Dust masks/Surgical Masks
Alcohol Swabs
Respirator Masks
Antibiotic Cream
Ace Bandages
Foot Powder
Saline Solution
Non-drowsy Allergy Medicine
Medical tape
Specialized Medical: These are items that are more easily obtained by
licensed physicians or medical practitioners
23 Gauge Needles
Infusion Sets
21 Gauge Needles
Butterfly (To Draw Blood)
D5W IV Bags
IOCC Syringe
Saline Bags
Silvadine
Canine Unit Supplies: These supplies should be available at most pet
supply stores and/or grocers
*Dog Boots (Canine Unit) VERY IMPORTANT!
Dog Food
Can Openers
Basic Non-Medical: These are items that the public can obtain from hardware stores, electronics stores, and commercial grocers
High-quality respirator masks
Other Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, baby powder, combs, shaving equipment)
Can Openers
Waterproof tubs/coolers
Multi-channel, 2-way radios
Flash Lights (With batteries)
Bottled Water
Blankets
Long Sleeved Shirts
Towels
T-shirts
High-quality, high-impact,
Steel-toed Work Boots
high-temperature Safety Goggles
Work Gloves
Plastic Tarps
Sanitary Napkins
Cotton and wool socks
Flap Shovels
Packaged Ice
Crowbars
Rope
Pick-axe
Tents (all types)
Handi-Wipes
Sunscreen
Hard Hats,
Soap
Men's and Women's Undergarments(including long underwear)
Sweaters and fleeces
Cell Phone Chargers
Rain gear (jackets, pants, rubber boots)
Specialized Non-Medical: These are items that should be donated by
companies or organizations that either use them for business or have
access to additional units. The preference is for new or slightly used
equipment.
Refrigerator units
Portable generators
Portable commercial ice makers
Portable stadium/floodlights
More donation information?
Red Cross: Donate/Volunteer Information
General Donations:
1 (800) 514 5103
1 (800) HELP NOW
Money or Food Donations:
1 (800) 801-8092
Money Donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief
PO Box 3756
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008
Volunteer:
Mental Health and other professionals are needed
1 (877) RED CROSS
Javits Emergency Coordination Center
Frank Tsu (917) 331-2148 (cell)
Donations from companies in close proximity to New York City are best, although donations from any area will be accepted. If you are able to
help, please contact Jocelyn Greenwood of the New York City Fire Department at: 718-999-1319 or 718-999-2287. Please be patient, as phone lines are busy at this time. If you are unable to get through by phone, email relief@verticalnet.com
As reported earlier by NEEDA, Hale has contributed 55 skids of Hurst Jaws of Life to the rescue workers through the local dealer Firematic. Also on the NEEDA website under NEEDA NEWSLETTER is a list of products and services being given to the rescue efforts by companies in ours and other industries. If you are making a contribution, please let NEEDA know by e-mail as we have been providing the news media with information about contributors and potential contributors. You will see stories in major newspapers this weekend about contributions from companies like yours. To send a donation story to NEEDA: kentonP1@aol.com (Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)).
Request for help relayed to NEEDA by:
Honorable David P. Currier
Bound Tree Parr, LLC
(603) 428-7619
http://www.BoundTree.com
DCurrier@BoundTree.com
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FEMA ISSUES BULLETIN RE DESTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER SITE
Originally Posted: September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
The United States Fire Administration (301-447-1325)issued this September 13 assessment of the impact on infrastructure at the World Trade Center destruction site. For example, as reported earlier by NEEDA NEWSLETTER (see RESTORING CELLULAR SERVICE IN WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER AREA & REPLACING T-1 LINES CRITICAL) the loss of the World Trade Center took with it the cell phone relay from south Manhattan Island; this is being restored to help the rescue operations and all businesses at the lower end of New York City.
The damage to Wall Street's infrastructure has yet to be fully determined. Phone service remains spotty after 200,000 of the 500,000 phone lines that connected lower Manhattan with the rest of the world were wiped out.
Verizon Communications has started working on restoring phone and high-speed data service to the area, but the process is both lengthy and treacherous. Verison's Peter Thonis said the company has given top priority to restoring full phone service to the New York Stock Exchange so that it opens on Monday, September 17, 2001. About 20 percent of the NYSE's data lines and all of its phone connections were lost on Tuesday, September 11.
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EMERGENCY INFO FOR THOSE AFFECTED DIRECTLY BY THE TERRORIST ATTACK ON NEW YORK CITY & WASHINGTON DC
Originally Posted: September 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Here is some useful info if you, your employees, or the fire departments you serve need access to special help during this time of exceptional stress, turmoil, disruption, loss and saddness for
thousands of American families and communities.
The information NEEDA provides includes important web sites and professionally prepared published material to help men, women and children deal with
horror and fear that could seriously affect their work, school, and family relationships. In this period of national crisis, none of us is immune from pshychological problems resulting from death, destruction, uncertainty, and thoughts of depression or suicide.
Concerned employers should consider sharing this information with employees and friends.
Anyone knowing a potential victim's cell phone or pager should call the response team's toll-free line: 877-348-8579.
Once receiving the mobile number, the team can determine when the last call was made or the last page was sent, and whether the transmission came from the area known as ``ground zero.''
If a live call is received from the rubble, experts have sophisticated radio frequency equipment that could provide an approximate location of the signal in the rubble. The Federal Emergency Management Agency would decide whether it was safe to dig in a particular area.
Meanwhile, if you or your employees have information on missing loved ones, here are numbers to call:
American Airlines at 1-800-245-0999, or
United Airlines at 1-800-932-8555
if you believe you have a family member who was aboard:
-- American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 en route from Boston to Los Angeles with 81 passengers, nine flight attendants and two pilots
-- American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757 operating from Washington Dulles to Los Angeles with 58 passengers, four flight attendants and two pilots
-- United Flight 93, a Boeing 757 aircraft, departed from Newark, NJ, at 8:01 a.m. local time, bound for San Francisco, with 38 passengers onboard, 2 pilots and 5 flight attendants.
-- United Flight 175, a Boeing 767 aircraft, departed from Boston at 7:58 a.m. local time, bound for Los Angeles, with 56 passengers onboard, 2 pilots and 7 flight attendants.
-- American Red Cross: 1-888-BLOOD88 (1-888-256-6388)
-- The Pentagon has asked personnel to call the following number to be accounted for:
1-877-663-6772
-- For Information on Morgan Stanley Employees: 1-888-883-4391
-- Emergency number for Carr Futures: 1-800-755-7620
-- Emergency number for Cantor Fitzgerald: 1-866-326-3188
-- Federal Employees: The Office of Personnel Management has asked employees to call
202-606-1800 for updates on office closings.
-- Justice Department: Families of victims may Call the Office of Victims of Crime about services for survivors and their rights: 1-800-331-0075
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TERRORIST ATTACK AFTERMATH: CONGRESS TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES
Originally Posted: September 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Congress will provide tax relief for the families of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Legislation scheduled in the House this week, foregives income taxes, cuts estate taxes in half, and makes tax free any payouts by airlines to families of passengers killed in the hijackings. The legislation is based on the tax relief given to families of military and civilian personnel killed in or serving in combat zones. Introducing the bill: Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA) who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, the House unit in charge of taxes.
The bill would halt many millions of dollars in potential revenue to the US government.
The House is also working on an economic stimulus bill with capital-gains tax and business tax incentives.
The capital gains tax rate could go from 20% to 15%.
The Bush Administration is also working on its own version of an economic stimulus bill which might include a two-week delay in transportation tax deposits made by airlines. Because the House is moving fast with its bill, a major announcement is expected in the next few days from the White House or Treasury Department.
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KNIGHTS OFFER $3000 TO EACH FAMILY OF FALLEN EMS & FIREFIGHTER IN TERRORIST ATTACK TRAGEDY
Originally Posted: September 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
The Knights of Columbus (New Haven CT) has established a $1 million "Knights of Columbus Heroes Fund" for families of all full-time professional law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who have lost their lives or may yet lose their lives in the rescue and recovery efforts under way at the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
The fund was announced by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in a news conference Thursday, Sept. 13.
Affected families will each receive $3,000 from the Knights of Columbus in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
The gift is being made on behalf of the 1.6 million members of the Knights of Columbus and their families throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines and Mexico.
The Knights of Columbus has a special association with the members of the law enforcement and firefighting fraternities: James T. Mullen, first supreme knight, was president of the New Haven Fire Commission in the 1880s.
The Knights of Columbus, a tax exempt organization which earns one billion dollars a year by selling life insurance, is a Catholic family fraternal service organization. With 1.6 million members, the Knights of Columbus at all levels distributes approximately $116 million to charitable causes annually.
MORE INFO? www.kofc.org or 800-380-9995.
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HALE AND FIREMATIC PROVIDE 55 SKIDS OF JAWS OF LIFE TO NY RESCUE WORKERS AT WORLD TRADE CENTER
Originally Posted: September 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
IDEX Corporation (Northbrook IL) is sending Hurst Jaws of Life(C) rescue tools, manufactured by its Hale Products, Inc. subsidiary, to New York City to help with the World Trade Center rubble search for survivors and bodies.
A convoy of two double tractor trailers containing 55 skids of Hurst Jaws of Life rescue tools and two Hurst training vehicles were escorted by Pennsylvania then New Jersey state police on their way to New York City. The Jaws of Life will be used to cut through he web of steel which had been supporting the two World Trade Center towers but is now covering the temporary rubble tomb of thousands of victims.
Once there, New York State police escorted the vehicles to a staging area at Randall's Island. Firematic, the local Hurst distributor, has set up a station to distribute the tools to firefighting and rescue personnel. Hurst Jaws of Life is the standard for rescue tools in New York City. Firematic is a member of NEEDA. Hurst has provided contributions and support to NEEDA.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in this incident -- but in particular the firefighting and rescue personnel, some of whom have been friends for years," said Don Heffner, Hale's Northeast regional manager, who is on-site helping Firematic with tool distribution. "This is an unthinkable loss for the people of New York and for the whole country. We are glad to do what we can to help."
Hale Products makes products for defense, rescue, firefighting, and industry. Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia PA and Ocala FL, Hale manufactures and distributes truck-mounted and portable fire pumps, electronic controls, gauges, electronic governors, ventilation systems, foam proportioning systems, and rescue equipment. Hale's trademarks include Jaws of Life(C), Hale(C) Pumps, Hurst(C), Godiva Pumps, Class 1(C), LUKAS(C), and FoamMaster.
IDEX Corporation is a manufacturer of proprietary pump and metering products, dispensing equipment, and other engineered products with leading positions in niche markets.
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FIREFIGHTER DEATHS MOUNT IN NEW YOUR TERRORIST TRAGEDY
Originally Posted: September 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
According to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: NY Fire Department deputy commissioner, William Feehan, chief of department Peter Ganci, chief in charge of the special operations command, Raymond Downey; and Father Michael Judge, a chaplain are all missing in the World Trade Center terrorist attack.
Over 300 firefighters are missing and presumed dead in the collapsed building rubble. Downey led a NY firefighting and rescue team in 1995 at the Oklahoma City bomb site.
There are also police missing, possibly 85. Several police officers were found alive in the rubble and others have called for help using cell phones. Over 60 firefighters made it to hospitals suffering injuries and smoke inhalation.
Fourty-five of 350 victims taken to Manhattan's St Vincent's Hospital were emergency workers.
On Thursday, September 13, the Associated Press reported the mayor said 4,763 people had been reported missing in the devastation of the World Trade Center. ``It could turn out we recover fewer than that; it could be more,'' Mayor Rudolph Giuliani told the AP Thursday morning. ``We don't know the answer.''
In New York the majority of firefighters and rescue workers who responded on the first five alarms of the incident, including the city's search and rescue fleet of five squad companies, were in the towers at the time of the collapses.
The underground portion of the Trade Center complex reaches down more then six stories and incorporates subway stops and parking garages. There may be survivors here. Six firefighters and one police officer have been rescued so far.
The NY fire department reports 30 pieces of fire apparatus have been destroyed.
At the Pentagon, where firemen and rescue workers have been working around the clock, 190 people were feared dead; 70 bodies had been recovered, the AP said.
Compared to the 2,390 Americans who died at Pearl Harbor the 5000 terrorist attack victims of 9-11-01 will set a new record of horror.
Missing: 202-350 firefighters, 154 Port Authority workers, 57 NYPD and Port Authority police officers, 38 members of a Manhattan management company, 150 at the Pentagon, and 266 passengers and crew from the hijacked airlines.
NEEDA President James "Pat" Griffin (American Fire Equipment,Woodbridge VA said: "The loss of first responders in this horrible attack is incredible, a hugh, unprecedented loss of very brave people doing their job to save lives in formidably dangerous disaster conditions. As a former fireman myself, I know there are people this courageous in every community; firefighters make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us somewhere every week. But, in New York we are all in awe at the phenomenal sacrifice of all these New York area firefighters and we pray for the families they leave behind, the children, the parents, the loved ones. If you asked them, they would all have said 'We're just doing our job.' It is such a wrenching tragedy to see their job end because of the cruel hatefulness of a band of terrorists who have no respect or value of life, family, true courage or human kindness. None of us can comprehend the magnitude of losing 5,000 fellow citizens in this terrorist attack; we will mourn their loss for decades to come."
MORE INFO: Pat Griffin @ 703-491-2990 or pgriffin@aol.com
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GENERAL AVIATION SAFETY: 41% DECREASE IN ACCIDENTS
Originally Posted: September 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
The safety of general aviation has been improving. The total number of accidents declined from 3,233 in 1982 to 1,989 in 1998--a decrease of 41 percent--while the accident rate fell from about 10 to about seven accidents for every 100,000 flight hours. These figures are contained in a new GAO report issued as Congress reconvened in September.
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FEMA AWARDS $5 MILLION IN EIGHTH FIRE GRANTS ANNOUNCEMENT IN RECENT WEEKS
Originally Posted: September 11, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
NEEDA has been reporting the various chapters of the 2001 Fire Act grants being released in Washington. The Eight round of $5 million going to 88 fire departments will be used for personal protective equipment. Click on the headline for the details.
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FIRE BURN PREVENTION FEATURED IN NEW ROUND OF FEMA FIRE ACT GRANTS
Originally Posted: September 11, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Public fire pretection and prevention initiatives will be funded with $600,000 in funding from the Fire Act matching grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is part of a series of grants reported previously in the NEEDA Newsletter. Use the "search" line above to retrieve the other Newsletter stories about the Fire Act grant releases of recent weeks.
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NATIONAL TERRORISM CRISIS: NEEDA SUMMARIZES WHAT BUSH & CONGRESS ARE DOING
Originally Posted: September 11, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
"While the World is shocked and horrified at the revolting killing by terrorists hijacking aircraft and destroying buildings, and our hearts go out to the thousands of families and loved ones affected, NEEDA has been deeply concerned about urban terrorist attacks for several years," NEEDA President James "Pat" Griffin (American Fire Equipment, Woodbridge VA) said.
Following NEEDA's 2000 convention in San Diego where association members received a full briefing about the Federal anti-terrorism program from the FBI, NEEDA has been in contact with Federal officials. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie has attended meetings at the FBI with the various Federal agencies which are being brought together to respond to potential terrorist attacks. NEEDA members were in a critical position to help first responders in Oklahoma City and in Seattle to respond to problems and are at work this week helping officials respond to the terrifying situation at the New York World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and at the air crash sites. The Bush Administration and the Congress have been working on a high level reponse to terrorism. For example, Congress last year passed and President Clinton signed legislation appropriating $13 billion for the war against terrorists. Here from NEEDA is a summary of the latest developments.
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SEPT 14 IS DEADLINE FOR TECHNOLOGY GRANT SUBMISSIONS FOR FIRE AND RESCUE
Originally Posted: September 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
DCC established the grant in response to the growing need for agencies to distribute accurate and reliable information in a timely and cost-effective manner during a fire, a hazardous materials spill or other emergency event. Deadline for applications is September 14, 2001. Contact rick.wimberly@dccusa.com
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SMOKE HOOD PROVIDES 20 MINUTES OF BREATHABLE AIR DURING FIRE & CHEMICAL INCIDENTS
Originally Posted: September 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
According to Brookdale International Systems, the manufacturer of this industry-leading safety device, Transocean Sedco Forex placed an order for 3150 EVAC-U8 units in July 2001 through distributor Dooley Tackaberry. Transocean had previously deployed over 1400 EVAC-U8's on its drilling rigs, which operate in locations around the world.
The EVAC-U8 Smoke Hood is particularly well-suited to the safety requirements of oil and gas drilling operations because of its ability to protect against lethal hydrogen sulfide, as well as the other toxic gases created by fire. But EVAC-U8 has the potential to save lives in any industrial situation where there is a risk of fire or toxic gas release.
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DEFIBRILLATOR MARKET: SURVIVALINK AND ARTEMA BEING AQUIRED BY CARDIAC SCIENCE
Originally Posted: September 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Cardiac Science's acquisition of Survivalink & Artema is on course thanks to a Securities and Exchange Commission review of the acquisition plans. Cardiac Science intends to make a tender offer for all the outstanding shares of Artema Medical AB for approximately 4.4 million shares of Cardiac Science common stock. Artema develops, manufactures and markets bedside and portable multi-parameter patient monitors and external defibrillator devices used in cardiac and emergency care applications.
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EMS: HUDSON RCI NAMES FRENCH PRESIDENT AND CEO
Originally Posted: September 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Healthcare and technology investor French becomes CEO and former CEO Richard W. Johansen will become Chairman of the Board at Hudson Respiratory.
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REDDINET COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM EXPANDS TO TWO MORE CA COUNTIES
Originally Posted: September 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
ReddiNet helps coordinate hospital and paramedic services in the event of a major emergency. In non-emergency situations, ReddiNet provides hospitals with daily diversion status updates to determine which hospitals can provide appropriate patient care.
"With ReddiNet, hospitals in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties will be able to display their status instantly and will be able to communicate rapidly with the local EMS agency and emergency dispatch centers about situations of high demand on critical care resources," said Contra Costa EMS Director Art Lathrop.
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CONGRESS IN SEPTEMBER: WHAT WILL THEY DO?
Originally Posted: September 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM
Tax deductions for business travel expenses are among the topics Congress may act on in September. Others include health plans offered by trade associations such as NEEDA and PAC disclosure.
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