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As this, the most devastating and traumatic time in the history of our great department, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of all NYC Firefighters to sincerely thank all those who have come to our assistance at a time when not only is our department at its limits, but our entire country has been under attack. Knowing what we have had to face over the last few days and knowing what we have in front of us, I want you all to know that during this crisis period we will be operating here at the UFA under special emergency operations. I will be communicating with the UFOA on an hour-by-hour basis and as of yesterday, we have set up a command base near the collapse zone on Vesey and West Street. The base will be manned 24 hours a day in conjunction with our union being opened 7 days a week for service. I will be requesting that the department extend release time to all company delegates for the purpose of assisting our Executive Board members in their obligations to the families of our fallen brothers. Much work has to be done by all and this truly must be an all hands effort. We plan to communicate with each company by fax as soon as possible to convey any information that we receive. We will be meeting later today with the IAFF and FEMA to coordinate policy for future operations.
Our dispatchers have assured us that all information transmitted regarding funeral services for our fallen brothers will be sent to us as soon as possible and you will receive it shortly thereafter. It is important that as many off duty members that are available attend services as a mark of respect to their families. We also would like all active members to contact as many retirees from their companies to also participate and attend funeral services with us. Again, this is an all hands effort and I am sure they will want to be part of that effort.
In closing, we thank all of our members both firefighters and fire officers for all their efforts at the around the clock search and rescue operations. We are asking everyone to operate with extreme caution at this very dangerous rescue effort. We will get through this together. We will continue to search for our surviving brothers and will attempt to recover all of our brothers who have made the supreme sacrifice.
I have spoken today with Governor George Pataki and he assures me that all resources available from the State are just a phone call away. Although he understands the magnitude of our task he knows that we can accomplish anything because of our dedication to our brothers and to our profession.
I am extremely proud of each and every one of you. Stay safe and God Bless you all. Back To Top Fraternally, WILLIAM F. MIRRO
Recording Secretary, KEVIN E. GALLAGHER
President
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