by Jonathan Lemire
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta maintained yesterday that the decision to stop inspections of the toxic former Deutsche Bank building rested with three recently reassigned fire officers - not FDNY brass.
"As we know right now, no one gave anyone instructions not to go into the building," Scoppetta told the Daily News.
Deputy Chief Richard Fuerch of Division 1, Battalion Chief John McDonald of Battalion 1, and Capt. Peter Bosco of Engine 10, the closest firehouse to the building, were stripped of their commands after two firefighters died at the Ground Zero tower on Aug. 18.
Though the probe into the series of FDNY missteps leading up to the deadly fire is widening, no other officers are expected to face immediate disciplinary action, an FDNY source said.
Scoppetta said the FDNY is reviewing 429 buildings under demolition or construction to ensure they have been inspected regularly. He also said he is calling for a change in protocol to make certain crucial reports reach FDNY headquarters.
"We are reviewing everything we do," he said.
The fire officers union repeated its call yesterday for the FDNY to turn over a report generated after a "site familiarization" visit to the tower in 2005. FDNY brass were part of the visit.
But the source said a report may not have been written.
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