Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York

Firefighters Nab Thief

NY Post

by PHILIP MESSING

A Brooklyn woman's burning indignation after seeing a teen try to break into her husband's car led her to frantically knock on the door of a nearby firehouse - and into the heroic arms of firefighters who collared the perpetrator.

FDNY Captain Michael Mandala, working at Engine 254 on Avenue U in Gravesend, recalled how the woman started "banging on the [firehouse] door frantically."

Mandala said he slid down the firehouse pole and gave chase with Firefighters Lenny Romano and Steve Scarpitti.

Vladimir Belov, 19, was captured a block away. He was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny.

All other inquiries should be mailed to:
Uniformed Firefighter's Association 204 East 23rd Street, NY, NY 10010 or call the UFA office at 212-683-4832