As I was writing this editorial and thinking about the International Fire Fighter and EMS Safety Stand Down, word came of the tragic loss of nine firefighters at a commercial fire in Charleston, SC, just one day after Father's Day. Before that, I received an e-mail from Bill Noonan, Boston Fire Department photographer, detailing the 35th anniversary of the Vendome Collapse that killed nine firefighters in Boston on Father's Day, June 17, 1972. Associate Publisher Jeff Barrington and I flew to Boston to attend the 25th anniversary ceremony. In June 2001, I went to the "Father's Day Fire" in the Astoria section of New York City where three firefighters were killed by an explosion in a hardware store. When the last of three firefighters was located within the building and removed to the street, I saw the most moving sight I had ever seen. Hundreds of firefighters removed their helmets and stood in silent tribute as he was removed from the scene. I will always remember that. It just goes to show with all our good intentions and the education, training and safety information available, tragedies still occur. It always has been and always will be a dangerous job. We have to study the lesson learned from the past, use good judgment and prepare for the future. Too many have sacrificed already, including firefighters, families, friends and fire departments.
Deputy Chief Tom Canzanella of the Hackensack, NJ, Fire Department recently passed away after a brief illness at the age of 50. I first met Tom after one of the funerals for the five firefighters who were killed when a wooden bowstring truss collapsed at a fire in a Hackensack car dealership on July 1, 1988. Tom was president of IAFF Fire Fighters' Local 2081 at the time; at his death, he was president of fire officers' union Local 3172 and president of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey.
Thousands of firefighters attended the Hackensack funerals. Through Tom, I was given access to firefighters and officers who worked the fire or came in on a recall. It was truly horrific in Hackensack after the fire. I talked to many firefighters as I researched the first of three articles; some told me things they hadn't even told their wives. Many things happened after that blaze. The State of New Jersey called for truss floor and roof signs to be attached to the exterior of any buildings with that specific type of construction. Education regarding the dangers of trusses was stressed nationwide. Exclusive use of fireground channels, additional radio frequencies and use of the incident command system came about.
Many of the lessons learned from that tragic fire, which occurred almost 20 years ago, are still applicable today. Over the course of time, the Hackensack Fire Department changed for the better, and so did Firehouse® Magazine with its in-depth coverage of major fire service incidents. Tom had a big part in both.
Speaking of firefighter deaths, the fire service is still waiting for the Department of Justice to step up to the plate and do what Congress authorized and funded - to pay federal death benefits to families who lost loved ones to heart attacks or strokes in the line of duty. As Hal Bruno reports this month, there has been a lot of activity, but little progress toward implementing the Hometown Heroes Act.. Hal comments, "The fact that there has to be a battle is sad and disappointing." See the Fire Politics column on page 20 for the latest on this important issue. Also this month, Contributing Editor Charles Werner conducts an exclusive interview with Chief Gregory B. Cade, who was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration. You can read this in-depth interview beginning on page 58.
The 24th annual Firehouse Expo in Baltimore is quickly approaching. This year, we are proud to have FDNY Battalion Chief John J. Salka Jr., author and Firehouse contributing editor, as our keynote speaker on Thursday, July 26, at 8:30 A.M. This year's conference program offers a wide variety of fire service topics to help keep you safe. On the exhibit floor, attendees will find the latest products and services for firefighters and other emergency responders. For updated information, please go to www.firehouseexpo.com.
