New York Mayor and Russian President Watch FDNY Training

    Sept. 25, 2003
    Mayor Bloomberg took Russian President Vladimir Putin to Randalls Island yesterday to watch rookie members of New York's Bravest and a squad of 20 Russian firefighters work out at an FDNY training facility.
    Mayor Bloomberg took Russian President Vladimir Putin to Randalls Island yesterday to watch rookie members of New York's Bravest and a squad of 20 Russian firefighters work out at an FDNY training facility.

    Among the skills they learned was use of the famed "jaws of life" tool, which easily cuts through mangled vehicles where victims are trapped.

    "In order to save other people you must be very solid inside - as they are," Putin said.

    Afterward, the mayor gave Putin an FDNY shirt with "V. Putin" on the back and a battalion chief's helmet. Putin returned the favor by handing Bloomberg a silver Russian fire helmet.

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