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The Department suffered a devastating blow on August 18 as two firefighters – Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia – made the Supreme Sacrifice while battling a sevenalarm fire in the former Deutsche Bank building. Every member working at the fire did an extraordinary job under the most adverse conditions and the entire Department commends your efforts.
Yet there are many questions concerning this fire and the building - which was under demolition and abatement of hazardous substances - that must be addressed. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is looking into all aspects of the tragedy and we are assisting them with their thorough investigation. We will also be conducting our own administrative review and will assist the state Attorney General’s office as they conduct their investigation. Our Safety Command is looking into the circumstances that led to the deaths of these firefighters. Our Bureau of Fire Investigation is looking at the cause of the fire, and marshals also are working with the DA’s office on its investigation. In addition, we will conduct an administrative review concerning what actions were taken – or not taken – by Department personnel at the building prior to the fire. This will focus on why there were no inspections during several months of demolition work despite our regulations that call for them every 15 days. Pending the outcome of the investigation regarding no inspections, I felt it was prudent to detail to headquarters three officers who are responsible for making sure these inspections get done. No disciplinary charges have been filed against these officers, and we will wait for the investigation to be completed before any such actions are considered. As to why inspections weren’t done, again, we’ll await the outcome of the investigation – and as I’ve said several times before, we’ll follow the investigation wherever it leads. Additionally, I’ve determined several actions must be taken immediately as the investigation proceeds. First, I have directed deputy chiefs in our nine divisions to order surveillance by fire units of all buildings under construction/ demolition in their respective administrative areas. These regular inspections will ensure these structures will be safe for our personnel to operate in the event of a fire or emergency. Divisions have also been ordered to review all existing pre-fire plans in their respective administrative areas, and to have units and battalions canvass their districts for any potential structures that might require the creation of such plans. Borough commanders also are ordered to oversee and coordinate all field fire inspection activities in their respective boroughs. We have also started a comprehensive review of the Department’s AFID program – with an emphasis on ensuring accountability at all levels and making recommendations to strengthen and improve the quality and frequency of inspections by field units. These steps are appropriate and necessary so that we understand the truth about what occurred, and so that we can prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.