James J. Johnston Memorial medal to FDNY's wind-driven fire project team

(L to R) Captain Thomas Yuneman, Lieutenant John Ceriello, Irene Sullivan, Kristin Eng, Battalion Chief Gerald Tracy, Battalion Chief George Healy, Deputy Chief John Mooney

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Source

The above-listed FDNY members were the core group of people who worked on the Fireproof Multiple Dwelling Wind-Driven Fire Project. The City of New York has experienced too many injuries and fatalities to civilians and members of the Fire Department as a result of these kinds of fires. The FDNY needed a new, alternate method of extinguishing fires affected by high winds. This smoke-control research was field-tested in Toledo, Ohio, Chicago, and New York City (on Governors Island). As a result of this testing, the Department started a pilot, employing positive-pressure fans, wind control devices, and a high-rise nozzle for fire extinguishment. Scientific testing and measurement, assisted by the Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), proved the effectiveness of these tools and new approaches to firefighting.

Additionally, the team developed a training DVD that covered safe operations for Fighting Wind-Driven Fires in High-Rise Multiple Dwellings and the use of this equipment. This program was funded by a federal grant through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has used this endeavor as a model on how to effectively use federal grants to solve problems. This project was highlighted at major fire conferences in Denver and Washington, DC. DHS has just awarded the Department $1.4 million to continue with the expansion of the pilot program and training.

Because of the team's constant oversight and dedication, this undertaking was a tremendous success. This project will positively affect how all fire departments operate at wind-driven fires in fireproof multiple dwelling buildings. For their unwavering commitment to research that will save the lives of firefighters and members of the public, the FDNY presents the above-listed members with the James J. Johnston Memorial Medal.