Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal BFI FIFTH ALARM TASK FORCE December 21, 2009, 0430 hours, Box 55-3563, 291 East 204th Street/Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx
SUPERVISING FM ROBERT N. PINTO, SIU FIRE MARSHAL CHARLES S. GUTTMAN, CWN FIRE MARSHAL BRIAN T. KANE, SIU FIRE MARSHAL MICHAEL A. TIERNEY, CWN* FIRE MARSHAL JOHN P. WATKINS, SIU FIRE MARSHAL DAVID WONG, SIU * missing from photo
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n December 21, 2009, at 0430 hours, Fire Marshals from 35 area cameras, some positioned several blocks away. By (FMs) from the Citywide North Command (CWN) carefully reviewing all camera images, FMs were able to isolate responded to a fifth-alarm fire in a commercial strip at a few grainy images depicting a shadowy male figure, then 291 East 204th Street, Bronx. Firefighters found smoke billow- piece together that individual’s mode of travel and his direcing from the Bilco doors of one of the occupancies, a well- tions of arrival and flight. This individual tentatively was idenknown restaurant. Operating under a high-heat condition, tified as a past employee/handyman at the restaurant where it FDNY units made an aggressive attack on the fire via both the was determined the fire originated. Additionally, ongoing interior stairs and the Bilco doors. Fire spread rapidly into the analysis of business records and subpoenaed phone records walls and ceiling, then to adjoining occupancies. The fire deci- revealed a financial motive connected to the restaurant owner, mated a thriving commercial area, causing $3 million in dam- who had not been cooperative with investigators. age and significantly impacting the surrounding community. A comprehensive manhunt using fixed surveillance posiThree Firefighters were injured. tions at several Bronx locations resulted in the apprehension of Preliminary investigation by responding FMs uncovered a the handyman. Skilled interrogation led to his full confession, strong financial motive, making the fire part of a likely arson- then dovetailed into a successful covert electronic surveillance for-profit scheme. Due to the complex nature of the investiga- operation, targeting the restaurant owner. Both handyman and tion, a BFI task force was formed--The 5th Alarm Task Force-- owner were arrested by FMs and indicted on charges of arsonconsisting of Fire Marshals from both the Citywide North for-profit. Command and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). This is a truly significant FM accomplishment. Their actions Supervising FM Robert Pinto (SIU) led the team of investiga- represent the highest traditions in law enforcement. The co-contors, including FMs Charles Guttman (CWN), Brian Kane spirators showed a depraved indifference to human life by using (SIU), Frank Quiles (SIU), Michael Tierney (CWN), John flammable liquid to set a nighttime fire for financial gain. Watkins (SIU) and David Wong (SIU). FMs worked diligently, under the most challenging condiTheir investigation focused on three primary issues: origin tions, to develop investigative leads and recover critical eviand cause determination at the fireground; development of dence. Then, with fearless resolve, they set out to apprehend investigative leads through expanded area canvass and witness those involved. The results of this investigation send forth a interviews; and analysis of subpoenaed business records, phone powerful message, to both the public and potential offenders: records and associated documenthe FDNY will meet and confront tary evidence. all those who challenge the safety At the fireground, FMs used a of the citizens of New York City crane to conduct a controlled deand the Firefighters of the FDNY. construction to facilitate an origin These FMs are highly valued and cause forensic examination. members of this Bureau. For their This resulted in the recovery of critdedication in bringing the perpetraical evidence, including residue of tors to justice, The 5th Alarm Task accelerant, gasoline-soaked busiForce--Supervising FM Robert ness records and an interior securiPinto and FMs Charles Guttman, ty digital recording system. Brian Kane, Frank Quiles, Michael Contemporaneous to the fireTierney, John Watkins and David ground investigation, FMs Wong--is awarded the Deputy involved in the expanded area Bronx Box 55-3563, 291 East 204th Street/Bainbridge Avenue, Commissioner Christine R. Godek canvass recovered digital images December 21, 2009, the arson fire solved by the 5th Alarm Task Medal.--JDL Force members.
photo by Bill Tompkins
FIRE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF NEW YORK • MEDAL DAY 2010
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