NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – The FDNY has urged members to forego gatherings marking the 19th anniversary of 9/11 because of the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, according to an internal order.
A directive sent out from Commissioner Daniel Nigro and Chief of Department John Sudnik begins: "As we approach the end of the summer, the Department’s attention becomes focused once again on the tremendous loss our Department suffered 19 years ago. This year, September 11th is particularly more poignant due to the extreme challenges we faced in the spring, and continue to confront today, with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the greatest tradition of the FDNY, our members responded to both 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic with selfless courage and relentless dedication."
"During these difficult times, the Department acknowledges our members’ commitment to never forget those we lost on that fateful day. At the same time, we must balance that with our obligation to keep our current and former members, and their families, healthy and safe from the ever-looming threat of the COVID-19 virus," the directive continues. "While our workforce has a high level of health and fitness, we must remember that many of our September 11th families and retired members – who we would normally welcome and encourage to attend September 11th events – are in groups that are most at risk for COVID-19 due to age and health."
"From a health and safety perspective, the FDNY strongly recommends that our members forego participating in 9/11 gatherings and events this year," the directive says.
However, the department will authorize some events if "currently accepted protective conditions can be adhered to."
The directive says the following guidelines are required for units sponsoring various events at or near FDNY facilities, firehouses and EMS stations:
• Indoor gatherings at any FDNY facility are strictly prohibited.• All events/gatherings at these locations must be held outdoors.• As per current New York State regulations, all outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons maximum.• Face coverings are mandatory and shall be worn by all those in attendance.• Social-distancing of at least 6 feet between participants must be maintained.• An adequate supply of hand sanitizer must be provided for all those in attendance.• All events must be pre-approved by the Borough Commander/ Bureau Head and are limited to two hours maximum.
"We will never forget our fallen members, but we must strive to remember them safely," the directive ends.
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