Wildwood Firefighters Get Self Bail-out Gear, Training

WILDWOOD — Wildwood city firefighters all received self bail-out systems and were trained in their use because the department received a $13,675 grant.
According to a release from Chief Chief Daniel Speigel, the grant was awarded by the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, which is also known as the Joey D Foundation.
DiBernardo died Nov. 22, 2011, as a result of injuries sustained during what became known as the “Black Sunday fire” in New York City.
In January 2005, DiBernardo responded to a tenement fire in the Bronx with FDNY Rescue 3. While working that blaze, three FDNY firefighters died that day in the line of duty.
Because of illegal partitions and block fire escapes, FDNY Ladder Co. 27 and Rescue 3 became trapped on the top floor of that structure.
Surrounded by flames with no way out, and running out of air, the firefighters were forced to jump out the rear windows five stories to the ground.
The Wildwood firefighters received their devices and training at All Hands Fire Equipment LLC in Neptune. The devices, as seen in accompanying photographs, are attached to a window and allow the firefighter to safely lower himself or herself to the ground.
The department’s continued aggressive pursuit of funding opportunities has helped better equip its members. As a result, they are better enabled to serve Wildwood’s residents and visitors.