FDNY’s Fire Academy on Randall’s Island, also known as The Rock, was my only stop today. I had heard about this training facility a number of times during my visits to all of the Firehouses thus far.
Firefighter James Sorokac, who is celebrating 25 years with the FDNY took me on an hour-long tour of this state-of-the-art facility. He is an instructor here and knowledgable about everything FDNY. He is a member of the department’s ceremonial unit and the keeper of “The Last Alarm,” a bell that is rung to honor firefighters that are lost in the line of duty.
The Fire Academy is complete with many true to life firefighting practice areas. One area features a city block with every imaginable building style. A mock subway station with a tunnel is another. There are also 5 mobile units, one for each borough, which travel to Firehouses throughout the city for training purposes.
The 9/11 memorial at this facility is first-class and honors the 343 Heroes who gave their lives that day.
The 9/11 memorial at this facility is first-class and honors the 343 Heroes who gave their lives that day.
