STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A crew of firefighters from Engine 157/Ladder 80 in Port Richmond climbed aboard the huge, red vehicle and rolled out as they do each and every day, serving the community. Immediately, firefighters got to work, deploying the ladder to gain access to a rooftop. The men scrambled up the incline, turned around — then smiled and waved.
Hundreds of families with little ones — sporting the signature plastic FDNY helmets — looked on in awe. The demonstration was a success.
Fortunately, the only smoke firefighters would have to worry about at that moment was coming from the grill, as a feast cooked up for the more than 1,000 guests who attended an FDNY block party community event outside the Castleton Avenue firehouse Saturday afternoon.
A DJ fired up attendees with tracks and an assortment of mini games, while inflatable bounce houses offered an opportunity for kids …