City of Chicago
The year 2004 was marked by many challenges and changes for the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). As we begin this new year, it seems an excellent opportunity to thank you for the many contributions you have made to the CFD in recent months.
You have generously shared your knowledge and expertise as a member of the panel of experts I assembled last spring to review the reports and recommendations that were developed in the aftermath of the tragic Cook County Building fire that occurred in 2003. In addition, the training provided to CFD executive staff and other chief officers regarding a variety of special considerations attendant to firefighting in today’s high-rise structures was invaluable. Issues and strategies explored in that training contributed greatly to CFD’s newly revised High-Rise Incident Command procedures. I sincerely thank you for these efforts and the many other insights you have contributed.
As you know, I am a strong supporter of pre-planning at all levels to achieve high-rise safety, and the CFD is working diligently toward that goal. The information contained in the Massey Disaster Plan continues to be a valuable tool that captures key building information and makes it easily accessible to CFD personnel in an emergency situation. I encourage all Chicago high-rise buildings owners and managers to maintain comparable documents as a core element of their life safety initiatives.
Again, I extend my thanks and the thanks of the CFD for your many invaluable contributions. I look forward to working with you and Massey Enterprises in furthering the goal of making Chicago a safe environment for all who live, work and recreate in our marvelous city.
