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A Tribute to Lt. Andrew Fredericks
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Our Brother Andrew Fredericks, Squad 18, FDNY On September 11, 2001, the fire service lost hundreds of brothers. Among the ranks were some of the most talented firefighters and greatest leaders our profession has ever produced. Fireman Andy Fredericks was one such man. He was inspirational, dedicated and brilliant. The consummate engineman, his utmost passion was for the basic tools of our trade, hose and nozzle. His greatest concern was the most efficient use of these fundamental weapons of fire fighting. At the heart of his message was the superiority of the smoothbore nozzle over the fog nozzle. His research and study and subsequently his teaching and writing on this most basic fireground element, the nucleus around which all other operations revolve, was incredibly detailed and intricate. |
| Andy left us with a wealth of
knowledge but it would be naïve to think any one member
of the fire service could fill the void created by his
loss. He touched many of us across the country through
his articles, hands-on training, lectures, and videos. He
created many disciples of his no-nonsense, back-to-basics
approach to combating today’s ever more complicated
and dangerous fire problems. Those fortunate firefighters
who benefited from his instruction must carry on his work
with renewed commitment. President Lincoln said in the
Gettysburg Address, “…It is for us, the living,
rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which,
they have, thus far, so nobly carried on.” These
words are fitting. Only collectively we can have the same
positive effect on the fire service that Andy had as an
individual. Andy’s passion for his work as an author, educator, instructor, and trainer resulted in improvements in fireground operational efficiency and safety. These improvements have no doubt saved the lives of civilians as well as firefighters. This is his legacy to all of us. For those of us in the fire service he is a shining example of dedication, character, professionalism and love for mankind. We have shed many tears over the loss of our brother, friend and mentor; but this is tempered by the memory of his unrelenting humor and his quick and sarcastic wit. He always kept us on our toes, and he always had us laughing. Over the years, tears may diminish; but our memory will never fade. To our brothers in FDNY and Squad 18: the entire fire service shares the burden of your grief. And to Andy’s family to whom he was so devoted and loved so much, his wife Michelle and children Andrew and Hayley, our thoughts and prayers will always be with you. God bless you, Andy. Life is not the same without you. Fireman Jay Comella Battalion Chief Ted Corporandy Reprinted from Fallen Heroes A Tribute From Fire Engineering. To purchase this book, return to Main Page and click on the "Fallen Hereos" graphic. |
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