New Quarters Dedicated for Rescue 3

The ribbon is cut, officially opening the new quarters of Rescue 3. (L to R) Rescue 3 Capt. James Ellson, Deputy Commissioner of the DDC David Resnik, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Operations Robert Sweeney and Chief of the Special Operations Command William Seelig.

Firefighters at Rescue 3 got a gift for New Years, as their new quarters officially were opened in the Bronx on Dec. 31.

“This is a unique unit that deserves a unique building to suit its special needs,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

Construction of the $20.3 million, 21,479-square foot facility began in September 2007 and was managed by the City’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

“This building is more than beautiful, it’s functional,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.

One of the most advantageous elements of the new building is the training area, where members of Rescue 3 and other area companies can train for various incidents, including high-angle rescue and confined space rescue.

The new quarters of Rescue 3 in the Bronx.

The main floor includes large storage areas for gear and equipment, as well as a shop area, where specialized tools and other materials can be fabricated and welded.

“This new facility is dedicated to our past, present and future firefighters,” said Rescue 3 Capt. James Ellson. “It is going to be really good for us.”

David Resnik, Deputy Commissioner of the DDC, added: “This building was purpose built to suit their function as well as be beautiful.”

The new structure was built specifically to suit the needs of Rescue 3, one of the Department’s five specially-trained rescue companies. The unit responds to a variety of unique emergencies, including high-angle rescues, collapse rescues, hazardous materials incidents and water rescues.

The ceremony was the final official function for Commissioner Scoppetta, who said, “This is the perfect way to say goodbye. I see [the quarters of Rescue 3] as a symbol of the rebuilding of the Department after that terrible day in September 2001.”