FDNY Firefighter | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #637

Retired FDNY firefighter Tony Bonfiglio shares candid stories from his 21-year career, including harrowing fire experiences, the camaraderie of the firehouse, and his firsthand account of 9/11 at Ground Zero.

• Firefighter Tony Bonfiglio's 21-year FDNY career was marked by harrowing fires and a strong sense of brotherhood.

• His first major fire was terrifying, and he experienced profound emotional impact from tragic incidents involving civilian deaths.

• Bonfiglio's 9/11 experience at Ground Zero highlighted the chaos, despair, and resilience of first responders, and the devastating, long-term health consequences for many.

Retired FDNY firefighter Tony Bonfiglio recounts his 21-year career, highlighting the intense physical and emotional challenges of fighting fires in New York City, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. He emphasizes the unique brotherhood and family-like atmosphere within the fire department, contrasting it with his earlier, less fulfilling jobs. Bonfiglio also shares his poignant experiences and observations from 9/11 and its aftermath, reflecting on the profound impact on first responders and the evolution of firefighting practices.

Early Career & Life

• 00:01:10 Tony Bonfiglio began his career in challenging environments, first working in a meat factory where he scraped floors and witnessed a 'meat mafia' run by inspectors. He later moved to a plastic mold injection factory, noting the prevalence of non-English speaking workers. These early jobs were characterized by difficult conditions and a lack of clear direction for his future, leading him to explore different paths.

Joining the FDNY

• 00:16:19 Bonfiglio took the FDNY test at age 18, encouraged by a neighbor, Johnny Lima, who predicted it would provide stability. The written test was simple, but the physical exam, including an 8-foot wall jump and a 'ledge walk,' was a significant separator. Despite receiving a zero on the ledge walk due to a questionable scoring decision, a class-action lawsuit filed by women (Brenda Berkman and 40 others) challenging the male-dominated FDNY prolonged the hiring process for six years, ultimately allowing Bonfiglio, who was ranked lower on the list, to be hired.

First Fire Experience

• 00:31:10 As a 'can man' and probationary firefighter in Washington Heights, Bonfiglio's first major fire was on the ninth floor of a project's building. Navigating a pitch-black, smoke-filled hallway, he felt helpless and disoriented. Upon reaching the fire room, his fire extinguisher failed due to lack of air, a mistake that left him feeling ashamed. The experience was terrifying but also exhilarating, solidifying his commitment to the job for another 21 years.

Tragic Fire Incidents

• 00:45:05 Bonfiglio recounts a heartbreaking fire where a young girl died, primarily due to residents in the apartment continuing to play cards and failing to inform firefighters of a child's presence in a back room. He also describes another incident where a mother and child perished in a smoldering fire, exacerbated by new, un-venting windows. These experiences left lasting emotional scars, marked by the lingering smell of burnt flesh and a profound sense of grief.

Hazards and Realities

• 00:54:26 Firefighters regularly confronted various hazards, including vacant buildings used by drug addicts, often containing needles and human waste, yet requiring rescues. Bonfiglio describes developing a cynical attitude towards drug users, labeling them 'skells.' He also recounts discovering a significant amount of cash and cocaine in a drug apartment during a fire, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by firefighters and the pervasive drug activity in their response areas.

9/11 at Ground Zero

• 01:18:50 On September 11, Tony Bonfiglio had just finished a 24-hour shift when the towers were hit. He raced to Ground Zero with fellow firefighters, navigating chaotic traffic and a darkening Manhattan. The scene was apocalyptic: a dark, eerie landscape filled with ash, silence punctuated by the screeching 'pass alarms' of fallen comrades, and the burning Building 7. Bonfiglio and his team searched through voids, climbed debris, and scavenged tools, fueled by adrenaline and a desperate hope to find survivors, later experiencing the emotional support from ordinary citizens providing aid.

Ground Zero Aftermath

• 01:29:58 The search for survivors was physically and emotionally draining, eventually leading to the discovery of a shock-ridden firefighter who reported his entire company was dead. Bonfiglio and his team contributed to a bucket brigade to remove debris and witnessed the arrival of ironworkers with heavy machinery, a moment of renewed hope. He reflects on the pervasive dust and contaminants, which led to the 'Ground Glass Lung' condition affecting many first responders, and laments the loss of his friend, Jerry Neans, a specialist firefighter who died that day after previously saving Bonfiglio in a fire.

FDNY Brotherhood & Changes

• 01:39:50 The FDNY fosters an intense brotherhood, likened to family, which was a core reason for Bonfiglio's love for the job, with many members' children following in their footsteps. This camaraderie is evident in shared meals and mutual support. However, the department has undergone significant changes, moving from a less regulated, traditional environment to one with more technology, accountability, and standardized gear, a shift from the veteran-dominated era of the '80s and '90s to one with more college-educated recruits.