FDNY Firefighter working the Bridge Fire calls into KJDY on 9/11
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
PRAIRIE CITY – Twenty-four years ago, tragedy befell the nation in the attacks that occurred on September 11th, 2001. In the days and months to follow, people and agencies from across the map stepped in to help. That was the case with California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 (CAIIMT4), who sent personnel to both New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. to aid in the recovery efforts.
Now, on September 11th, 2025, CAIIMT4 is the commanding agency on the Bridge Fire, burning approximately 10 miles northeast of Prairie City, Oregon. Public Information Officer Darren McMillin was on KJDY’s Coffee Time on the morning of the 11th to provide listeners with an update. Joining him on the show was Steve Tomicic, with the Fire Department of New York City. Tomicic explained that in a show of appreciation from CAIIMT4’s help in 2001, the FDNY has sent a team to help with the California IIMT this fire season to provide assistance.
Steve said he got on with FDNY shortly after 9/11 and has been a proud first responder since:
“I had another job in the city. I was working in midtown Manhattan right outside the Empire State Building, but I had taken a test to get on the [FDNY] in 1999—they just didn’t get to my number yet. And then 9/11 happened, and I was still eager to do it. I still wanted to help and give back and be a first responder, and rebuild New York City. So, I got the call in May of 2002, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Hats off to our first responders far and wide. Listen to the full podcast with FDNY’s Steve Tomicic and CAIIMT4 PIO Darren McMillin in the link below:
Find updated Bridge Fire information in the story below:
