A firefighter who suffered a fractured lower vertebra when he fell sliding down a fire pole is suing the Fire Department of the City of New York.
According to the New York Post, Brooklyn Lieutenant Christopher Cooke, of Engine Co. 254 slid down the pole from the second floor of the fire house when a fire call came in. But he was unable to control his descent and fell to the ground. Apparently, someone cleaning the firehouse splashed water on the pole before Cooke slid down.
The accident re-raises the argument that fire poles are a relic of a bygone era and should be retired from service. The question must be asked: Is an extra 10-20 seconds really worth this?
