Tragedy was averted in Hoboken on Friday morning, as the Hoboken Fire Department Rescue 1 and Engine 3 rescued an elderly individual at approximately 8:35 a.m. after he fell down the Palisades cliff, just south of the Ninth Street Light Rail elevator, in Jersey City.
The victim was located by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department, about 25 feet below street level, on the Hoboken-Jersey City border. A press release from the city says he was injured and had been exposed to freezing temperatures for hours. Firefighters conducted a high-angle rope rescue operation, with the assistance of the New Jersey Transit Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit, securing the man in a Stokes basket and lifting him safely to Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City.
Hoboken Fire Chief Brian Crimmins stated, “Our firefighters showed courage and professionalism, acting quickly to effectuate this rescue in the face of freezing temperatures and icy terrain. I commend the actions of Captains Louis Zampella, Gregory Ferrante, and Anthony Diaz and Firefighters Michael Casazza, John Taglieri, Ali Elgayar, and Elias Colon. Additionally, I extend my sincere gratitude to NJ Transit PD for their collaboration in this successful rescue.”
The man, who is not being identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Hello, about this story, i would like to point out that the initial response to the wife and daughter was made by the Hudson County Sheriffs Dept. Two sheriffs were the first to go down the icy steep cliff, risking their safety to make the elderly man comfortable with blankets and stay with him till the fire department was able to get there. Also the same two sheriffs officers were the last 2 people climbing up the same icy cliff helping to assure the man was safely hoisted.
I would like to see some recognition for their initial bravery. I am sure the missing mans family can verify that it was 2 Hudson County Sheriffs Officers that were with their loved one and made sure he was safe.