In New York City alone, 13 firefighters have lost their lives since 1995, according to Fire Department records.

Sixty firefighters lost a total of 1,086 pounds and 166 police officers lost 2,226 3/4 pounds.

One firefighter lost his gloves, and all the skin on his hands was burned off.

"The firefighters and police didn't just lose their lives," he said, referring to those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

But with high winds and low humidity, firefighters quickly lost control of the blaze, which has now burned for more than a week.

"It's not just that firefighters lost 12 years in the blink of an eye," Mr. Cassidy said.

No white firefighters lost their jobs as a result of the plan, and most promotions were delayed only by a matter of months.

The Commissioner said that 11,000 firefighters had lost a brother.

Time divided itself on Sept. 11, 2001, when 343 firefighters lost their lives.

Six firefighters lost their lives in an attempt to rescue the homeless people.