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:…