NEWS
Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals

121-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , September 10, 1998

"ROADEO" DRAWS P.A. EMERGENCY TEAMS TO COMPETE IN PUTTING OUT CAR FIRES, RIGHTING OVERTURNED VEHICLES, AND OTHER RESCUE SKILLS


Teams of Port Authority tunnel and bridge employees will compete in emergency techniques such as putting out a car fire and righting an overturned vehicle at an Olympic-style "Roadeo" competition this Sunday, September 13.

The employees, known as Tunnel and Bridge Agents (TBAs), will also demonstrate and display rescue equipment.

The event, which is open to the news media but not the general public because of space, will be held at the North Bergen Park and Ride Lot between 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. The TBAs, representing the bistate agency's four bridges and two tunnels linking New York and New Jersey, are commemorating their 25th anniversary.

"From flat tires to tunnel fires, over the last quarter of a century our TBAs have rescued motorists from all kinds of emergency situations and saved many lives," said Ernesto Butcher, Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals. "In gratitude for their dedicated service, we are celebrating their skills at this special event, which will allow them to demonstrate their excellence to family members and co-workers."

All 178 Port Authority TBAs are certified in CPR and specially trained to fight fires, perform rescue operations, handle hazardous materials and administer first aid. Several have delivered babies and saved choking victims, including a 3-year-old boy just two weeks ago.

The Port Authority operates the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, and three Staten Island bridges: the Goethals Bridge, the Bayonne Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing.

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