Hoboken Fire Department (HFD) Rescue 1 and Engine 3 rescued an elderly individual at approximately 8:35 a.m., this morning, Friday, Feb. 6, after he fell down the Palisades cliff, just south of the Ninth Street Light Rail elevator, in Jersey City.
The individual was located by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department, about 25 feet below street level, on the Hoboken-Jersey City border. He was injured and had been exposed to freezing temperatures for hours. HFD personnel 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.
“Our firefighters showed courage and professionalism, acting quickly to effectuate this rescue in the face of freezing temperatures and icy terrain,” said Hoboken Fire Chief Brian Crimmins. “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.
