Public Safety Team Safely Evacuates Residents Following Manhole Fire

The response by Columbia University Public Safety to a manhole fire on W. 115th St. in the middle of the night on August 16 epitomized the department’s motto of Pride, Professionalism and Service. At 1:40 a.m. on August 16, Officer Ivan Bowen responded to reports of a manhole fire and large gas leak in front of the Kraft Center and across from Schapiro Hall. Officer Bowen immediately shut down vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the street to keep people out of harm. Also, Officer Bowen together with Officers Pablo Troche and Bashir Tunau, and Sergeant Donald Gannon, helped to coordinate and execute an evacuation of an entire apartment building in coordination with the FDNY, guiding residents onto Broadway and relocating them to a safe location without incident, while simultaneously maintaining a list of evacuees for accountability. The sergeant and officers went above and beyond during a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, showing initiative and selflessness while leading a successful response without incident or injury.