Back in Haz-Mat 1’s early years when Rescue Services existed, there were so many new things, there were also a lot of unchartered territories. One of the items that needed to be addressed was how were the members of this unit going to be recognized for their dedication and pursuit of the field of Haz-Mat.
At the time, the only official recognition for additional skills was the Divers Pin worn by dive units within the FDNY. This was accomplished through the hard work of John Thomas of Rescue 5.
Phil McArdle of Haz-Mat 1 met with Thomas several times to gain his knowledge and experience in the making the dive pin a reality.
Phil submitted a request for the Haz-Mat specialist to the department through the chain of command outlining the requirements to receive the pin, which required time in the company, many hours of training, and the completion of specialized Haz-Mat schools at the State and Federal Level. Working through the Chain of Command and several changes and revisions were asked to be made; to address some areas of concern.
The pin would have two similar designs, one with and one without a 5-pointed star centered between the laurel wreaths. The one with the star would be given to members who became certified as instructors at the State or Federal level to teach Haz-Mat courses.
After several months of perseverance and gentle persuasion, the Haz-Mat Specialist Pin was finally approved. Phil was given the authorization to develop the pin and have it manufactured.
The Star was added between the laurels to indicate a certified Instructor at the State & Federal Level.
The original pin was designed by Phil kept a similar size and shape to the divers pin. The original 100 pins were purchased from Hock & Mandel in lower Manhattan for approximately $850.00.