IATSE Studio Mechanics Local 52 is coordinating efforts of their membership on a voluntary basis to offer any and all assistance to the New York City Police and Fire Departments in their rescue efforts after Tuesday’s bombing of the World Trade Center, according to Thomas Short, President of the IATSE. Local 52 is working in conjunction with New York’s Office of Emergency Management.

Local 52 is coordinating with New York-based Production Houses that are providing generators and back-up equipment at no charge. Studio Mechanics are working voluntarily (at no compensation) around the clock manning spot lights, flood lights, torches and mechanical cutters to cut through the steel, concrete and other debris in efforts to rescue those who may be trapped in the rubble.

The local anticipates that their efforts will last for several weeks and have alerted their members to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.