It was a different problem here. The NYPD had radios, the FDNY had radios, but the systems were incompatible and couldn't communicate. Police helicopters had (literally) a bird's-eye view of the progress of the fire and the destruction in the upper stories of the towers, but they couldn't get that information to the firefighters rushing into the building at ground level.
Regardless, I think Rudy is a hero; the way he comported himself in the days after 9/11 will be always fresh in my mind ....
I think that's what it comes down to. You (and quite a few other people) put a great deal of weight on that factor. I respectfully disagree. These are desperate, dangerous times, and we need competence more than comportment.
I'm just not going to rely on a leftist reporter like this one for my information. Aside from how well I think Rudy handled 9/11, he cleaned up NYC and made it safe to visit again. Like all people, he has flaws; haven't met anyone yet who doesn't.
How's that Rudi's fault?
I remember this little factiod being bandied. It doesn't wash. Fire and police regularly communicate....they must....for the daily, run o' the mill emergencies. It sounds like a warped interpretation of actual facts. Where have you seen this published in an official document??
The systems may be incompatable, but there are links at communication centers between the two....either human dispatchers, or electronic links. That the two departments operate on different frequencies is the usual thing. No communication is possible between the two but for central dispatch....in my large city, anyway. It wasn't an oversight, I think.....just the way things are always set up. If the main antenna was down (likely on the WTC), the two departments were cut off. Who could have forseen that?
Surmise based upon actual experience in a patrol car, working fires with a walkie, and spending a couple years in a unified fire/police 911 dispatch center. I reserve the right to be incorrect.