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Julio Basabe began his career at Columbia University Irving Medical Center as a fire safety specialist in 2016, following two successful years as a fire alarm technician in the private sector. Julio is an expert troubleshooter of the many complex fire systems in place across campus. He inspects, tests, and maintains CUIMC fire alarm and fire suppression systems and leads fire drills.

While in the private sector, Julio gained proficiency and competency in the supervision and management of fire detection, protection, and suppression systems. This familiarity, coupled with a good working knowledge of the New York City and national fire code requirements, led to a smooth transition to the Fire Safety team at CUIMC.

In his spare time, Julio enjoys hiking, mastering the game of shogi, and tending to an indoor garden with his wife.

Certifications

• Fire Alarm Systems Technician, National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, 2015
• New York City Fire Department Certificates of Fitness:
  • F-01, Citywide Fire Guard for Impairment
  • F-03, Indoor Place of Assembly Safety Personnel
  • F-04, Temporary Indoor/Outdoor Place of Assembly Safety Personnel
  • F-60, Fire Guard For Torch Operations and Construction Sites
  • P-98, Fuel-Oil Piping and Storage System
  • S-12, Citywide Sprinkler Systems
  • S-13, Citywide Standpipe Systems
  • S-14, Standpipe for Multi-Zone System
  • S-95, Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other Related Systems
  • T-89, Temporary Fire Life Safety Director
  • W-07, Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor (Citywide)

Carol Duarte serves as associate director of Facilities Compliance & Emergency Coordination. With more than 16 years of experience in safety, security, and regulatory compliance across healthcare and academic settings, she leads the development and oversight of campus-wide compliance and emergency preparedness programs. In her role, Carol manages facility safety inspections, regulatory audits, and emergency response planning to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. She oversees fire safety operations, coordinates fire alarm system maintenance, and serves as a certified FDNY Fire and Life Safety Director and Emergency Action Plan Director for CUIMC.

Carol joined Facilities Management in November 2022 after 13 years at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she managed fire safety programs and emergency operations. Earlier in her career, she worked with Youth Services International, developing safety procedures to protect staff and youth. Carol holds multiple FDNY certifications, as well as OSHA 30 and CPR/First Aid/Medical Emergency credentials.

Hector Nieves began his career at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2015 as a security officer in Public Safety, where he eventually became a supervisor. In 2016, he joined Facilities Management and Campus Services, where, as a fire safety specialist, he is a vital part of the Fire Safety team. Hector implements and administers systems, technologies, and processes to protect CUIMC against fire and non-fire emergencies. His responsibilities include inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire alarm and fire suppression systems and running fire drills on campus.

For more than eight years, Hector served in the United States Army, where he gained insight into information technology and communications; he also earned a bachelor's degree in business management. His pastimes include cooking and creating dishes. When he is not playing ping pong and billiards with family and friends, he can be found reading a good book.

Certifications

New York City Fire Department Certificates of Fitness:

• F-01, Citywide Fire Guard for Impairment
• F-03, Indoor Place of Assembly
• F-04, City Wide Indoor/Outdoor Place of Assembly
• F-60, Fire Guard For Torch Operations and Construction Sites
• S-12, City Wide Sprinkler System
• S-13, City Wide Standpipe System
• S-14, Standpipe for Multi-Zone System
• S-95, Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other Related Systems
• T-89, Temporary Fire Life Safety Director
• W-07, City Wide Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor