Medal Day Book2011 - Welcome to NYC.gov Medal... · FDNY MEDAL DAY 2011 Honoring the Courage, Commitment and Compassion of FDNY Fire & EMS Members — June 8, 2011 —

FDNYMEDAL DAY

2011

FDNYMEDAL DAY

2011

Honoring the Courage, Commitment and Compassionof FDNY Fire & EMS Members

— June 8, 2011 —

MEDAL DAY 2011Salvatore J. Cassano

Fire CommissionerEdward S. KilduffChief of Department

Francis X. GribbonDeputy Commissioner

Office of Public Information

MEDAL DAY STAFF

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORStephen Paul Antonelli

EDITORJanet Kimmerly

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Thomas Ittycheria

WRITERSLieutenant Peter W. Blaich

Battalion Chief Christopher BoyleEMS Captain Martin J. Braun

Assistant Chief Edward C. Butler (retired)Lieutenant Michael Doda

Lieutenant Christopher FlatleyCaptain John Flynn (retired)

Barry D. GintelVictoria Giordano

Firefighter Nick GrazianoDavid Joseph Harney

Firefighter Stephen InterdonatiFirefighter Ralph Longo

Assistant Chief Fire Marshal John David LynnCaptain Stephen Marsar

Battalion Chief Frank MontagnaCaptain Sean Newman

Lieutenant Anthony PascocelloEMS Lieutenant Joseph PatakyEMS Captain Oleg Patrikeyev

EMS Lieutenant Michelle L. RobbinsEMS Division Chief Rosario Terranova

Firefighter Jack Thompson (retired)Captain John T. Vigiano (retired)

Captain Thomas Woods

MEDAL DESKFirefighter Robert Hart

EMT Jeanette PerezEMT Edgar Pitre

FDNYFDNYPrProudly Serving Since 1865oudly Serving Since 1865

Photo Credits

CoverManhattan Box 77-0259, 283 Grand Street/Forsyth, April 11, 2010, the incident for which

FF Antonio Montesino, Squad 18, is awarded the Walter Scott Medal. photo by Allen Epstein

Opposite Queens Box 8912, Sutter Avenue/142nd Street, January 16, 2011.

photo by FF Michael Gomez, Squad 288

Back CoverEMS Ground Transport Incident (10-32), bus accident with nine injuries, Genesee

Avenue/Abingdon Avenue, Staten Island, October 25, 2010. A bus transporting handicappedadults collided with an SUV and sent the bus hurtling into a telephone pole. Firefighters removed

the victims on backboards and assisted Paramedics with triage on the street.photo by Staten Island Dispatcher Steve White (retired)

PHOTOS BY FDNY PHOTO UNITSupervising Fire Marshal Ralph Bernard

Randy Barron, Kristin Eng, David WarrenSpecial thanks to Chief Fire Marshal Robert

Byrnes and his staff for their assistance.

DIRECTOR OFSPECIAL PROJECTS & EVENTS

Lenore Koehler

Publication of this 2011 edition of the FDNY Medal Day Book wasmade possible by several grants. The FDNY gratefully acknowledges the

generosity of the following contributors:

The FDNY Honorary Fire Officers AssociationJack Lerch, President

Dorothy MarksHonorary Fire Commissioner

The FDNY FoundationStephen L. Ruzow, Chairman

Jean O’Shea, Executive Director

MEDAL

DAY

2011

MEDAL BOARDSalvatore J. Cassano

CommissionerEdward S. Kilduff

Chief of Department

EMSJerry Z. Gombo

Assistant Chief of EMS Operations

Robert A. HannafeyChief EMS Division 3

FireRobert F. Sweeney

Chief of Operations Ronald R. Spadafora

Chief of Logistics

2 FIRE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF NEW YORK • MEDAL DAY 2011

Index of MedalsJames Gordon Bennett Medal/NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs

Association Medal .....................................................11Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award ....12Christopher J. Prescott Medal ........................................13Hugh Bonner Medal .......................................................14Honor Legion Medal ......................................................14Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal ............................15Thomas E. Crimmins Medal ..........................................16Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal...............................17Walter Scott Medal .........................................................18John H. Prentice Medal ..................................................19Henry D. Brookman Medal ............................................20M.J. Delehanty Medal ....................................................21William F. Conran Medal ...............................................22Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal .............................23Tracy Allen-Lee Medal...................................................24Chief John J. McElligott Medal/

FFs Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award.............................25Thomas F. Dougherty Medal..........................................26Albert S. Johnston Medal ...............................................27Bella Stiefel Medal .........................................................28Vincent J. Kane Medal ..................................................29Pulaski Association Medal .............................................30Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal ......................31Columbia Association Medal .........................................32Susan Wagner Medal ......................................................33Steuben Association Medal ............................................34Chief James Scullion Medal...........................................35Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal ..........................................36Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal ..................37Edith B. Goldman Medal................................................38American Legion Fire Department Post 930/

Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal ........................39Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal ..................................40Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal .........................41Company Officers Association Medal................................42Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal............................................43Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal...................................44Police Honor Legion Medal................................................45Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal.................................46Lieutenant James E. Zahn/Lieutenant Peter L. Troiano

Memorial Medal............................................................47Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters

Burn Center Foundation Medal.....................................48Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal..............49Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal............50William Friedberg Medal ....................................................51Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal ......................................52Jack Pintchik Medal ............................................................53World Trade Center Memorial Medal ................................54

Index of Medal RecipientsBarbaria, EMT Kyle R.; Rodriguez, EMT Edward (Christopher J. Prescott Medal) . . . . . . . . . .13Benac, FF Shane C. (Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Bland, FF Matthew R. (Albert S. Johnston Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Burgos, FF Shaun A. (Vincent J. Kane Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Cavalieri, FF Anthony R. (Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Chaimowitz, FF Anthony E. (Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Corrales, EMS Lieutenant Luis F. (Chief James Scullion Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Croak, Lieutenant William R. (William F. Conran Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Cuccio, FF Robert (John H. Prentice Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Cunningham, FF Stephen J. (Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Demontreux, FF Peter G. (James Gordon Bennett Medal/NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association

Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Diaz, FF Robert A. (Thomas E. Crimmins Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Dodenhoff, FF Charles J. (Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Engine Company 54/Ladder Company 4--(Engine Company 54: Barvels, Lieutenant Michael B.;

Fischetti (L-4), FF Paul J.; Hughes (L-4), FF Stephen J.; Martinez, FF Federico; Pettenato, FF Nicholas M.; Ryan, FF Colin C.) (Ladder Company 4: Kazan, Lieutenant John V.;Cashion (E-54), FF Timothy R.; Hickey, FF Scott A.; Leahy, FF William J.; Loveridge, FFBrian J.; Young, FF George T.) (World Trade Center Memorial Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Engine Company 63: Flaherty (Bn-15), Lieutenant John M.; Adams, Jr., FF Jonas G.; Cuozzo, FFAnthony M.; Marino, FF Philip; Painter, FF Robert W. (Lieutenant James Curran/New YorkFirefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Flynn, FF Brian M. (Police Honor Legion Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Gonzalez, Lieutenant Edward J. (Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Hansen, FF Gregory (Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Hayes, Lieutenant Kevin P. (Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Howard, EMT Eric J.; Martin, EMT Keith G. (Jack Pintchik Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Insardi, FF Daniel G. (Company Officers Association Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Kelly, Lieutenant James P. (Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Kilduff, Captain Kieran M. (Thomas F. Dougherty Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Krebs, Fire Marshal Brian M. (Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . .50Ladder Company 174: Bayer, Jr., Lieutenant Raymond J.; Cavanagh, FF Gerard F.;

Donohue, FF Daniel P.; Dowdell, FF James M.; O’Sullivan, FF John J.; Sommeso, FF Jon Mich (Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Lomask, FF Joshua M. (Lieutenant James E. Zahn/ Lieutenant Peter L. Troiano Memorial Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Lopez, FF Matthew R. (Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Marchese, FF Nicholas S. (American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930/Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial

Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Mastandrea, Captain Charles A. (Columbia Association Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Mazzetti, FF Dante R. (Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15McGrath, Paramedic Sean M.; O’Neil, Paramedic Patrick M.; Creeden, EMT Patrick M.

(Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44McNiff, Lieutenant Patrick E. (Susan Wagner Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33McNulty, FF James G. (M.J. Delehanty Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Mendonca, EMT Dewey A.; Smythe, EMT Garfield A. (Tracy Allen-Lee Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . 24Minichiello, FF Christopher J. (William Friedberg Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Mitchell, FF Brian T. (Chief John J. McElligott Medal/FFs Fitzpatrick

and Frisby Award) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Montesino, FF Antonio (Walter Scott Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Moore, FF Robert J. (Edith B. Goldman Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Nielsen, FF Christian S. (Steuben Association Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34O’Keefe, FF Brian K. (Bella Stiefel Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Roesch, Jr., FF William L. (Henry D. Brookman Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Rogers, Captain James F. (Pulaski Association Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Schickler, FF Christopher T. (Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Troche, FF Steven V. (Hugh Bonner Medal/Honor Legion Medal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

3FIRE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF NEW YORK • MEDAL DAY 2011

Michael R. BloombergMayor

It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the New York City Fire Department’s Medal Day 2011.

Our City is proud to be the home of the greatest Fire Department in the world. During the past few years, we havehad fewer fires than at any time in decades, thanks to Fire Prevention programs and comprehensive building inspections.Response times by our Fire and EMS units are among the fastest ever and more of our residents are learning about firesafety and taking steps to protect themselves and their families. New York’s Bravest are superbly equipped to respond tocrises of any kind and, today, we take this opportunity to celebrate their amazing skill and express our gratitude for theircourage in putting everything on the line to keep our City safe.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am honored to join you in applauding this year’s medal recipients--Firefighter PeterG. Demontreux, EMT Kyle R. Barbaria, EMT Edward Rodriguez, Engine Company 63, Ladder Company 174, EngineCompany 54 and Ladder Company 4, to name just a few of the many and deserving honorees.

Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful ceremony.


Salvatore J. CassanoFire Commissioner

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. And while that gives us reason to reflect andremember, it is also an occasion to be proud of all that we have accomplished in the memory of the 343 members whowere lost that day.

Medal Day is a great example of our endurance and strength, a decade after experiencing such devastating loss. Asalways, this year we will honor those members whose actions in the line of duty--putting their lives on the line to protect oth-ers--merit special recognition. Some of the highlights from this year’s Medal Day include:

• James Gordon Bennett Medal recipient, Firefighter Peter G. Demontreux, Ladder Company 132. Both the victim and FFDemontreux became engulfed in flames during this dramatic rescue.

• Christopher J. Prescott Medal recipients, EMT Kyle R. Barbaria, Station 26, and EMT Edward Rodriguez, Station 20. Theyassisted an NYPD officer regain his weapon from an unstable patient within the confines of a hospital emergency room.

• Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal recipients, Engine Company 63, andFirefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal recipients, Ladder Company 174. Engine 63 members battled a gas-fueled fire that was set intentionally. Ladder 174 members rescued several civilians, while fighting heavy fire and thick smoke.

• World Trade Center Memorial Medal recipients, Engine Company 54 and Ladder Company 4. The members of these twocompanies performed in textbook fashion to negate a terrorist’s vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) in themiddle of Times Square, Manhattan.

Our members perform acts of bravery and compassion--small and large--every day. Furthermore, their actions are for thepublic good, not for personal acclaim. For this, they all deserve recognition and thanks. So I congratulate this year’s recipi-ents and I applaud all of our uniformed members for another exemplary year.


Edward S. KilduffChief of Department

It is a tremendous honor for FDNY to host Medal Day 2011 on the prestigious aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid. Thisevent could not be held in a more fitting venue. According to the dictionary, intrepid is defined as marked by res-olute courage; fearless and bold.

Certainly, this definition is appropriate for all of our Medal Day honorees, who will be recognized today. Withrecent events such as the demise of Osama bin Laden, as well as the approach of the 10th anniversary of the WorldTrade Center attacks, the natural bond between the brave members of the FDNY and our extraordinary men andwomen in the armed forces is one that is time-honored and celebrated. At this year’s FDNY Foundation Dinner inApril, the Department recognized the 304 members who have served since September 11th in Operation EnduringFreedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

When President Obama visited the quarters of Engine 54/Ladder 4/Battalion 9, he said, Although 9/11 obvious-ly was the high-water mark of courage for the New York Fire Department and a symbol of sacrifice, you are makingsacrifices every day. There is no greater expression of support or honor for what our members accomplish each day.

As you enjoy this great event today, I’d like to point out that we are only a few hundred feet south of Pier 94,which housed the massive family assistance program for every family that lost loved ones on September 11th. Ourmembers were instrumental in establishing and staffing Pier 94, where families could receive assistance in medical,legal and counseling services. The commitment of the Department to the September 11th families remains as strongnow as it was in the months after the attack on the WTC.

Today, instead of focusing on any one job, rescue, medical incident or Medal Day winner, I want to salute ourmilitary for keeping us safe and defending our country and its interests within our homeland and overseas. And, Iapplaud all of our FDNY members--Fire and EMS--for always answering the call to protect New York City residentsand visitors.


DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS

DANIEL SHACKNAI

FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

FRANCIS X. GRIBBONPublic Information

JOHN A. BENANTITechnology &

Support Services

DOUGLAS WHITEAdministration

FDNY CHAPLAINSMonsignor John Delendick

Monsignor Marc Filacchione

Reverend Stephen Harding

Father Joseph Hoffman

Father Christopher Keenan

Rabbi Joseph PotasnikDr. Kerry Kelly

CHIEF MEDICALOFFICER

BUREAU OFHEALTH SERVICES

Dr. David J. PrezantCHIEF MEDICALOFFICER

SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR HEALTH POLICY

Dr. John FreeseCHIEF MEDICALDIRECTOR

EMS OFFICE OFMEDICAL AFFAIRS

JOSEPH MASTROPIETROFacilities

MICHELE J. MAGLIONERecruitment & Diversity

LYNDELLE T. PHILLIPSEqual Employment

Opportunity

JAMES BASILEFleet/Technical Services

DONALD STANTONTechnology

Development & Systems

DONAY J. QUEENANHuman Resources

STEPHEN G. RUSHBudget and Finance

SUZANNE SEBERTFamily Assistance

ROBERT WALLACEInvestigations and Trials

KAY ELLISFleet Services

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS

MICHAEL VECCHIManagement Initiatives

CAROLINE KRETZIntergovernmental Affairs

ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONERS


FDNY STAFF CHIEFS

Robert F. SweeneyChief of Operations

Joseph W. PfeiferAssistant Chief,

Counterterrorism &Emergency Preparedness

Edward J. Baggott Deputy Assistant Chief, Bureau of Operations

William C. SeeligDeputy Assistant Chief,

Chief of Special Operations Command

Thomas M. JensenChief of Fire Prevention

Ronald R. SpadaforaAssistant Chief,

Chief of Logistics

Stephen A. RaynisDeputy Assistant Chief,

Chief of Safety and InspectionServices Command

Thomas R. GalvinChief of Training

James J. Manahan, Jr.Assistant Chiefof Operations

Richard S. TobinAssistant Chief

of Fire Prevention

Joseph M. WoznicaDeputy Assistant Chief

Fire Prevention

Michael F. Gala, Jr.Battalion Chief,

Chief of Personnel

John MooneyDeputy Assistant Chief,

Training

Robert G. ByrnesChief Fire Marshal

J. David LynnAssistant Chief Fire Marshal

Robert J. Boyce, Jr.Deputy Assistant Chief,

Chief of Communications

Robert MaynesDeputy Assistant Chief,

Chief of Planning


SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

Deputy Chief James D. Daly, Jr.

Division 1

Deputy ChiefThomas E. McKavanagh

Division 3

Deputy ChiefRaymond M. Stanton

Division 6

Deputy Chief James F. Mulrenan

Division 7

Deputy Chief Richard J. Howe

Division 8

Deputy ChiefJames E. Campbell

Division 11

Deputy Chief James A. DiDomenico

Division 13

Deputy Chief Mark A. Ferran

Division 14

Deputy ChiefWayne Cartwright

Division 15

Deputy Chief Nicholas Del Re

Haz-Mat Operations

Battalion Chief Stephen J. Geraghty

Rescue Operations

Battalion Chief James C. DaltonMarine Operations

FDNY STAFF CHIEFS

Kevin M. ButlerDeputy Assistant Chief

Bronx

James E. LeonardDeputy Assistant Chief

Brooklyn

James E. EspositoAssistant Chief

Manhattan

John SudnikDeputy Assistant Chief

Queens

Michael F. MarroneDeputy Assistant Chief

Staten Island

BOROUGH COMMANDERS

DIVISION COMMANDERS


EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE COMMAND

Abdo NahmodChief

Bureau of EMS

Jerry Z. GomboAssistant Chief

EMS Operations

CHIEF OFFICERS

Marylou AurrichioChief EMS Division 4

Fredrick V. VillaniDivision Chief

Planning & Strategy

Robert A. HannafeyChief EMS Division 3

James P. BoothChief EMS Division 2

Rosario TerranovaDivision Chief

EMS Operations

Janice OlszewskiDivision Chief

EMS Operations

Albert T. Gehres, Jr.Chief EMS Division 5

Ann M. FittonDivision Chief

BOT--EMS Division

Michael J. FittonDeputy Assistant Chief

Emergency Medical Dispatch

Frances M. PascaleChief EMS Division 1

John J. PeruggiaAssistant Chief

EMS Operations


1869--Lieutenant Minthorne D. Tompkins (L-l)Captain Benjamin A. Gicquel (E-9)

1870--Lieutenant Charles L. Kelly (E-9)1871--Firefighter Ambrose L. Austin (E-15)1872--Lieutenant Thomas Henry (L-6)

Firefighter Thomas Hutchinson (L-1)1873--Battalion Chief William H. Nash (Bn-7)

Firefighter Alfred Conner (L-10)Lieutenant Henry Schuck (E-34)

1874--Captain William Mitchell (E-10)1875--Lieutenant James Horn (E-11)1876--Firefighter Joseph McGowan (E-6)1877--Firefighter Thomas J. Dougherty (L-1)1878--Captain Daniel J. Meagher (L-3)1879--Firefighter Paul Bauer (L-4)1880--Firefighter John Levins (L-2)1881--Firefighter Michael Connerford (E-12)1882--Firefighter John L. Rooney (L-10)1883--Firefighter William B. Kirchner (E-11)1884--Firefighter John Binns (E-32)1885--Captain Peter H. Short (L-l)1886--Firefighter Michael Brady (E-34)1887--Lieutenant Samuel Banta (L-10)1888--Lieutenant William Quirk (E-22)1889--Firefighter William Reilly (L-12)1890--Captain Thomas J. Ahern (E-5)1891--Firefighter Patrick F. Lucas (E-30)1892--Firefighter Patrick H. Aspell (L-4)1893--Firefighter John Walker (L-6)1894--Firefighter Denis Ryer (L-15)1895--Firefighter William H. Behler (E-35)1896--Firefighter Martin M. Coleman (L-3)1898--Firefighter James Pearl (L-7)1899--Firefighter John Hughes (1) (L-14)1900--Firefighter William Clark (L-14)1901--Firefighter Thomas J. McArthur (E-29)1902--Firefighter Richard Nitsch (E-35)1903--Firefighter Charles F. Douth (L-3)1904--Firefighter James R. McAvoy (L-4)1905--Firefighter Michael J. Stevens (L-4)1906--Firefighter Cassimer C. Wodzicki (E-17)1907--Firefighter Michael Nicklaus (L-4)1908--Firefighter John T. Oakley (L-11)1909--Battalion Chief George L. Ross (Bn-7)1910--Firefighter John R. Harcke (L-12)

Firefighter Frank C. Clarke (L-24)1911--Firefighter Richard J. Condon (2) (E-12)1912--Firefighter Robert J. Boyle (L-10)1913--Engineer of Steamer Seneca Larke (E-20)

1914--Firefighter John F. Mooney (1) (L-4)1915--Captain Thomas W. Smith (E-2)1916--Firefighter James T. Daniels (L-26)1917--Firefighter John Walsh (1) (L-1)1918--Firefighter Patrick R. O’Connor (L-14)1919--Lieutenant Francis Blessing (R-1)1920--Firefighter Timothy F. O’Leary, Jr. (E-15)1921--Firefighter Frank J. Costello (L-12)1922--Firefighter Jacob F. Ferber (E-239)1923--Captain Edwin A.A. Quinn (E-14)1924--Hon. Medical Off. Harry M. Archer, MD1925--Captain Thomas J. O’Toole (E-27)1926--Firefighter William G.R. Mitchell (E-18)1927--Firefighter Michael McInerney (L-12)1928--Captain James A. Walsh (1) (E-234)1929--Firefighter George W. Reilly (L-19)1930--Firefighter Edward V. Conroy (L-l)1931--Captain Albert B. Carlson (E-66)1932--Firefighter Vincent J. Hyde (R-3)1933--Captain Cornell M. Garety (R-l)1934--Firefighter Rudolph F. Musil (L-12)1935--Firefighter George J. Wolken (E-60)1936--Firefighter Joseph E. Smith (2) (E-211)1937--Firefighter James P. Nevin (E-201)1938--Firefighter Charles G. Roscher (L-1)1939--Firefighter Daniel J. Sullivan (L-3)1940--Firefighter Charles A. Merz (L-168)1941--Firefighter Thomas F. Brennan (L-111)1942--Captain John W. Heaney (Hdq.)1943--Firefighter John Colgan (L-2)1944--Firefighter Harvey W. Crook (R-3)1945--Captain George H. Winter (L-3)1946--Firefighter Arthur L. Speyer (L-24)1947--Firefighter Anthony J. Riccardi (L-26)1948--Captain Patrick T. Green (R-1)1949--Firefighter James S. Norton (L-163)1950--Firefighter Wilbur J. O’Donnell (L-111)1951--Firefighter Victor F. Rossi (L-120)1952--Lieutenant John F. McGlynn (L-10)1953--Firefighter Angelo Michelini (E-97)1954--Deputy Chief John T. Oakley (2) (Hdq.)1955--Firefighter Bernard F. Curran (E-92)1956--Firefighter Michael J. O’Driscoll (L-28)1957--Firefighter William Von Diezelski (L-4)1958--Firefighter Nicholas Sharko (L-11)1959--Captain Arthur J. O’Connor (SQ-4)1960--Firefighter William V. Russo (E-254)1961--Firefighter Joseph G. Peragine (L-14)1962--Firefighter Joseph E. Almon (L-35)

1963--Firefighter Lawrence F. Duenas (E-59)1964--Firefighter David Crowley (L-14)1965--Firefighter James E. Bowler (R-2)1966--Firefighter Robert E. Farrell (L-31)1967--Firefighter Thomas D. Ferraiuolo (L-28)1968--Firefighter Gene P. Dowling (L-25)1969--Firefighter James N. Tempro (E-217)1970--Firefighter Charles Varner (L-55)1971--Lieutenant Richard R. Hamilton (R-2)1972--Firefighter Steven C. DeRosa (L-102)1973--Firefighter Raymond G. McCann (L-40)1974--Firefighter Gilbert J. Murtha (L-108)1975--Firefighter Thomas J. Neary (L-31)1976--Firefighter Martin McGovern (L-114)1977--Captain Frederick W. Gallagher (R-2)1978--Firefighter James H. Battillo (L-152)1979--Firefighter John J. Pritchard (R-2)1980--Lieutenant Thomas J. Neary (L-28)1981--Lieutenant Howard R. Kennedy (L-154)1982--Firefighter Joseph H. Dirks (L-103)1983--Firefighter Kenneth L. Connelly (L-111)1984--Firefighter Robert Merkel (L-42)1985--Firefighter James A. Sollami (E-62)1986--Captain James F. McDonnell (L-42)1987--Lieutenant William F. Maloney (L-34) 1988--Firefighter John J. McDonnell (L-28)1989--Captain Richard Jacquin (L-59)1990--Lieutenant Gerard M. Murtha (R-3)1991--Firefighter William E. Jutt (L-22)1992--Firefighter Michael M. Dugan (L-43)1993--Firefighter Albert J. Gonzalez, Jr. (L-18)1994--Lieutenant John M. Fox (SQ-1)1995--Firefighter Gregory J. Smith, Jr. (L-108)1996--Firefighter Gerard J. Triglia (L-132)1997--Firefighter John K. Duddy (L-28)1998--Firefighter Stan J. Sussina (R-1)1999--Captain John J. Pritchard (E-255)2000--Firefighter Stephen P. Fenley (L-78)2001--Firefighter John F. South (L-44)2003--Battalion Chief James Marketti (Bn-48)2004--Firefighter James F. Mills (L-176)2005--Firefighter Victor J. Rosa, Jr. (L-138)2006--Captain Christopher J. Joyce (E-318)2007--Firefighter James T. Byrne (L-121)2008--Lieutenant James F. Congema (Bn-19)2009--Firefighter Anthony M. Romano (L-142)2010--Firefighter Michael A. Czech, Jr. (L-142)

The James Gordon Bennett Medal was established in 1869 and, for years, it was the sole decoration awarded for valor in the FireDepartment of the City of New York. As a result of its seniority among medals, it is awarded annually for the most outstanding actof heroism after the consideration and deliberate judgment of the members of the Medal Board of the NYC Fire Department.

THE JAMES GORDON BENNETT MEDAL WINNERS


Appointed to the FDNY on January 27, 2002. Previously assigned to Engine 248. Brother, Lieutenant LouisDemontreux, is assigned to Engine 154. Recipient of one unit citation, plus the Chief Ray Downey Courage andValor Award from Fire Engineering Magazine, Daily News Hero of the Month and NY Rotary Club Serviceaward. Holds a BS degree in Business Management from the College of Staten Island. Resides on Staten Islandwith his wife, Gina, and their children, Peter, Jr., Allison, Evelyn and Gwyneth.

August 30, 2010, 0427 hours, Box 22-0963, 175 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER PETER G. DEMONTREUXLADDER COMPANY 132

Generally, brownstones are considered to be well-con-structed and capable of withstanding the ravages of fire.This is possible since they are made of brick and stone,

giving them their strength, but brownstones also contain fireand heat as do non-fireproof buildings. These factors offer theoccupants security, but also make it challenging forFirefighters initiating searches and rescues.

As strong as the exterior of these buildings are, they arenearly all wood on the inside, with open interior stairs thatallow fire to travel quickly. This is further complicated by thelack of fire escapes (front and rear), since these are consideredprivate dwellings. In reality, very few are private dwellings.The brownstone at 175 Putnam Avenue is a classic example--four stories, with limited access to the upper floors and rear ofthe building.

When the phone alarm came in for this Box, it was fol-lowed with numerous reports of people trapped inside thebuilding. Engine 235 arrived first and gave the 10-75. Ladder132 arrived a minute later and members immediately coveredtheir positions.

Ladder 132 is a unit that has responded to numerousbrownstone fires and, normally, their skills and training wouldmake this a routine job. However, this was not a routine job.

At the third-floor window was a trapped victim; 60-year-old Henri Howell, who was in a very tenuous position withhigh heat and dense smoke pushing all around him. FF PeterDemontreux, the outside ventFirefighter, climbed the aerial to thethird floor and pulled Mr. Howell ontothe aerial.

Once he had the victim safely on theaerial, Mr. Howell told his rescuer thathis friend was still inside the burningapartment. Time was a critical factor;the inside team was still a floor belowdue to the amount of fire on the stairsand in the hall. FF Demontreux enteredthe third-floor window and began hissearch. Even with all the modern per-sonal protective equipment (PPE), theheat and smoke drove FF Demontreuxback to the window.

Meanwhile, FF Richard Myers,Rescue 2, had climbed the aerial and

began venting the adjacent window to allow some of the blis-tering heat and dense smoke to escape. Without hesitation, FFDemontreux turned back into the apartment to continue hissearch. Crawling on his hands and knees, as quickly as possi-ble, he was able to reach the rear room where he found theother victim, the 51-year-old Clyde Mantany, who was at thewindow, trying to get some relief from the smoke and heat.

Knowing there was no fire escape and it would take timefor a portable ladder to be brought to the rear or initiate a roperescue from above, FF Demontreux determined the only wayout was the window through which he came. Shielding Mr.Mantany as best he could, the Firefighter led him back throughthe searing heat to the front of the building. As they entered thefront room, the heat ignited into flame and engulfed both men,setting their clothes on fire. FF Myers, still at the aerial, imme-diately transmitted a mayday.

FF Demontreux, now on fire, with survival instincts tellinghim to get out, decided not to leave Mr. Mantany behind.Through this fully involved room and at extreme personal risk,he pulled the burning victim toward the window.

FF Demontreux, while being burned from the flames allaround him, exhibited courage and tenacity by assisting thevictim out the window to FF Myers, who was on the aerial.Once the victim cleared the window, FF Demontreux doveonto the aerial and both victim and rescuer were extinguishedby members operating Engine 219’s hand-line, which was

positioned in front of the building.Both victim and rescuer suffered

extensive burns; Mr. Mantany receivedburns over 50 percent of his body, but isalive. Although it was destroyed, hisprotective gear saved FF Demontreux.

Words are inadequate to describe FFPeter G. Demontreux’ heroic actions. Heput his life on the line for another humanbeing. His courage and professionalismreinforce the traditions of the fire serviceand FDNY and always will be remem-bered by those who witnessed this act ofbravery. For these reasons, he is honoredwith the James Gordon Bennett Medaland the New York State Honorary FireChiefs Association Medal.--JTV

James Gordon Bennett MedalNYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal

FF Peter Demontreux tends to the victim he rescued.Both victim and FF Demontreux suffered extensiveburns. photo by Danny Iudici


Appointed to the FDNY on January 16, 1994. Prior assignments include Engine 320, Ladder 54 and Squad 61.Grandfather, Battalion Chief Henry Dodenhoff (now deceased), was retired from Battalion 34. Resides in IslipTerrace, Long Island, with his wife, Michele, and their daughters, Shannon, Chelsea and Cassie.

FIREFIGHTER CHARLES J. DODENHOFFRESCUE COMPANY 2

The borough of Brooklyn is no stranger to challengingfires. Its vast population, staggering size and uniquediversity of construction render the borough of church-

es a place where an FDNY Firefighter quickly develops strongskills and good judgment. These attributes were on displayAugust 30, 2010, when an early-morning fire erupted in aheavily occupied, four-story, multiple dwelling at 175 PutnamAvenue.

Rescue 2 received the alarm while on the air, returningfrom an earlier fire. The members quickly rolled into a firescene that tested the decision-making skills and expertise ofthe entire company and, in particular, the capabilities of FFCharles Dodenhoff.

The arrival of Rescue 2 coincided with numerous, rapidlydeveloping circumstances. The firewas unusually large and had gainedpossession of the entire open interiorstairwell that led to all floors. Thefirst-arriving engine company,Engine 235, was positioned on thefront entrance stoop, but had not yetreceived water at the nozzle. Mostimportantly, it was clear that numer-ous occupants of the building weretrapped and in dire need of immediaterescue from the rapidly growing fire.

Members of Rescue 2 swung intoaction. While the inside team ascend-ed to the entrance of the building, FFDodenhoff climbed the aerial to theroof with the lifesaving rope. Afterassuring that preliminary roof venti-lation had been accomplished, hemade an inspection of the rear. TheFirefighter observed a male victimwho was enveloped in a stream ofthick, pushing smoke in a fourth-floor window.

Recognizing that interior rescuewas unlikely due to the heavy fire

conditions on the stairway and realizing that the rear of thefourth floor could not be readily accessed from the front dueto the unique construction of the building, FF Dodenhoff pre-pared for a roof rope rescue. He worked closely with FF AbelGonzalez, Ladder 132, in deploying the rope and tying off. FFDodenhoff rapidly disembarked from the roof edge.

Arriving at the victim’s location, FF Dodenhoff learnedthat a second victim, an unconscious woman, was present inthe room behind the male victim. The rescuer entered the roomthrough the window and disengaged from the rope. The malevictim was exhibiting extreme anxiety, bordering on panic. FFDodenhoff provided firm reassurance, restored the man’s con-fidence and rapidly and adroitly secured the roof rope to thevictim. He then assisted the man out the window, whereupon

the victim was safely lowered to thestreet by FF Gonzalez.

FF Dodenhoff then turned hisattention to the unconscious woman.He provided immediate medical careand was assisted by the inside teamof Rescue 2, which includedLieutenant Dan Murphy and FFsHank Fried, Richie Myers and BillEisengrein. These members--whoalso performed heroically--hadfought their way up the interiorstairs in a punishing climb to per-form interior rescue. The womanwas safely removed to the street viathe interior stairs.

FF Dodenhoff effected the res-cue of two civilians by employinginitiative, rapid decision-making andimplementation of long-practicedskills, all while facing personal dan-ger. FF Charles Dodenhoff is worthyof recognition by the FireDepartment and is awarded theBrooklyn Citizens Medal/FF LouisValentino Award.--JF

August 30, 2010, 0428 hours, Box 22-0963, 175 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award

The fire building from which FF Charles J. Dodenhoffrescued two victims. photo by Danny Iudici


Appointed to EMS as an Emergency MedicalTechnician on July 7, 2004. Recipient of twopre-hospital saves. Resides in the Bronx.

Appointed to EMS as an Emergency MedicalTechnician on July 27, 2009. Resides in the

Bronx with his wife, Yudelkis, and their chil-dren, Stephenie and Ryan.

October 28, 2010St. Barnabas Hospital Emergency Room, East 183rd Street/3rd Avenue, Bronx

EMTKYLE R. BARBARIA

STATION 26 (LEFT)

EMTEDWARD RODRIGUEZ

STATION 20 (RIGHT)

During the response to a job, while operating on-scene oreven while en route to the hospital, EMS members rou-tinely allow instinct, experience, training and quick

thinking to support their knowledge of medicine and providetheir patient with the best care possible. When a crew arrivesat the Emergency Room (ER), however, the sense of urgencyfades as the medical professionals in the hospital continue thework started in the field. Normally, it’s a time for reflectionand readying themselves and their equipment for the nextassignment. On the evening of October 28, 2010, however, theroutine down time in the ER was anything but calm for EMTsKyle Barbaria and Edward Rodriguez.

After arriving at the ER at St. Barnabas Hospital, eachwith his respective unit, EMTs Barbaria and Rodriguez wereawaiting triage with their respective patients. Neither of themparticularly knew the other, other than the recognition of a col-league wearing that familiar FDNY uniform and the fraternalbond that joins them as pre-hospital care professionals. In amoment, without warning, they were about to trust their verylives to that unspoken relationship.

With the ER buzzing and patients and care providers mov-ing about, a commotion oddly different from the normal, con-trolled chaos began to develop in the room across from thetriage area where EMTs Barbaria and Rodriguez waited withtheir patients. EMT Barbaria was the first to pick up on thedeveloping commotion as an NYPD officer began strugglingwith a patient. He wasn’t sure what was happening, but it wasclear that the officer was in trouble. The patient, now turnedperpetrator, was struggling with the officer, reaching for hisweapon. EMT Barbaria knew he had to act and engaged thesituation, exploding onto the two from behind and knockingthe perpetrator and the officer to the ground.

In an instant, the room that was filled with individualgroups of people in various activities organized into a con-trolled panic as mass groups exited the room to the frantic

statements of an NYPD officer, he’s got my gun. The tensionquickly mounted as bystanders, patients and workers alike fledfor their lives as the uncertainty of the situation built.Unbeknown to EMT Barbaria, EMT Rodriguez was just stepsbehind him, rushing to the aid of the officer.

Reaching the commotion, EMT Rodriguez jumped on thethree in an attempt to secure the weapon. He could feel the per-petrator continuing to struggle to try to squeeze the trigger andfree the gun. Not knowing what would happen next, EMTRodriguez immediately was calmed by a glimpse of the famil-iar shoulder patch and emblem. Seeing EMT Barbaria, EMTRodriguez thought to himself, okay, he’s not gonna let medown. We’ve got this.

With the help of EMTs Barbaria and Rodriguez, the offi-cer was able to regain his weapon and immediately called forback-up, while the EMTs continued to subdue the patient.Other members of EMS who remained in the ER joined in tohold the perpetrator down, until resources from NYPD arrived.

In speaking of the incident later on, EMT Barbaria said hisreaction was visceral. My mind went blank and I reacted,except for one thing...my two-year-old daughter. He worriedfor her, but says if it happened again today, he’d do the samething. EMT Rodriguez calls his actions nothing special. Allwe’ve got is each other out here, EMT Rodriguez said. Evenwhen their Lieutenant began the process for meritorious actsrecognition, both members did not want to be recognized.

At a time of great danger to their personal safety and well-being, these two EMS professionals placed their lives on theline to help a police officer facing certain peril. Had it not beenfor the bravery and courage displayed by EMTs Kyle Barbariaand Edward Rodriguez, the outcome on the evening ofOctober 28, 2010, almost certainly would have ended intragedy. In recognition of their actions, the Department pres-ents them with the most prestigious EMS award--theChristopher J. Prescott Medal.--RT

Christopher J. Prescott Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on August 16, 1998. Previously assigned to Engine 279. Resides in Floral Park, LongIsland, with his wife, Nancy, and their children, Kelly, Nicky, Julia and Olivia.

Due to their all-wood construction feature and the factthat they were built during a period of many years--some in the early 1900s--the row frame-type private

dwelling presents a far more complex fire problem than theaverage private dwelling. Of significance, the common orpoorly firestopped cockloft and cornice permit rapid firespread into exposures. Thus, on September 15, 2010, at 0615hours, the members of Ladder 58 and, in particular, FF StevenV. Troche, would all be reminded just how complicated it isfor FDNY Firefighters to battle a fire in this kind of dwelling.

Ladder 58, commanded by Captain Joseph A. Principio,were dispatched for a phone alarm, reporting a fire at 418Bronx Park Avenue in the Bronx, a residence for TashaunaStaples and her two-year-old son, Ahmad. Fortunately for theStaples family, this section of the Bronx is well safeguardedby the members of Ladder 58 and Engine 45.

On arrival, Captain Principio noticed heavy smoke pushingfrom the first floor and basement of this row frame-type privatedwelling. Subsequently, while conducting his size-up, he wasinformed by two self-evacuating and severely burned civiliansthat people were still trapped in the basement apartment.

Heading toward their assigned positions, the inside team--Captain Principio, forcible entry Firefighter, FF Troche, andextinguisher Firefighter, FF Peter F. Tynan, Engine 45--enteredthe first floor to locate the interior stairs to the basement apart-ment. The stairs were locatedapproximately 20 feet inside thefirst-floor hallway. These stairswere only 24 inches wide andbecause of their steepness, creat-ed a chimney-like effect of pun-ishing heat and smoke.

Fighting through the discom-fort caused by the intense heatduring their descent into thebasement, members discovered athree-bedroom apartment at thebase of the stairs. Compoundingthis emergency was that the firewas in an advanced stage, withpossession of a narrow, 30-inch-wide hallway, and extending intothe bedrooms. Adding to therapid progression of this fire was

a low ceiling height of only six feet. Ventilation was minimal,creating a toxic smoke condition with zero visibility.

Captain Principio directed FF Troche to search to theright, as FF Tynan was directed to start using his extinguisheron visible fire. Simultaneously, the Captain began his searchto the left, which was the kitchen and bathroom. Passing thisarea and reaching the first bedroom, Captain Principio orderedFFs Troche and Tynan to continue toward the second and thirdbedrooms.

While negotiating through high heat and zero visibility,FF Troche found an unconscious and burned 20-year-oldfemale on the floor, in-between two beds. While attempting toremove the victim, he discovered her two-year-old child,unconscious and badly burned, protected beneath her.

Weighing options for a speedy removal of these victims,Captain Principio relayed the severity of the situation to theIncident Commander, as FF Nicholas Marchese, the outsidevent Firefighter, gained access through a rear basement door.Unfortunately, this door did not facilitate victim removal andleft members no option but to risk going back up the stairs.

FFs Troche and Marchese lifted the unconscious mother,while FF Tynan scooped up the unconscious child. The mem-bers used themselves as protective shields to pass the intenseheat and fire in the hallway as they made their way up the nar-row and steep stairway. Through discomfort and pain, the three

rescuers were able to reach thefirst floor, where they were met bythe advancing members of Engine45. After reaching the first floor,both mother and child were rapid-ly transferred into the hands ofEMS personnel.

This rescue was successfuldue to the selfless act of braveryof all the members of Ladder 58,but especially that of FF StevenV. Troche. Thanks to FF Troche’sefforts, both victims have recov-ered from severe life-threateninginjuries and are alive and welltoday. For these reasons, he ispresented with the Hugh BonnerMedal and the Honor LegionMedal.--PWB

September 15, 2010, 0615 hours, Box 22-3070, 418 Bronx Park Avenue, Bronx

Hugh Bonner MedalHonor Legion Medal

Ladder 58 members worked at Bronx Box 75-2908, 1711 BooneAvenue, near 174th Street, in the West Farms section, November25, 2009. photo by FF Steven Troche

FIREFIGHTER STEVEN V. TROCHELADDER COMPANY 58


Appointed to the FDNY on August 5, 2007. Studied Liberal Arts and Music at SUNY at Purchase. Resides inManhattan with his wife, Jessica.

August 9, 2010, 2303 hours, Box 22-0596, 214 West 21st Street, Manhattan

FIREFIGHTER DANTE R. MAZZETTILADDER COMPANY 12

Ladder 12 received a phone alarm for a structural fire at214 West 21st Street, on August 9, 2010, at 2303 hours.En route, Ladder 12 was informed by the dispatchers

that they were receiving multiple calls from the location, a six-story, non-fireproof building with 30 apartments. On arrival,Lieutenant Jack Bradley, Ladder 12, transmitted the 10-75 fora fire visible from two windows on the fourth floor.

The Lieutenant entered the building with his inside team,which included FF Dante Mazzetti, carrying the extinguisher,and FF Christopher Mallery, the irons Firefighter. Ascendingthe stairs to the fire floor, they were met by several self-evac-uating building occupants who confirmed that a 96-year-oldfemale, Katina Voultespsis, was in the apartment, 3A.

Arriving at the apartment door, the inside team found heavysmoke pushing from around the door frame. FF Mallery posi-tioned himself toforce entry,while LieutenantBradley and FFMazzetti clearedthe stairs andpublic hall offleeing occupants.

After forc-ing entry, thecrew entered theapartment underhigh heat andzero visibility.As the teamsearched deeperinto the apart-ment, theremaining win-dows in theapartment failed,intensifying thefire and lightingup the livingroom. At thispoint, Battalion

Chief Christopher Boyle, Battalion 7, transmitted a secondalarm, expecting the fire conditions and auto-exposure toextend the fire to the floor above.

The forcible entry team took refuge in the front bedroom.Knowing a life was at risk, however, they made anotherattempt toward the living room, still without the protection ofa charged hose-line. As FF Mazzetti moved through the apart-ment in an attempt to locate the fire and control it with hisextinguisher, he located the woman in the living room andpromptly transmitted the 10-45. FF Mazzetti shielded thewoman from the intense heat as Engine 1 members arrivedwith their hose-line. Lieutenant Robert Narducci, Engine 1,ordered the line to protect the members effecting the removalof Ms. Voultespsis.

In Chief Boyle’s report on the meritorious act, he noted,The actions ofFF Mazzettiprovided heronly chance fors u r v i v a l .Although sheultimately suc-cumbed to herinjuries, FFMazzetti’s con-duct was in thehighest tradi-tions of the fireservice. Inrecognition forhis heroicefforts underbrutal condi-tions, FF DanteMazzetti isawarded theE m i l yTrevor/Mary B.Warren Medal.--CF

Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal

FF Dante Mazzetti (third from the left)--with members of Ladder 12--was awarded the EmilyTrevor/Mary B. Warren Medal.


Appointed to the FDNY on May 31, 2005. Resides on Staten Island with his wife, Jeanine.

February 16, 2010, 1215 hours, Box 75-3541, 2970 West 24th Street, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER ROBERT A. DIAZLADDER COMPANY 166

Fires occurring in occupied multiple dwellings generallymean that people are trapped and in need of assistance.Such was the case on February 16, 2010, at 2970 West

24th Street, Brooklyn. The involved building was a 17-story,100- by 50-foot, high-rise multiple dwelling, featuring sixapartments on each floor.

At 1215 hours, numerous phone alarms were received atthe Brooklyn Fire Communications Office for a fire and smokein a building in the vicinity of West 24th Street. This informa-tion was transmitted to the local firehouses, including Ladder166. Combining a fast turnout, quick response and heroicaction would be necessary to lessen the severity of injuries, ifany occupants were trapped.Thanks to training and experience,the members of Ladder 166 wereup to this task.

On arrival, members noticedsmoke pushing out of windows onthe upper floors of this high-riseapartment building. LieutenantMichael Johnson, Engine 318,transmitted a 10-75, notifyingincoming units that there was aworking fire at this location. Themembers of Ladder 166 sized upthe situation and realized the ardu-ous task ahead of them, knowingthat this operation would be achallenge to rescue any trappedcivilians in the apartments on theupper floors.

FF Robert Diaz, along withother members of the forcibleentry team, entered the elevator.They had the knowledge andawareness to operate this elevatoron Firemen Service to ensure theirsafety as they ascended to theupper floors. At this time, Ladder166 was not aware of the exactlocation of the fire.

Because of the lack of solid information and confusingapartment configurations (duplex apartments on several floors),search for the fire apartment began several floors below the15th floor. On arrival at the 15th floor and advancing through asmoke-filled hallway, FF Diaz and the forcible entry teamfound the fire apartment. At this time, Ladder 166 wasinformed that the first hose-line would not be in position to pro-tect them as they entered the fire apartment.

Despite the high heat and heavy smoke condition with zerovisibility, FF Diaz crawled into the fire apartment in search ofany trapped civilians. He went through the kitchen and the liv-ing room, searching all areas, then into the bedroom, where he

felt a medical oxygen nebulizingmachine.

At this time, the heat was inten-sifying and visibility was non-exis-tent. FF Diaz followed a medicaloxygen line to a closet, where heencountered piles of clothes and pil-lows. At the bottom of this pile, hediscovered a young boy. FF Diazbegan dragging the unconsciouschild toward the public hallway,even though the fire now was rollingover their heads. He had to shield thevictim with his body to lessen theseverity of injuries. As they reachedthe public hallway, FF Diaz carriedthe 11-year-old boy to the floorbelow the fire, providing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation en route.

FF Diaz’ courage and selflessactions in a dangerous situation,without the protection of a chargedhose-line, are indicative of hisheroic rescue of the young boy. Forhis initiative and bravery, withoutregard for his own safety, theFDNY is proud to honor FF RobertA. Diaz with the Thomas E.Crimmins Medal.--EB

Thomas E. Crimmins Medal

FF Robert Diaz leaves his apparatus to go to work.


Appointed to the FDNY on July 5, 1988. Previously assigned to Engine 210 and Ladder 122. Son, EMT EdwardJ. Gonzalez, Jr., is assigned to EMS Station 57. Recipient of one unit citation. Holds an AAS degree in AppliedScience from the College of Staten Island. Resides on Staten Island, with his wife, Cindy, and their four chil-dren, Edward, Jr., Brittany, Nicholas and Samantha.

August 27, 2010, 0238 hours, Box 22-3545, 2686 Colby Court, Brooklyn

August 27, 2010, was an in-between night--not too hotand not too cold--with the temperature in the high 60s.Soon, however, it became quite hot for Lieutenant

Edward Gonzalez, a 22-year veteran of the Department, andhis inside team of Ladder 161. At 0238 hours, they respondedfirst-due to a report of fire at 2686 Colby Court, a six-story, 50-by 200-foot, H-type, Class 3, multiple dwelling that provideda home to 120 families. Despite the heavy foliage of the neigh-borhood trees, the fire was immediately visible on the build-ing’s top floor.

Lieutenant Gonzalez led his interior team--FFs NicholasShelse, forcible entry Firefighter, and Keith Norris, the extin-guisher Firefighter--up the building’s single, centrally located,interior stairs. Because the apartment door was open, thick,black smoke already was banking down the stairs as theymasked up on the fifth floor. Arriving on the sixth floor, theLieutenant put the unit’s thermal imaging camera to good use,piercing the impenetrable wall of smokeand identifying the fire apartment.

As they crawled down the hall towardthe fire apartment, they could hear theefforts of the engine company stretching thefirst hose-line. It was a long stretch--13lengths--and Lieutenant Gonzalez knew thatthey would have to operate for some timewithout the protection of a charged line.

Now, at the apartment door, despite theincreasing heat and without the protectionof a hose-line, the Officer initiated his pri-mary search inside the smoke-choked apart-ment. The Lieutenant directed FF Shelse tosearch left, while he and FF Norris searchedto the right. FF Shelse quickly encountereda victim in the apartment hallway. Aftertransmitting the 10-45 signal, notifying theIncident Commander that a victim had beenfound, Lieutenant Gonzalez directed FFShelse to drag the victim down the hall andout of the fire apartment. He then had FFNorris try to hold the expanding fire incheck with his 21/2-gallon extinguisher,while he continued the search, movingdeeper into the apartment.

Fire was extending out of the bedroomon his right as Lieutenant Gonzalez received

a radio message from his outside vent Firefighter, stating thatfire had extended into the cockloft. Two more victims werereported to be somewhere in the apartment. The Officer, despitethe fact that there still was no hose-line protecting him, know-ing he was at risk of having his escape route cut off by theexpanding fire and that the fire now burned over his head in thecockloft and could drop down on him at any time, pushed pastthe fire, extending his search deeper into the confines.

The Lieutenant crawled into the rear bedroom and foundthe second victim, an 80-year-old woman. As he transmittedthe second 10-45 signal and began dragging her out of the bed-room and back toward the public hall, Lieutenant Gonzalezheard the welcome sound of Engine 245’s Officer call to hischauffeur to start water in his line. Moving down the hallwaytoward the apartment door, the Officer encountered Engine245 members advancing their line.

As he passed them with the victim, Lieutenant Gonzalez’mask was dislodged, exposing him to awitch’s brew of hot smoke. At this point, FFShelse was able to assist him in removingthe victim from the burning apartment, outinto the public hall. Once in the hall, thevictim was entrusted to a Firefighter fromEngine 254 for removal and patient care.

Hearing another 10-45 transmitted for athird victim and despite having taken a feedwhen his mask was dislodged, LieutenantGonzalez and his team returned to the rearbedroom and removed the victim from theapartment and down to the fourth floor.During this process, the Lieutenant lost hisbalance and fell on the stairs. He wasremoved to the hospital and treated forsmoke inhalation and an injured elbow.

Lieutenant Gonzalez performed inaccordance with the highest traditions ofthe FDNY. He exhibited initiative, leader-ship, determination and competence.Because civilian life was at stake, he know-ingly put himself in danger to save EstelleGalperin. Because of his heroism that day,Lieutenant Edward J. Gonzalez is recog-nized with the Thomas A. Kenny MemorialMedal.--FCM

Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal

LIEUTENANT EDWARD J. GONZALEZLADDER COMPANY 161

As indicated in the diagram, LieutenantEdward Gonzalez twice passed fire to res-cue a victim.


Appointed to the FDNY on May 4, 2003. Previously assigned to Engine 52. Resides in New City, NY, with hiswife, Betty, and their children, Lorenzo and Luna.

April 11, 2010, 2214 hours, Box 77-0259, 283 Grand Street, Manhattan

FIREFIGHTER ANTONIO MONTESINOSQUAD COMPANY 18

Just after 2200 hours on April 11, 2010, Squad 18 was sentfrom their firehouse to an apartment building fire at 289Grand Street in Chinatown. On arrival, the members of

Squad 18 noticed heavy smoke from several buildings, makingit very difficult to pinpoint the origin of the fire. After report-ing to Deputy Chief Robert E. Carroll, Division 1, the Squadmembers were ordered to search two buildings adjacent to thethen-assumed fire building.

Lieutenant Edward F. Cancro split his company betweenthe two buildings (283 and 285 Grand Street) to expedite thesearches. FF Antonio Montesino was sent to 283 Grand Street,a six-story tenement. Unknown to him and the otherFirefighters and Officers, he was headed to the fire’s origin.

As FF Montesino entered the building, he was surprisedby the heavy smoke encountered on the first floor. A civiliantold him that more people were trapped upstairs, a piece ofinformation that changed his approach drastically. Eventhough he was alone, FF Montesino had to search moreaggressively with the knowledge of a confirmed life hazard.He transmitted his location and the conditions to theCommand Post and donned his facepiece, entering the blacksmoke. FF Montesino found the stairwell and ascended to thesecond-floor public hallway.

While crawling down the pitch-black hallway, FFMontesino found an apartment door to his left. From behind thedoor, he heard the sounds of a struggling occupant; time wasrunning out for this person. FF Montesino determined that theapartment door was locked, but he wasable to break through the locks andopen the door with his Halligan tool.

After crawling about 10 feet intothe apartment, he found a semi-con-scious, 86-year-old woman, Mei GeZheng, on the kitchen floor. FFMontesino tried to transmit the signalfor a confirmed fire victim on the hand-ie-talkie, but radio traffic was too heavy.The second time FF Montesino trans-mitted, Lieutenant Cancro acknowl-edged his Firefighter and headedtoward FF Montesino to assist him.

When the Lieutenant found FFMontesino, he was dragging the victimout of the apartment and down the hallas fire and smoke conditions deteriorat-

ed. Lieutenant Cancro was able to get through on the radio torelay the message about victim removal. On hearing the radiosignal, Battalion Chief James A. Smithwick, Battalion 2, andEngine 7 responded to the location, where Engine 7 membershelped remove the victim down the stairs and out of the building.

With the first victim removed, Lieutenant Cancro and FFMontesino re-entered the second-floor apartment to completethe search. Due to high heat and crackling sounds, the Officerknew that the fire soon would overtake the second floor, so herequested, via the radio, a protective hose-line, which wouldnot be in place for several minutes.

FF Montesino crawled past the point where he found thefirst victim, following the wall to his left about 25 feet into theapartment, when he heard a faint moan to his right. The rescuercrawled at a right angle from the wall, toward the moans, intoa bedroom. He found a bed and began searching under and overit. With only seconds left before he would have to retreat fromthe apartment due to the intense heat, FF Montesino made onelast lunge over the bed to find a second victim, 80-year-oldChung Shimi Lam, between the bed and the wall.

FF Montesino grabbed the victim under the arms and madehis way back out of the apartment. Nearing exhaustion, theFirefighter dragged the unconscious victim through the apart-ment and into the public hallway. At this point, the victim waspassed to FF Brian R. McGuire, also from Squad 18, whoremoved the victim to the street and began CPR. It was learnedlater that at the same time FF Montesino located the second vic-

tim, the floor collapsed in another roomof the apartment, which greatly intensi-fied the heat build-up in the area.

FF Montesino’s decisive andaggressive actions, combined withclear and accurate communications,were instrumental in the removal ofthe two victims. He operated alone inan advanced fire environment withouta charged hose-line, putting himself indanger. Had it not been for FFMontesino’s training, coupled with hiscourage and determination, the vic-tims surely would have perished. Forhis bravery, FF Antonio Montesino isawarded the Walter Scott Medal.--SN

Walter Scott Medal

Squad 18 members operate from the fire escape atManhattan Box 77-0259. photo by Fred Bacchi


July 18, 2010, 1452 hours, Box 2971, waterfalls at Bronx Park at East 180th Street/Boston Road, Bronx

In the afternoon of July 18, 2010, Ladder 58 received a callfor reports of a child in the water, a drowning or possiblya missing child. On arrival, the members of Ladder 58 wit-

nessed a commotion in an area about 100 yards into BronxPark. This particular location is the top of a waterfall, which isfed by the Bronx River. Additional information indicated thattwo teenagers had entered the water and were not seen exiting.

FF Robert Cuccio, Ladder 58, along with FFs MartinMurphy and Thomas Wutz, Jr., also of Ladder 58, climbedover a fence, climbed down the steep rocks and removed theirhandie-talkies. The men immediately dove into the water.Captain Joseph Principio conferred with an NYPD Lieutenanton the scene regarding whether the situation was confirmed. Itwas, in fact, confirmed and two people were missing. Theywere pulled underwater and tangled in debris.

The Captain ordered the lifesaving rope deployed as alifeline for FF Cuccio and the other members in the water. FFPhil Leto, Ladder 58, manned the rope on the river bank, whileFF Duane Davis, Ladder 58, brought the necessary tools to thepoint of operation so the fence could be opened for betteraccess to the scene.The Captain andremaining Firefighterscontinued to monitorthe water from theriver bank and provideback-up assistance asneeded.

The water runningin this waterwaymeasures about 100feet wide, is very darkand murky and theriverbed is strewnwith branches anddebris. FF Cuccio andthe members in thewater kept diving,franticly searching asbest they could with-out the benefit of

scuba equipment. After approximately seven to eight minutes,in an area just above the waterfall, FF Cuccio dove down andlocated a 15-year-old female, who was entangled in treebranches approximately 15 feet below the water’s surface.

FF Cuccio worked to disentangle her and was able tobring her to the surface. He then swam with her to the easternbank of the river. She was passed off and removed across thewaterfall, where EMS personnel were standing by to tend toher. She was packaged and removed up the rocky embankmentby EMS members, along with FFs Leto and Davis. With herremoval, Captain Principio ordered his members to continuediving and searching until Rescue 3 entered the water. Theyoung woman was transported to St. Barnabus Hospital.

At this incident, FF Cuccio made repeated efforts, divingbelow the dark, murky waters, searching through tree branch-es for the victims. Using his sense of feel, he groped throughthe debris until he found the overcome woman. His tenacity,bravery and skill were rewarded. He was in peril as he doveinto the water to attempt to find the two missing people.

FF Cuccio’s brave actions gave the young woman the bestchance for survival.Although she ulti-mately expired in thehospital, theFirefighter’s effortsare by no meansdiminished. His brav-ery was in keepingwith the highest tradi-tions of Ladder 58and Engine 45, aswell as the New YorkCity Fire Department.In recognition of hisheroism, FF RobertCuccio is awarded theJohn H. PrenticeMedal.--TW

John H. Prentice MedalFIREFIGHTER ROBERT CUCCIO

LADDER COMPANY 58

Appointed to the FDNY on July 28, 2002. Previously assigned to Engines 36 and 45. Resides inBaldwin, Long Island, with his wife, Sara, and their children, Kyle, Anna and Olivia.

Ladder 58 operates at Bronx Box 22-3177, 452 East 182nd Street/Washington Avenue, in theTremont section, on April 15, 2011. photo by FF Michael Gomez, Squad 288


Appointed to the FDNY on August 16, 1998. Previously assigned to Engine 243. Uncle, FF Glenn Ott, isretired from Engine 266; cousin, FF Mike Ott, is assigned to Engine 311; and brothers-in-law, FFs MikeDonovan and Craig Dunn, are assigned to Ladder 36 and Engine 313, respectively. Member of the SteubenAssociation and Emerald Society. Resides in Queens with his wife, Shannon, and their sons, William, III, andJack.

November 1, 2010, 1230 hours, Box 75-2840, 1738 79th Street, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER WILLIAM L. ROESCH, JR.LADDER COMPANY 168

While New York City sanitation workers are known asthe Strongest, there are moments when the Bravestdemonstrate how brute strength, coupled with deter-

mination and devotion to duty, make a difference at a criticalmoment. This was the case on a chilly November afternoon asa fire broke out at 1738 79th Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

At 1230 hours, FF William L. Roesch, Jr., and Ladder 168,while on inspection duty, were dispatched to Box 2840 for areported fire. On arrival, members did not detect any fire fromthe front of the three-story, 40- by 80-foot, old law tenement.However, conditions inside the building were far different.

Engine 243 (a four-Firefighter engine) began to stretch a13/4-inch line. Ladder 168’s Officer, Lieutenant MichaelDoda, had entered the building as part of the forcible entryteam and transmitted a 10-75 signal as fire was found on thelanding of the second floor. The Officer then radioed entrycould not be made due to the advancing fire and a delay inadvancing the hose-line. Lieutenant Doda also noted the occu-pant of apartment 2Rwas missing.

FF Roesch, work-ing the outside ventposition, was familiarwith this kind of struc-ture. He knew that if aperson was cut offfrom the primaryegress, he/she wouldmove to the back bed-room to access a fireescape. The Firefighterproceeded to the rear of thebuilding and climbed the fireescape. Reaching the secondfloor, his instincts wererewarded as he saw an uncon-scious victim on the floor ofthe room. However, accesswas cut off by a heavy-gaugesteel security gate mounted onthe inside of the windowframe.

Working quickly, FF

Roesch removed the aluminum-clad window, sash and jamb.However, he was unable to access the lag bolts that held thesecurity bars. The Firefighter employed all possible means ofentry, managing to make only a narrow opening at the bottomof the bars. As the smoke lifted somewhat, he saw the victimagain and realized time was short. The rescuer then got ontohis hands and knees and placed his shoulders to the securitybars. Using all his strength, FF Roesch was able to bend thebars just enough to access the interior.

On entry, FF Roesch was met with a high heat and smokecondition. The badly burned victim was in a prone position,wedged between several storage boxes. The victim could not bedragged, so the rescuer was forced to lift her up and carry herthe short distance over the debris until the heat became unbear-able. He lowered her to the floor to escape the horrific condi-tions, but quickly renewed his efforts. He repeated these stepsseveral times and used a short piece of webbing, which provid-ed him with a better grip to move the woman. The Firefighter

slowly moved her to the front of the apartment. Here,FF Roesch was met by the forcible entry team movinginto the apartment. These members assisted in remov-ing the victim.

In reporting the incident, Acting Deputy ChiefMichael McLaughlin noted: FF Roesch’s actionsexemplify those traits and characteristics that this

Department holds most dearly.Through determination andgreat effort, he entered an areathat placed him in direct expo-sure to the push of the advanc-ing hose-line. This risk wascompounded by his limitedmeans of egress, had the situa-tion deteriorated. His actionswere the only actions thatwould have resulted in a suc-cessful rescue. Therefore, theFire Department is proud tohonor FF William L. Roesch,Jr., today with the Henry D.Brookman Medal.--DJH

Ladder 168 operates at Brooklyn Box 75-2840, the job for which FF WilliamRoesch is being honored with the Henry D. Brookman Medal. Inset photoshows FF Roesch and Ladder 168 members, who worked with him that day.

Henry D. Brookman Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on February 4, 2001. Member of the Emerald Society. Recipient of two Class As andtwo unit citations, as well as the Daily News Hero of the Month award. Holds a BA degree in History fromBinghamton University. Resides in Kings Park, Long Island, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their son, J.T., anddaughters, Caitlin and Ciara.

February 5, 2010, 1818 hours, Box 75-1986, 752 Snediker Avenue, Brooklyn

Inscribed on the lobby wall of Buildings 9 and 11 at theFDNY Fire Training Academy on Randall’s Island is thesaying, Let no man’s ghost come back to say, his training

let him down. FDNY’s Firefighters constantly train and drill sothat they may be prepared for any challenge they encounter.This extensive training was on display and exhibited by FFJames McNulty at Box 1986, 752 Snediker Avenue, Canarsie,Brooklyn, when he rescued a two-year-old boy from a burningold law tenement.

On February 5, 2010, at 1818 hours, the Brooklyn com-munications office received a telephone alarm, reporting a firein a multiple dwelling. After receiving the alarm, Engine 257and Ladder 170 responded. While en route, the dispatcherreported receiving multiple calls and reports of occupantstrapped in an apartment.

A 10-75 was transmit-ted for a fire on the top floorof a two-story old law tene-ment building. As FFMcNulty grabbed his ironsto head in with the insideteam--which also includedLieutenant William Croakand FF Paul Peterson--heobserved a woman hysteri-cally screaming that herchildren were trapped in thefire apartment. At this time,the intensity of the fire wassuch that the apartment win-dows had failed and heavy,black smoke was emanatingfrom the apartment.

FF McNulty and theinside team reached the fireapartment and donned theirmasks. Making entry intothe fire apartment, the acridsmoke reduced visibility tozero, making search condi-tions extremely difficult.

The team members made their way toward the rear of theapartment, where the fire fully involved one of the two bed-rooms and was extending into the living room, making itimpossible for the trapped children to escape.

Lieutenant Croak ordered FF Peterson to control the firewith his extinguisher and FF McNulty to search the adjoiningbedroom. At this time, without the protection of a chargedhand-line, FF McNulty made his move past the raging fire intothe second bedroom, where he located two-year-old ReynaldoPerez, face-up and unresponsive on a bed. FF McNulty trans-mitted a 10-45 to Lieutenant Croak and Battalion Chief JohnMcKeon, Battalion 58.

FF McNulty then carried the motionless child past the fire,again without a hand-line in place, and out of the apartment.He carried him down to the street, where he immediately

began CPR. Once FFMcNulty was relieved ofthe youngster’s care bymembers of Engine 257--who did an outstandingjob, employing their CPRskills--he returned to thefire apartment to continuehis search. EMS personnelthen transported the boy toBrookdale Hospital andsubsequently to CornellHospital.

The heroic actions ofFF McNulty, effecting arescue without the protec-tion of a charged hose-lineand putting himself indanger, is the reason whyReynaldo Perez is alivetoday. For his bravery andserving as a role model forthe Department, FF JamesG. McNulty is awarded theM.J. Delehanty Medal.--SI

M.J. Delehanty Medal

FIREFIGHTER JAMES G. MCNULTYLADDER COMPANY 170

FF James G. McNulty on the fireground.


Appointed to the FDNY on September 25, 1982. Previous assignments include Engines 237 and 274 andLadder 124. Member of the Steuben Association. Recipient of the Thomas F. Dougherty and Albert S. JohnstonMedals, as well as two unit citations. Retired as a Command Master Chief after 30 years with the NavySeaBees, both active and reserve. Resides in Valley Stream, Long Island, with his wife, Karen. They have threechildren--Billy, Jr., Janette and Jason.

February 5, 2010, 1818 hours, Box 75-1986, 752 Snediker Avenue, Brooklyn

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM R. CROAKLADDER COMPANY 170

Shortly into the night tour of February 5, 2010, Ladder170 was responding to a reported fire in a multipledwelling. Commanding the company on this tour was

Lieutenant William R. Croak. He acknowledged the Brooklyndispatcher’s report of multiple calls with people trapped.

Arriving at 752 Snediker Avenue, the members of Ladder170 saw numerous people rapidly exiting the two-story, 20- by50-foot brick dwelling. As Lieutenant Croak and his inside teamof FFs Paul Peterson, the extinguisher Firefighter, and JamesMcNulty, the irons Firefighter, entered the building, they weretold by the fleeing occupants that kids were trapped on the sec-ond floor. In his size-up, Lieutenant Croak noticed that smokewas billowing from the second-floor windows, which alreadyhad failed, due to the heat. He requested that Battalion ChiefJohn McKeon, Battalion 58, transmit the 10-75.

When Lieutenant Croak and his Firefighters made theirway to the second floor, they found the hallway filling withsmoke because the apartment door had been left open. On theirhands and knees and masked up, Lieutenant Croak and hisinside team entered the fire apartment, where they were met byhigh heat and heavysmoke. Without the pro-tection of a hose-line, themembers began to feeltheir way toward thebedrooms located in theback of the apartment.

FF Peterson went tothe bedroom on the leftand used his extinguish-er to hold the fire back.The fire was extendinginto the living room,which is whereLieutenant Croak beganhis search, while FFMcNulty began search-ing the adjoining bed-room. Engine 290 hadarrived, but members

were just beginning to stretch their hose-line from the street tothe second-floor fire apartment.

After finding a victim, FF McNulty transmitted a 10-45over his radio. Hearing this report, Lieutenant Croak knewthat another victim was trapped somewhere in this apartment.His search of the living room yielded negative results. TheOfficer doubled his efforts, passed the fire and entered thesame bedroom in which FF McNulty had found his victim.

Lieutenant Croak thoroughly searched this room and liftedthe mattress from the bed. It was here that the Lieutenant’s expe-rience paid off, because after lifting off the mattress, he found themotionless body of a child, face-down under the bed. Four-year-old Ezekial Perez was not breathing and had no pulse.Lieutenant Croak radioed his find to Chief McKeon, scooped thechild up and felt his way back to the apartment entrance.

After exiting the fire building with the injured child, theOfficer handed him off to the members of Engine 257. TheseFirefighters did an outstanding job and successfully revived thechild before turning his care over to EMS personnel, who trans-ported him to Brookdale Hospital. Due to the severity of his

injuries, the youngsterwas transferred to NYCornell Hospital fortreatment in the pediatrichyperbaric chamber.

Lieutenant Croak’sexperience and bravery,particularly without theprotection of a hose-line, led to the rescue ofEzekial Perez. It is withhonor that LieutenantWilliam R. Croak isawarded the William F.Conran Medal for hisactions.--AP

Members of Ladder 170 operated at Bristol Street, between Linden Boulevard and DitmasAvenue, Brooklyn, April 9, 2009. photo by FF Peter Brady, Ladder 174

William F. Conran Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on February 16, 1999. Previously assigned to Ladder 15. Cousin, FF John Vaeth, isassigned to Engine 257. Member of Ner Tamid Society. Served as a USN Petty Officer, 2nd class. Resides inShoreham, Long Island, with his wife, Amy, and their sons, Gabrielle and Jack, and daughter, Peyton.

March 10, 2010, 2228 hours, Box 75-0851, 732 Decatur Street, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER ANTHONY E. CHAIMOWITZLADDER COMPANY 112

Ladder 112, stationed in the Bushwick section ofBrooklyn, received a run to respond as the second-duetruck for a fire at 732 Decatur Street with reports of

people trapped, on March 10, 2010, at 2228 hours. FFAnthony Chaimowitz was assigned the irons for the tour andknew that his company would be operating on the floor abovethe fire, which is always a dangerous position.

When Ladder 112 arrived at the Box, the members weremet by heavy fire and smoke venting out the front door of theparlor floor of a three-story brownstone. The fire had controlof two rear rooms on the second floor and the second-floorhallway and was extending up the interior stairs to the third-floor hallway and into the third-floor rear bedroom via an opendoor.

Lieutenant Victor Rosa, Ladder 112, ordered FFChaimowitz up tothe third floor withthe truck’s outsideteam to conductsearches for thetrapped occupants.As the engine com-pany began to knockdown the fire on thesecond floor, FFChaimowitz, with-out hesitation orregard for his ownsafety, proceeded upthe stairs to the thirdfloor. As theFirefighter wasmaking his way upthe stairs, the hall-way reignited andhe was forced to thefloor.

The conditionsbecame worse andFF Chaimowitz had

to search for and locate the door to the third-floor apartment inzero visibility with a high heat condition surrounding him. Hewas able to locate the apartment door and passed a bathroomand kitchen before locating the bedroom. A hose-line was notoperating yet on the third floor as FF Chaimowitz performedhis search and located 40-year-old Eddie Ortiz on the bed inthe rear bedroom.

FF Chaimowitz then transmitted a 10-45, removed thevictim to the floor and began dragging him to the front win-dows. As the rescuer was passing the front door to the apart-ment, he could hear Engine 233 operating its hose-line up thestairs. FF Chaimowitz opened the door to check the conditionsand realized that he could remove the victim down the interi-or stairs and out to the street.

He was preparing to start CPR on the victim, but turnedpatient care over toan engine company.The man’s pulse wasrestored and he wastransported toInterfaith MedicalCenter by EMS per-s o n n e l .Unfortunately, hepassed away while inthe hospital.

In spite of thesad outcome, FFA n t h o n yChaimowitz gaveEddie Ortiz his bestchance to survive.For his heroics, he isofficially recognizedby the FDNY onMedal Day and ispresented with theMayor Fiorello H.LaGuardia Medal.--NG

Ladder 112 operated at Queens Box 75-4044, 1717 Palmetto Street/Seneca Avenue, July 21,2010. FDNY members removed nine civilians who were suffering from smoke inhalation andminor injuries. photo by Allen Epstein

Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardiaMedal


The 44C3 crew of EMTs Dewey Mendonca andGarfield Smythe started their tour on Monday,November 1, 2010, in much the same way that

other units start their tour at Station 44, Brownsville, alsoknown as the Rockaway Roadrunners. The pair receivedand checked their equipment, conducted an ambulanceinspection, logged on and believed it would be anotherroutine day in the life of an FDNY EMS Paramedic orEMT.

How quickly that assumption changed. EMTsMendonca and Smythe received an assignment not toolong after they logged on. They responded, treated andtransported one of the day’s many 911 callers to the near-est hospital. As soon as the crew became available fromthe hospital, the dispatcher called them and dispatched a911 call for an injury at Brooklyn Avenue and EasternParkway. Little did the EMTs know that this next so-called routine injury assignment would make a crucialimpact on the life of the patient.

The ambulance and crew arrived at the intersection ofBrooklyn Avenue and Eastern Parkway, only to find anadult male being attacked by a pit bull terrier, while a sec-ond dog paced back and forth near the man. Severalbystanders who called 911 were watching the eventsunfold from a safe distance and NYPD had not arrived atthe scene yet.

As the victim was struggling to restrain the dog’s headafter receiving deep lacerations to his right arm and leftwrist, the patient--wounded and exhausted from the strug-gle--could not hold the dog off any longer. Recognizingthat there was an imminent life threat to the victim, EMTsMendonca and Smythe attempted to help hold the dogdown. The pit bull terrier then released its grip from thevictim, managed to break free from the EMTs and bitEMT Mendonca on the right forearm.

EMT Mendonca was able to free his arm from the pitbull and his partner, EMT Smythe, shouted and waved hisarms, scaring the animal away. Noticing he had someswelling and compression bite marks to his right forearm,EMT Mendonca stated he didn’t want an additional unit totreat him. He could monitor and continue patient carewhile en route to the hospital and get himself checkedafter turning patient care over to the hospital staff.

While being treated at the hospital, a puncture woundto EMT Mendonca’s right forearm was noted. Accordingto the victim, since he had been struggling for 10 minutesprior to the arrival of his rescuers, he could have beenkilled if it wasn’t for the actions of the two EMTs.

In recognition of their bravery and, indeed, puttingtheir safety at risk, EMTs Dewey Mendonca and GarfieldSmythe are recognized for their efforts with the TracyAllen-Lee Medal.--MLR

EMTDEWEY A. MENDONCASTATION 44Appointed to EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician on July 11, 2005.Recipient of a Unit of the Month award. Resides in Queens.

November 1, 2010Brooklyn Avenue/Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn

EMTGARFIELD A. SMYTHE

STATION 44Appointed to EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician on February 22,

1988. Resides in Brooklyn.

Tracy Allen-Lee Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on March 8, 2005. Previously assigned to Engine 220. Cousin, FF Jessie Vitucci, isassigned to Ladder 118. Member of the FDNY Baseball Team. Recipient of the Liberty Mutual Fire MarkAward for 2010. Studied Physical Education at Long Island University/C.W. Post College. Resides on StatenIsland with his wife, Laura.

June 22, 2010, 1530 hours, Box 75-1273, 571 10th Street, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER BRIAN T. MITCHELLLADDER COMPANY 122

There is no such thing as a regular tour for the New YorkCity Fire Department. This reality was reinforced formembers of Ladder 122, including FF Brian T.

Mitchell, on June 22, 2010, a day that started the first heatwave of the summer for the City, with temperatures well intothe 90s.

At 1530 hours, the Brooklyn Communications Officetransmitted Box 1273, reporting a phone alarm for fire on 10thStreet in the Park Slope section of the borough. Ladder 122--located only a block away on 11th Street--responded quickly.Captain Joseph Parella, covering the day tour, was advised bythe Brooklyn dispatchers that there were numerous callsreporting children trapped in the basement and they would begoing to work. Captain Parella also was told that Engines 220and 239 were both delayed, due to heavy traffic conditions.

On arrival, Captain Parella transmitted a 10-75 for a firein the basement of a four-story brownstone attached on bothsides. As members started disembarking the apparatus, FFMitchell was summoned by a frantic civilian, who stated thathis bedridden mother was trapped on the parlor floor. As FFMitchell began his size-up, henoticed thick, billowing smokefrom the basement windows. Ashe ascended the brownstonestairs, he was met with blinding,velvety smoke and a significantheat condition. The Firefighter,with the irons, donned his per-sonal protective equipment andentered the parlor-floor foyer.Beginning his primary search,he began crawling and felt adoor jamb. He entered the roomwhere he believed the trappedwoman was reported to be.

Keeping the son’s franticmessage in the back of his mind,FF Mitchell was met with anincreasing amount of heat andsmoke to the point that he wasworking in zero visibility. Using

his Halligan tool as an extension of his arm, he felt the tool hitwhat appeared to be a metal object. He followed the metalobject upward and felt a mattress. In unbearable heat, he man-aged to get on his knees and search the hospital bed, finding a78-year-old female.

FF Mitchell quickly notified Captain Parella of his find-ings and location. Without waiting for assistance, theFirefighter lifted the victim from the mattress and placed heron the floor. With fire, heat and smoke conditions becominguntenable due to the open basement door and still no protec-tion of a charged hose-line, he began the arduous task ofremoving the woman.

The victim’s gown and sheets that were pulled off the bedwere getting hung up, delaying the woman’s desperately need-ed care. At this point, FF Mitchell was almost at the foyerwhen he was met by Captain Parella and FF Paul Patras, theextinguisher Firefighter. With great effort, the three rescuerswere able to lift the woman slightly off the ground and removeher to safety.

Once removed from the building, patient care was initiat-ed by Engine 220 members,who began lifesaving measures.The three members of the insideteam re-entered the fire buildingto search the immediate firearea and assist Engine 239 withfire extinguishment.

The courageous actions ofFF Mitchell, who operated inuntenable conditions withoutthe protection of a chargedhose-line, directly resulted in alife being saved. FF Brian T.Mitchell has upheld the tradi-tions of both the FDNY andLadder 122. For his bravery atBrooklyn Box 1273, he isawarded the Chief John J.McElligott Medal/FFsFitzpatrick and Frisby Award.--RLFF Brian Mitchell, Ladder 122, checks his gear following his dra-

matic rescue of a woman.

Chief John J. McElligott Medal/FFs Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award


Appointed to the FDNY on August 19, 1990. Previously assigned to Ladder 174 and Battalions 4 and 18.Father, Battalion Chief Patrick E. Kilduff, is retired from Battalion 47; brother, Lieutenant Patrick T. Kilduff,is assigned to Ladder 134; uncle, FF James Kilduff, is retired from Ladder 151; cousin, Lieutenant MichaelKilduff, is retired from Engine 264; and cousin, FF Brian Kilduff (now deceased), was retired from Engine 222.Member of the Holy Name and Emerald Societies. Holds a BS degree in Finance from Fordham University.Resides in Yonkers, NY, with his wife, Rebecca, and their children, Delia, Noah, Kieran and Hannah.

July 16, 2010, 1123 hours, Box 75-2704, 1253 Franklin Avenue, Bronx

CAPTAIN KIERAN M. KILDUFFLADDER COMPANY 19

The day started as many do in the Bronx for the membersof Ladder 19: Ready their gear, roll call, check the rig,plan the drill, maybe a quick workout if there’s time, then

out the door for BISP (Building Inspection Safety Program).The members of Ladder 19, a battle-tested unit, are alwayssharp; perhaps more so when Captain Kieran Kilduff is on duty.

Ladder 19 was at the far end of their response area whenBox 2704, 1253 Franklin Avenue, came in at 1123 hours. Asthe apparatus moved through traffic, the members listened tothe radio intently as the dispatcher barked, report of fire on thefourth floor; then moments later, second source, fill out thealarm. The members anticipated a working fire.

The 10-75 was transmitted. Captain Kilduff had been herebefore; he knew the building--a big, five-story, fully occupiedmultiple dwelling. Heavy, black smoke boiled violently upfrom the rear of the building. Panicked occupants poured intothe street, fleeing the fire.

Captain Kilduff led his forcible entry team into the build-ing. As occupants spilled into the street, they reported, childrentrapped. Captain Kilduff got on the radio for a conditionsreport. The radio response from Ladder 19’s outside ventFirefighter, FF Shaun Burgos, confirmed a victim showing atthe rear window of the fire apartment.

Within moments, they were at the door of the fire apart-ment, sizing up forcible entryoptions. On the irons was FF AdamVilagos, Engine 50, and with theextinguisher was FF Joe Seiter,Engine 82. When the team forced thedoor, they were immediately drivento the floor by a high heat condition,with thick, black smoke pushingfrom the occupied apartment.

Captain Kilduff knew that suchadvanced fire conditions are trulyunforgiving. Additionally, thebuilding size-up dictated a long,time-consuming stretch of the hose-line. To Captain Kilduff, this meantthey would be pushing the limits,working without water and a pro-tective hose-line for a significantperiod of time. With the evolvingfire directly ahead, Captain Kilduff

advanced into the apartment to lead the search. He went to theright, down a long, narrow hallway, toward the rear of theapartment. FF Seiter followed. FF Vilagos had moved into theapartment and then turned left.

As Captain Kilduff approached the fire, he could see ithad burned through a bedroom door and now was blowinginto the hallway. In a tactical effort to control the hallwayegress, Captain Kilduff ordered FF Seiter into a holding posi-tion and then maneuvered past the fire. A seasoned fireOfficer, Captain Kilduff had read the building layout as hestepped off the apparatus. He knew from the outside ventFirefighter’s radio report that he had to advance his searchteam deep into the apartment, into that back bedroom.

This aggressive and necessary action paid off. CaptainKilduff pushed on and located the trapped occupant on thefloor, unconscious. He immediately transmitted a signal 10-45.At this point, FF Burgos made entry through the rear windowand caught up with his Officer. Captain Kilduff instructed himto control the bedroom door and vent as necessary in an effortto establish an area where they could protect the victim as thefire advanced.

Captain Kilduff’s continued search located a secondunconscious victim, a four-year-old boy. As fire conditionscontinued to worsen, Captain Kilduff directed FF Burgos to

remove the second victim via therear window. The Captain hunkereddown with the unconscious adultvictim. He predicted that the waitwould not be long and was assuredof that when the members of Engine82 began their attack on the fire,allowing the rescuer to take the vic-tim to a safe position.

Without a charged hose-line,Captain Kilduff led his unit past therapidly developing fire--a fire thatthreatened to cut off the only egress.His aggressive and selfless actionsdirectly resulted in the rescue ofboth unconscious occupants. For hisheroism, Captain Kieran M. Kildufftoday is presented with the ThomasF. Dougherty Medal.--JDL

Route taken by Captain Kilduff in his rescue of two uncon-scious victims.

Thomas F. Dougherty Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on March 7, 2004. Member of the Holy Name Society and the Counseling ServicesUnit’s Big Brother Program. Holds a BS degree in Fire Science from the University of New Haven. Resides inAstoria, Queens.

May 1, 2010, 1235 hours, Box 75-2365, 889 Irvine Street, Bronx

FIREFIGHTER MATTHEW R. BLANDENGINE COMPANY 96 (ASSIGNED), LADDER COMPANY 48 (DETAILED)

Some people--who may not know any better--say that theactions of the extinguisher Firefighter sometimes mayseem unglamorous, but this function is vital to effective

and successful rescue operations. Additionally, asCommissioner William Feehan (killed at the World TradeCenter on 9/11) once said, If you’re the can man, be the bestcan man there is. This statement could not have been truerwhen in the early-afternoon hours of May 1, 2010, a fire brokeout at 889 Irvine Street in the Bronx.

Working the extinguisher position in Ladder 48, da Prideof Hunt’s Point, that afternoon was FF Matthew R. Bland. At1235 hours, a call came into the firehouse for a reported firein a three-story, 25- by 60-foot, class three, two-familydwelling. Ladder 48, which arrived at the building in fewerthan three minutes, found fire and heavy, black smoke emit-ting from the third-floor front windows.

As part of the inside team, FF Bland, along withLieutenant Richard Crespin and FF Thomas Mongiello, quick-ly entered the building. After quickly forcing the interior door,the members proceeded up the narrow, L-shaped stairs, wherethey were forcedback by heavy fireventing from theopen door and mov-ing into both thestairs and hallway. FFBland immediatelyopened up the extin-guisher, whichpushed the fire backtoward the front ofthe apartment. Thisaction allowedLieutenant Crespin toclose the door to tem-porarily contain thefire.

With the extin-guisher now expend-ed, FF Bland began tosearch toward the

rear of the apartment. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Crespin verbal-ly notified the team that the fire was beginning to burn throughthe door. However, FF Bland heard moaning coming from therear of the apartment. Even though a hand-line was not yet inoperation, he continued to search deeper into the apartment.

The Firefighter’s dedication was quickly rewarded as hefound a female victim wedged halfway in the bedroom door-way. FF Bland immediately notified Lieutenant Crespin thathe had found a 10-45. She was caught between the partiallyopened doorway and a bedroom dresser. Because of the dress-er’s location, the door could be opened only about 18 inches,making removal even more difficult.

FF Bland was joined by FF Mongiello, who climbed overboth FF Bland and the victim to gain access into the bedroom.Once inside, both members were able to free the now-uncon-scious victim. Still without benefit of a charged hose-line inplace, FFs Bland and Mongiello moved the victim to thestairs. With the assistance of other members, the victim wastaken down the narrow stairs to a stokes basket and EMS per-sonnel. FF Bland then returned to the third floor and contin-

ued his duties.In the after-action

report, BattalionChief PatrickHawkins, Battalion 3,wrote: FF Bland dis-played a high degreeof initiative...inremoving the victim.His bravery surelysaved the victim froma darker fate.Therefore, in recogni-tion of his selfless act,the Fire Department isproud to honorFirefighter MatthewR. Bland today withthe Albert S. JohnstonMedal.--DJH

FF Matthew Bland is a hero during his off-duty hours, too. Here, he introduces Jack Lynch,10 years old, to the benefits of personal protective equipment (PPE). The youngster is the sonof Lieutenant Michael Lynch, Ladder 4, who was killed on 9/11. FF Bland has been pairedwith Jack through the FDNY partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for thepast four years.

Albert S. Johnston Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on September 12, 2004. Father, Battalion Chief Kevin O’Keefe, is retired fromBattalion 12 and brother, FF Danny O’Keefe, is assigned to Ladder 43. Member of the Emerald Society.Recipient of a unit citation. Holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Residesin West Haverstraw, NY, with his wife, Danielle, and their children, Kiersten and Brady.

February 14, 2010, 0528 hours, Box 75-1615, 220 West 143rd Street, Manhattan

FIREFIGHTER BRIAN K. O’KEEFELADDER COMPANY 28

UCT911 is how the run came in--Box 1615, West 143rdStreet and Lenox Avenue. The time was 0528 hourson February 14, St. Valentine’s Day, 2010. With a

turnout in fewer than 30 seconds, the members of Ladder 28and Engine 69 were out the door quickly. With relentless dili-gence, the on-duty Manhattan dispatcher interviewed thefrantic caller and was able to update the responding units witha more accurate address of 200 West 143rd Street for a fireon the sixth floor. That pertinent information allowed thechauffeur of Ladder 28 to make a hasty turn onto PowellBoulevard and quickly respond to the new location.

The fire building was a 26-story, New York City housingproject high-rise. Responding in fewer than four minutes, theforcible entry team of Ladder 28 ran up the “A” stairs to thesixth floor, where they encountered a light haze of smoke.After traversing the breezeway that separated the two isolat-ed wings of the building, Lieutenant Raymond McCormackordered the members to don their SCBAs and go on air.

Opening a second stairway door, the members wereinstantly enveloped in hot, dark-brown smoke. After transmit-ting the 10-75 to the Incident Commander (IC), BattalionChief John Newell, Battalion 16, Lieutenant McCormack, FFBrian O’Keefe, forcible entry, and FF Peter Constantine, withthe extinguisher, entered the hallway on their hands and kneesand located the fire in apart-ment 6M.

As this information wasradioed to the first two enginecompanies--Engines 69 and80, respectively--and the IC,the forcible entry team split upto search the fire apartment. FFConstantine conducted a left-handed search of the bathroomarea, while LieutenantMcCormack--with his thermalimaging camera--conducted aright-handed search of thekitchen area. FF O’Keefecrawled dead ahead, down the

apartment hallway, toward the highest heat levels and into theimmediate fire area.

Under increasing heat and heavy smoke conditions, FFO’Keefe moved to the right of the living room and encoun-tered a bed. Searching above, below and around it, he foundno one. Continuing his search, it was necessary to use the wallas a point of reference due to the conditions confronted.Knowing that time was an enemy and completing the searchin the absence of a hose-line was quickly becoming difficult,if not impossible, FF O’Keefe crawled to the farthest and asof yet unsearched portion of the room, where he found a malevictim lying prone with his head facing away from the entrydoor.

The victim’s anatomical position made it extremely diffi-cult to remove him without raising both the rescuer’s and thevictim’s profiles above the floor and exposing them to severeheat. FF O’Keefe struggled to remove the man and called outto the rest of the team that he had found a 10-45. FFConstantine assisted in the victim’s removal.

Together, the two Firefighters crawled for a distance ofapproximately 60 feet to the relative safety of the stairwell.There, the man was transferred to Engine 80 for medicalattention. FFs O’Keefe and Constantine then returned toassist in the extinguishment and overhaul of the fire apart-

ment. The victim, LouisFalcone, was transported toHarlem Hospital, where hewas admitted and treated forthermal burns and smokeinhalation.

Thanks to the tenacioussearch, rescue and removaloperations by FF Brian K.O’Keefe, under arduous con-ditions and prior to a protec-tive hose-line being in place,he is presented with the BellaStiefel Medal for bravery inthe truest traditions of theFDNY.--SM

Bella Stiefel Medal

FF Brian O’Keefe (center) with the members of Ladder 28, followinghis rescue of an adult male.


Appointed to the FDNY on May 4, 2003. Member of the Hispanic Society. Served eight years--three years activeand five years as a reserve--with the U.S. Navy. Studied Fire Science at John Jay College. Resides in Pine Bush,NY, with his wife, Marisol, and their children, Shaun, Jr., and Dylan.

FIREFIGHTER SHAUN A. BURGOSLADDER COMPANY 19

July 16, 2010, 1123 hours, Box 75-2704, 1253 Franklin Avenue, Bronx

It is commonplace for New York to suffer through oppres-sive heat waves during July. During these days, peoplealmost can feel the asphalt give way as they cross a street.

These conditions are especially hellish for Firefighters as theyput on bunker gear, strap on their SCBA and grab tools beforeexposing themselves to even hotter conditions. This was thecase for FF Shaun A. Burgos, Ladder 19, who was called intoaction for a fire at 1253 Franklin Avenue in the Bronx on July16, 2010.

Just before noon, Ladder 19 members, participating in theBuilding Inspection Safety Program (BISP), were dispatchedto a reported fire on the fourth floor of a 75- by 150-foot, non-fireproof multiple dwelling. A 10-75 signal already had beentransmitted for smoke showing from the rear of the 37-unitapartment, along with reports of trapped occupants at rearwindows.

FF Burgos, working the outside vent position, was orderedto report on conditions at the rear of the tenement. This proveddifficult because he was required to move through a cellaralleyway and force two gates to get to this area. On arrival, hefound heavy smoke emanating from the fourth floor, near theintersection of exposures #3 and #4. He also found a victim,frantically waving her arms through the child protective gate ofthe corner room.

The Firefightertransmitted this infor-mation to his Officerand then ascended thefire escape to aid thevictim. Reaching thetop floor, he cleared thekitchen window andforced the protectivegate. With this accom-plished, he entered theburning apartment andturned left into the hall-way. The hallwayalready was on fire withflames lapping the ceil-

ing from the engulfed front bedroom. With disregard for his safety, FF Burgos passed the fire

and began a left-hand search pattern. As he began his search,Ladder 19’s Officer, Captain Kieran Kilduff, transmitted a 10-45 signal for the rear bedroom. FF Burgos continued down thehallway and through the living room until he found CaptainKilduff with a semi-conscious victim in the corner bedroom.Rescuers and victim held their position in the rear bedroom, asEngine 82 members were coming with a hose-line. FF Burgosclosed the door to prevent the fire from spreading and thenvented the room.

At this point, Captain Kilduff located another victim--asmall boy--who was not breathing, and so a second 10-45 sig-nal was transmitted. The victim had to be evacuated immedi-ately and FF Burgos carried the small boy back down the hall-way. Here, he again passed the uncontrolled fire, while the restof Ladder 19’s forcible entry team searched for other victims,simultaneously holding back the fire with the extinguisher.

FF Burgos carried the victim down to the street and turnedthe child’s care over to other Firefighters who began CPR. Hethen returned to the apartment, which Engine 82 now con-trolled, to continue to search for two other victims. This searchproved negative.

In the report of this action, Captain Kilduff wrote: FFBurgos knowingly puthis life in jeopardywithout the protectionof a charged hose-linefor the safety of otherswithout the slightesthesitation. His actionswere expeditious andin the highest tradi-tions of the FireDepartment. For thesereasons, FDNY isproud to honor FFShaun A. Burgos todaywith the Vincent J.Kane Medal.--DJH

Vincent J. Kane Medal

Ladder Company 19 operates at Bronx Box 33-2517 on July 7, 2004.


Appointed to the FDNY on September 5, 1981. Previous assignments include Engine 76 and Ladders 22 and 34as a Firefighter and Ladder 58 as a Lieutenant. Cousin, FF Tom Kennedy, is assigned to Engine 254, and broth-er-in-law, Lieutenant Jerry Obremski, is retired from Engine 156. Member of the Holy Name and EmeraldSocieties. Recipient of a Class A and two unit citations. Holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’sUniversity. Resides in Johnson, NY, with his wife, Lisa, and their children, Casey and Connor.

February 7, 2010, 0341 hours, Box 75-2986, 45 West Tremont Avenue, Bronx

CAPTAIN JAMES F. ROGERSLADDER COMPANY 59

From the earliest days in Proby School, instructors instillin every Firefighter the instinctive clues that will guidea Firefighter regarding the possibility of an apartment

being occupied during a fire. Number one among these cluesis that when the door is forced open and the members find anight chain on the door, someone is inside the apartment.When this chain is found, the rescue operation accelerates toanother level. Absolutely nothing will deter the forcible entryteam from searching that apartment. It was just such a situa-tion that faced Captain James Rogers and the members ofLadder 59.

In the early-morning hours of February 7, 2010, Ladder59 responded first-due to 45 West Tremont Avenue for a reportof fire on the second floor. Immediately on arrival, CaptainRogers, commanding Officer of Ladder 59, knew he had ajob. Numerous occupants met him in the street, pointing fran-tically back at the building. Captain Rogers and his forcibleentry team--FFs Paul Denver, forcible entry, and NicholasBrisotti, extinguisher, sprinted to the second floor. Thick,black smoke was pushing from around the door frame ofapartment 2B. The Officer transmitted a 10-75 to BattalionChief Michael Woods, Battalion 19,for a working fire.

FFs Denver and Brisotti forced thedoor, while Captain Rogers held theknob to keep it from springing openand fire flashing up the stairs, endan-gering occupants on the upper floors.Immediately after the door wasopened, Captain Rogers noted thenight chain on the door and told theforcible entry team that someone mustbe inside. FF Denver broke the chainand the door opened partially. Fire thenflashed toward the Officer and his men.FF Brisotti operated his extinguisher topush the fire back into the kitchen,where the fire originated.

Captain Rogers pushed the dooropen and moved a stroller that wasblocking the door. Once inside theapartment, Captain Rogers saw the topof a woman’s head. FFs Denver andBrisotti crawled to the unconsciouswoman, Rosa Nunez, and dragged her

into the hallway. The Firefighters realized she wasn’t breath-ing and carried her to the lobby and administered CPR.Captain Rogers transmitted a 10-45.

Once Captain Rogers was assured that Mrs. Nunez hadbeen safely removed, he returned to search the apartment. Firewas rolling out of the kitchen at the ceiling, toward the interi-or of the apartment. There was no hose-line in place and theapartment quickly would become untenable. Now operatingalone in the fire apartment, Captain Rogers crawled beneaththe advancing fire and made his way into the living room.

As the Captain searched in the blinding smoke, he cameupon a second victim, Fausto Florentino, Rosa Nunez’ hus-band, lying motionless on the floor. Captain Rogers transmit-ted a 10-45 and attempted to drag Mr. Florentino to the frontdoor. He grabbed the man by the arms and shoulder, but hishands slipped right off. The Officer noted severe burns to thevictim’s upper body and arms, so he dragged Mr. Florentinoback to the front door.

As Captain Rogers neared the kitchen--which was directlyacross from the front door--the extreme heat from the extend-ing fire was endangering their escape. He placed himself

between the fire roaring from thekitchen and Mr. Florentino to keephim from further injury.Simultaneously, he called out toCaptain Greg Lehr, covering in Engine43, who was waiting at the door for theengine to get the hose-line in place.Captain Lehr entered the apartmentand assisted Captain Rogers with finalremoval to the hallway. Mr. Florentinowas handed off to members in the hall-way and Captain Rogers re-entered theapartment to complete his primarysearch of the fire apartment, whichproved negative.

Without question, it is only due tothe extraordinary efforts of CaptainRogers and the members of Ladder 59that Fausto Florentino and RosaNunez are alive today. For these rea-sons, Captain James F. Rogers is pre-sented with the Pulaski AssociationMedal.--CB

Pulaski Association Medal

The media interview Captain James Rogers, followingthe heroic rescue of two victims by him and the mem-bers of Ladder 59.


Appointed to the FDNY on November 12, 1989. Previously assigned to Ladder 104. Father, Lieutenant VincentCavalieri, is retired from Engine 154; brother, FF Vincent P. Cavalieri, is assigned to Ladder 105; and uncle,Lieutenant Vito CeLano, is retired from Ladder 119. Member of the Columbia Association and the EmeraldSociety. Recipient of the Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal. Resides in Staten Island with his wife, Dawn,and their daughter, Jennifer, and two sets of twins--Anthony, Nicholas, Robert and Paul.

December 31, 2010, 0346 hours, Box 75-1014, 150 Steuben Street, Staten Island

FIREFIGHTER ANTHONY R. CAVALIERIRESCUE COMPANY 5

Private dwelling fires frequently have many alterationsand extensions--usually not apparent from outside--thusincreasing the number of areas that have to be located

and searched, challenging the expertise of Firefighters.Seventy percent of all fire deaths occur in private dwellingsand portable ladder rescues come to the fore. Another obstacleon December 31, 2010, was that New York City still was dig-ging out from one of the biggest blizzards in its history.

Rescue 5 and Engine 160 were dispatched for a phonealarm, reporting a fire at 150 Steuben Street. Even though thereported fire location was in proximity to their quarters, arrivalwas hindered by a record snowfall and a nearly impassable icyand hilly section of street. On arrival, Rescue 5 stayed on thecorner to allow first-due Engine 160 to enter the block first, aswell as leave room for the incoming ladder companies.

As Engine 160 entered the block, civilians were pointing tooccupant Juan Arguello hanging from the second-floor windowof the fire building as smoke pushed out over his head. CaptainPeter Maglione, Engine 160, quickly transmitted the signal fora working fire and requested that a portable ladder be broughtto the front of the private dwelling to initiate a rescue.

Arriving on foot, Rescue 5’s inside team approached thehouse and discovered that there were now three additional vic-tims at the window. As a portable ladder was being brought onfoot by Rescue 5’s outside team, the inside team entered thefront door and began making their way through the interior ofthe private dwelling. There was a heavy heat and smoke con-dition on the first floor and the thermal imaging camera wasneeded to find the interior stairs to the second-floor landing.

As members of Rescue 5’s outside team struggled to getthe portable ladder in place--overcomingthe icy and hilly terrain--the inside teamascended the stairs and realized that thedwelling featured an irregular layout.Additionally, visible fire could be seen inthe living room and was beginning to rollacross the ceiling and up the open interi-or stairs, which promoted high heat andposed great peril to members attemptingto search above this first-floor fire.

Assessing the risk and based on theconfirmed life hazard, Rescue 5’s CaptainJames Murray decided to make an attemptto reach the second-floor bedrooms.

Rescue 5 chauffeur, FF Anthony Cavalieri, entered thedwelling’s first floor to determine the extent of the fire and mon-itor conditions for the members going above. Simultaneously,Rescue 5’s outside team arrived with the portable ladder at thewindow, where the family was last seen and began a portableladder rescue, assisted by Rescue 5’s inside team members, whoalso arrived at the second-floor bedroom.

Closing the bedroom door to give them refuge from theimpinging fire, the Rescue Firefighters began to remove thefamily down the portable ladder. The last family memberbeing removed via portable ladder revealed that a relative wasstill missing. Captain Murray quickly transmitted this informa-tion by handie-talkie to the Incident Commander (IC).

Subsequently, hearing that there was still a missing fami-ly member, FF Cavalieri began to ascend to the second floor,past the impinging fire on the stairway, without protection of acharged hose-line. He encountered high heat and heavy smokeupon reaching the second-floor landing. Ultimately, this highheat condition forced him to crawl down the hallway, where hediscovered a door to a remaining bedroom. Realizing theextent and severity of this fire and feeling pain through his per-sonal protective equipment (PPE), FF Cavalieri understoodthat he would have only seconds to conduct a primary search.

FF Cavalieri began to sweep the floor with his hands andcame upon 68-year-old Luz Franco, who was unconscious andnot breathing. She was between a bed and the dresser. TheFirefighter immediately transmitted his findings and location tothe IC and began to remove the victim from the now-untenableenvironment. As Engine 160 began its assault on the fire withthe initial hose-line, FF Cavalieri shielded the victim with his

own body and dragged the unconsciousand burned female down the stairs, pastthe fire area, where she was removed tothe street.

Luz Franco was revived by EMSmembers and admitted to Staten IslandUniversity Hospital Burn Center withsecond- and third-degree burns to herbody. Thanks to FF Anthony Cavalieri’sbravery, Ms. Franco has recovered fromher injuries and is alive today. For thesereasons, he is presented with theCommissioner Edward ThompsonMedal.--PWB

The brothers Cavalieri--FF Vincent, Ladder 105,and FF Anthony, Rescue 2--flank their dad,Lieutenant Vincent Cavalieri, retired fromEngine 154.

Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on January 26, 1997. Previously assigned to Engines 307 and 266 and Ladder 162.Holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from New York Institute of Technology and attended AdelphiUniversity, studying for an MBA. Resides in Franklin Square, Long Island, with his wife, Gina, and their daugh-ters, Brianna, Caitlin and Grace.

September 10, 2010, 1500 hours, Box 22-2168, 404 East 140th Street, Bronx

CAPTAIN CHARLES A. MASTANDREADIVISION 6 (ASSIGNED)

LADDER COMPANY 29 (COVERING)

The call came over: Bronx phone alarm for Box 2168,reporting a fire on the first floor of the address, 404East 140th Street. Ladder 29 responded second-due.

While responding, members began to see heavy, black smoke,visible from a few blocks away. Engine 83 arrived first andgave the 10-75 for a fire in a three-story multiple dwelling.

When Ladder 29 arrived, Captain Charles Mastandreaand the rest of the inside team--FFs Jose Rodriguez (Engine46) and Paul Cockerill--saw heavy fire venting out two win-dows on the first floor and two windows on the second floor.Before the line was in place, Captain Mastandrea and theinside team attempted to crawl into the hallway, only to findthe path to the staircase blocked by heavy fire.

At this time, Battalion Chief Thomas Wilkinson,Battalion 14, arrived and transmitted a second alarm. ChiefWilkinson then notified Ladder 29 that there were reports ofsomeone trapped on the third floor rear. Engine 83 hadstretched a 13/4-inch line to the front stoop and members werecalling for water. Ladder 29 knew time was critical if theywere going to get to thetrapped person.

As soon as the line wascharged and Engine 83 hit thefire in the hallway, Ladder29’s Officer and inside teamwent up the stairs. At thispoint, Ladder 29’s roofFirefighter, FF JamesDonovan, gave a report thatthere was someone hangingout the third-floor window,about to jump. FF Donovanbegan setting up the lifesav-ing rope and notified hisOfficer of a possible rescue.

The third floor consistedof numerous locked single-room occupancies (SROs)and visibility was very limit-ed due to the smoke. AfterCaptain Mastandrea forcedone door, he proceeded tothe next room, which hadthree heavy locks on it. After

forcing the door, he scanned the room with the thermal imag-ing camera and saw a person hanging out the window. Helooked like he was getting ready to jump.

The Captain grabbed the civilian and pulled him back inthe window. He radioed Command that he had the victim andwas going to remove him through the interior. As the rescuerstarted to pull the civilian toward the stairway, the man beganto panic. He was coughing and stating that he could notbreathe and needed air. With the possibility of the victimgoing into cardiac arrest while being taken down the threeflights of stairs in heavy smoke conditions, CaptainMastandrea decided a better option was removal by the win-dow. He radioed Command that he needed a ladder in the rear.

Ladder 29’s outside vent Firefighter, FF John Finnerty,took a 24-foot extension ladder by himself through exposure #2to the back of the fire building and extended it to the window.The victim was held at the window until the portable ladderwas in position. The victim then was passed off to FF Finnerty.

Captain Mastandrea’s aggressive actions were directlyresponsible for the saferemoval of the victim.Going above an uncon-trolled fire in an illegaloccupancy, he placed him-self in danger. His actionswere in the most profes-sional manner that ensuredthe victim was removedfrom the immediately dan-gerous to life and health(IDLH) atmosphere in theshortest amount of time. Hebrings great pride to theOfficers and members ofEngine 83 and Ladder 29.In recognition of his hero-ics, the City of New Yorkand the FDNY presentCaptain Charles A.Mastandrea with theColumbia AssociationMedal.--TW

Depiction of the fire building and route taken by Captain Charles Mastandreato rescue a victim.

Columbia Association Medal


Susan Wagner Medal

Appointed to the FDNY on July 14, 1996. Now assigned to Ladder 25. Previously assigned to Ladder 47.Uncle, FF Hughie Flynn (now deceased), was retired from Ladder 61. Member of the Emerald Society. Residesin Hawthorne, NY, with his wife, Maureen, and their children, Emily, Elizabeth, Margaret and Kaitlyn.

February 19, 2010, 1050 hours, Box 75-1166, 225 West 86th Street, Manhattan

LIEUTENANT PATRICK E. MCNIFFBATTALION 12 (ASSIGNED)

LADDER COMPANY 25 (DETAILED)

On the morning of Friday, February 19, 2010, Ladder 25,The Pride of the Westside, received a telephone alarm,reporting a fire on the second floor of a multiple

dwelling. Lieutenant Patrick McNiff was in command ofLadder 25 on this day tour and listening for additional informa-tion regarding the fire apartment as the truck respondedthrough the streets.

On arrival at 225 West 86th Street, the size-up revealed amassive, 14-story, Class 2, 200- by 300-foot, O-shaped build-ing that contained more than 200 apartments. LieutenantMcNiff, along with his inside team--FFs Peter Yuskevich withthe irons and Matthew Moritz with the extinguisher--enteredthe courtyard of the building. When they looked up, they sawfire venting from a third-floor window.

Lieutenant McNiff directed his chauffeur to transmit a 10-75 to the dispatcher. FF Yuskevich, who was familiar with thisbuilding, advised Lieutenant McNiff that the service stair witha standpipe could be accessed only through the cellar becausethis was an interconnected building. The members proceededto the cellar through maze-like conditions and came to the baseof service stair #6. The Officer radioed this critical informationto Engine 74 to prevent any delay of the hose-line being placedinto position.

After ascending the stairs to the third floor, LieutenantMcNiff identified the fire apartment as 111B, evidenced fromthe smoke staining and heat felt from the apartment’s serviceentrance door. He reported this information to Battalion ChiefJohn Pellegrinelli, Battalion 11.Lieutenant McNiff and the twoFirefighters masked up and forcedthe door open. They were met bythick, black smoke and a high heatcondition. They began crawlinginto the apartment without the ben-efit of a charged hose-line to begina search.

The fire apartment was filledwith excessive amounts of debris,which hampered and delayed theirsearch for trapped victims.Lieutenant McNiff again notifiedthe Chief of the difficulty in locat-ing the fire due to the Collyers’mansion-like conditions. FFs

Moritz and Yuskevich began removing debris from theentrance hall to gain access to the fire, which was in thekitchen. Conditions deteriorated as members were delayedwhile removing this debris. The fire was spreading into thehallway and an attempt to contain the fire was tried by Ladder25’s outside vent Firefighter, who was using a water extin-guisher to contain the fire from the window.

Lieutenant McNiff passed the fire and continued hissearch, crawling along in the smoke. Feeling his way in thedebris, the Officer discovered an unconscious victim, approxi-mately 24 feet into the apartment, slumped over in the bath-room. The victim was 75-year-old Sondra Gross. She wasunconscious and appeared to not be breathing. LieutenantMcNiff radioed a 10-45 to Chief Pellegrinelli. Simultaneously,FF Moritz went to the apartment door to direct Engine 74 tobring their hose-line to the fire location.

Lieutenant McNiff began the arduous task of dragging thevictim over the piles of debris toward the door. Strewn through-out, the debris was two feet high and made the unconsciouswoman’s removal very difficult. Acting as a shield, the rescuerpositioned himself between the victim and the fire, while pass-ing the uncontrolled, intense fire coming from the kitchen. FFMoritz was using his depleted extinguisher to hold the fire back.

Lieutenant McNiff dragged the woman about 20 feet when hewas met by FF Yuskevich, who assisted him in removing the vic-tim out of the apartment. They handed her off to the members ofEngine 40, who began medical treatment on the injured woman.

Lieutenant McNiff then returnedback to the apartment to continue thesearch for additional victims. Thesearch proved negative.

Lieutenant McNiff put himselfat risk when he passed an intensefire condition twice in order toeffect the rescue of an unconsciouselderly woman. This task wasmade even more difficult due tothe large amount of debris,Collyers’ mansion-like conditionsand operating without benefit of acharged hose-line. To recognizehis bravery, Lieutenant Patrick E.McNiff is presented with the SusanWagner Medal.--APLieutenant Patrick McNiff and Ladder 25 Firefighters, following

the Lieutenant’s grab. photo by Michael Schwartz, New York Daily News


Steuben Association Medal

Appointed to the FDNY on May 5, 2002. Father, Fire Marshal Gareth Nielsen, is retired and brother, FFJonathan Nielsen, is assigned to Ladder 103. Recipient of the Susan Wagner Medal in 2009. Holds a BS degreein Business Management from SUNY at Buffalo. Resides in Brooklyn, with his wife, Susan, and their sons, Ericand Matthew.

February 25, 2010, 2047 hours, Box 75-3737, 3202 Avenue D, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER CHRISTIAN S. NIELSENLADDER COMPANY 157

As New York City was being blanketed by the blizzardof 2010 with up to 18 inches of snow, the City waslooking more like a winter wonderland as opposed to a

concrete jungle. While children were sledding in Central Parkand plows were working desperately to clean the streets,FDNY members were upholding their responsibility to protectlife and property.

The February 25th night tour began with a computer mes-sage, warning all units in the field of the severe and hazardousweather conditions. For many, the snow is whimsical and mag-ical, but to Firefighters, snow makes their job much more dan-gerous. These conditions proved no match for the members ofLadder 157.

At 2047 hours, the Brooklyn Communications Officereceived a phone alarm, stating there was a fire at 3202 Avenue D,in the Flatbush section of the borough. Box 3737 was transmittedand Ladder 157 acknowledged and responded. On their arrival,members were met with frantic civilians, screaming that there wasa fire on the fourth floor of a four-story multiple dwelling.

As the inside team of Lieutenant Victor Spadaro and FFsChristian S. Nielsen with the irons and Michael Marchese withthe extinguisher ascended the stairs to the top floor, they weremet by additional occupants, stating that there were a husbandand wife trapped in the apartment. As Lieutenant Spadarolooked through the shaft way window on the second floor, hecould see fire out two windows in the rear and snow beingblown by the 50-mile-per-hour winds.

The Officer told his chauf-feur to transmit a 10-75 for aworking structural fire. Theinside team knew this wasgoing to be a difficult fire andmembers would have to rely ontheir training and make anaggressive attack.

As the three membersarrived on the smoky fourthfloor, they donned their person-al protective equipment (PPE)and began forcing the fire

apartment door. This door had heavy smoke pushing from allsides and discoloration on the top half was noticeable. Withevery strike used to open the apartment door, more smokepoured into the hallway, making visibility poor. As the doorbegan to buckle open, flames began to escape from the top ofthe door.

As members entered the apartment, they were immediate-ly pushed to the floor by a tremendous amount of heat. Theyfound themselves amid mounds of debris. As FF Nielsenaggressively tried to move deeper into the fire apartment, hepassed furniture to Lieutenant Spadaro and FF Marchese,clearing the entrance. Simultaneously, fire lapped out from thekitchen, setting a bookshelf on fire across the hall. Climbingover debris piles and passing a wall of fire, FF Nielsen madehis way to the back of the apartment, sweeping the floor withhis hands until he felt a television console.

Continuing to search the area around and behind the con-sole, he felt what appeared to be a hand. FF Nielsen radioed hisfindings and transmitted a 10-45 for a fire victim. As he beganremoving the victim, he noticed that the person--wrapped in acomforter--was wedged between the wall and console. With heatconditions becoming unbearable and visibility lost at the apart-ment door, the Firefighter continued his valiant effort, removingthe victim out of harm’s way. FF Marchese assisted by usingwebbing to help with the removal and held the fire at bay withthe extinguisher. Once in the hallway, FF Nielsen picked the vic-tim up and carried the man to the street, handing him over to

EMS personnel in the lobby.FF Nielsen operated under

high heat, zero visibility andwith no protection from acharged hose-line. These poorconditions were exacerbatedwith extreme weather, windand massive amounts of debris.He put himself in harm’s wayto save a life. The bravery of FFChristian S. Nielsen is recog-nized with the SteubenAssociation Medal.--RLFF Christian Nielsen is flanked by his brother, FF Jonathan, assigned to

Ladder 103, and father, FM Gareth, now retired.


Appointed to EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician on April 9, 1990. Previously assigned to Stations 8and 10. Recipient of numerous citations/awards. Holds an associates degree in Applied Science fromLaGuardia Community College. Resides in Forest Hills, Queens, and is the father of two sons, Brandon andBryan.

September 8, 2010, IND station, subway platform at 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan

EMS LIEUTENANT LUIS F. CORRALESSTATION 10

Frequently, it is said that we never know what a daymay bring to us. September 8, 2010, started justlike any other day for EMS Lieutenant Luis

Corrales. Off-duty, he woke up early and got ready forhis doctor’s appointment. His intended destinationinvolved taking the E train for the usual New York Citysubway ride. At 1000 hours, Lieutenant Corralesdescended into the subway and directly into a situationthat ended up as anything but typical and, ultimately,made him a hero.

As he stepped onto the platform at 53rd Street andLexington Avenue, he heard a woman scream.Lieutenant Corrales looked in the direction the womanwas facing and what he saw was a man wobble and thenfall, head-first, onto the subway tracks. Without amoment to waste, Lieutenant Corrales ran to where theman had fallen and jumped onto the tracks to renderassistance.

As a trained rescuer withmore than 20 years of experi-ence in the busiest EMS systemin the world, the Lieutenantimmediately recognized thegrim reality of the situation.The man--of large stature--wasunconscious, with obvioussigns of respiratory distress. Abystander jumped off the plat-form to help LieutenantCorrales move the victim.

With the constant noise of amulti-level subway station, itwas next to impossible todetermine on what track aspeeding train would appearnext. Lieutenant Corrales andthe bystander struggled to get

the unconscious man back onto the platform, the wholetime being prompted by the gathered crowd to hurry.With the help of other riders, the victim, LieutenantCorrales and the Good Samaritan made it back onto theplatform and not a moment too soon. Before the rescuerswere even able to stand up, there was the familiar rushof air from a train pulling into the station.

Away from imminent danger, Lieutenant Corralesimmediately began patient assessment. The rescued manstill was presenting with signs of an altered mental sta-tus, but he was starting to move around. As the patient’sstatus slowly improved, Lieutenant Corrales was able toascertain that the man was a diabetic and in need of hismedication. By this time, an ALS ambulance crew hadarrived on the scene and was able to take over thepatient’s care. The victim was transported to New YorkHospital in stable condition.

Lieutenant Corrales locat-ed his hastily discarded bag onthe platform and continued onto his doctor’s appointment(which needed to be resched-uled). He said, I’ve been inEMS for 20 years and to seesomething like this, as it hap-pens, is rare. You’re there inthe thick of it and don’t havethe resources you’d have whileon duty. But in the end, it’s agood feeling.

That good feeling contin-ues as Lieutenant LuisCorrales deservedly is present-ed with the Chief JamesScullion Medal for his heroicactions.--OP

Heroics are nothing new for Lieutenant Luis Corrales. In thisphoto, he had just received a commendation from MayorMichael Bloomberg for helping the victims at the Miracle on theHudson incident on January 15, 2009.

Chief James Scullion Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on June 15, 1990. Previously assigned to Engine 259 and Ladders 4 and 28. Memberof the Emerald Society and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Recipient of a unit citation. Currentlyattending Westchester Community College, pursuing a degree in Nursing. Resides in Mahopac, NY, and is thefather of 10-year-old Nicholas.

March 19, 2010, 1124 hours, Box 75-0526, 12 East 12th Street, Manhattan

LIEUTENANT KEVIN P. HAYESLADDER COMPANY 3

One of the first things that any Firefighter learns is toexpect the unexpected. And so, when the members ofRecon (as Ladder 3 is affectionately known) were

drilling in a vacant NYU building undergoing major alter-ations, the unexpected happened. They were dispatched to afire directly across the street and immediately responded.

Led by Lieutenant Kevin Hayes, the company hurriedacross the street to a 12-story, 60- by 100-foot commercial loftbuilding that previously had been converted to luxury residen-tial apartments. Reaching the building, the members were metby the building superintendent, who reported smoke at the baseof the freight elevator shaft, as well as on the top floor.Additionally, a passerby noted that smoke was issuing from awindow on the seventh floor.

Lieutenant Hayes, along with his forcible entry team ofFFs Brian Brady with the irons and Gerry Imparato with theextinguisher, proceeded into the fire building. Ironically,forcible entry was the drill topic that Lieutenant Hayes--onlyminutes before--had been discussing. The Officer instructed FFImparato to remain at the elevator until the fire floor had beenconfirmed and proceeded with FF Brady up to the seventhfloor. On arrival, they were met by a tenant who reported theoccupant of the fire apartment had a history of drug abuse andmost likely was at home.

Inasmuch as smokenow was pushing from theapartment door, LieutenantHayes notified BattalionChief Michael Grogan,Battalion 7, that there was aworking fire in progress.Because of the type ofbuilding and its occupancy,the 10-77 signal subse-quently was transmitted,indicating a fire in a high-rise residential building,thus summoning additionalfirefighting resources.

By this time, approxi-mately five minutes hadelapsed since the initialalarm and LieutenantHayes and his irons

Firefighter, who had assumed control of the extinguisher, hadgained entry into the fire apartment. After the door was forcedopen and the extinguisher was put into operation (the water sup-ply lasted only for a minute), Lieutenant Hayes swung intoaction. With fire blowing out of the unenclosed kitchen, theLieutenant proceeded past the blaze and headed through the liv-ing room toward the rear bedroom, approximately 20 feet away.

After opening the bedroom door, Lieutenant Hayes locat-ed a large-bodied, unconscious, 41-year-old male behind it.Although the water extinguisher had been emptied, fire wasextending, visibility was zero due to the smoke and no hose-line was in place, Lieutenant Hayes persevered. His onlythought was to remove the man from the danger area.

To accomplish this task, Lieutenant Hayes had to drag thevictim past the fire area. Summoning the assistance of the extin-guisher Firefighter, the man was brought to the public hallwaywhere it was determined that he had no respirations and nopulse. After initiating CPR, the rescuers continued attending tothe victim until relieved by members of Engine 33 and Squad18. Lieutenant Hayes then returned to the fire apartment to con-tinue his supervision of search and overhaul operations.

Expect the unexpected. Lieutenant Hayes had no idea howhis day would progress when he started his company drill.

Clearly, he did not knowhe would be involved inthe rescue of another per-son. He acted decisively,bravely and without theprotection of a hose-line.Although the victim, suf-fering from cardiac arrest,subsequently passed awayat the hospital, this in noway diminishes the gal-lant effort put forth by oneof New York’s Bravest.For his unselfish action,the Dr. J.W. GoldenkranzMedal is proudly awardedto Recon’s LieutenantKevin P. Hayes.--BDG

Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal

Ladder 3 operates at Manhattan Box 22-0586, an explosion at 133 West 19th Street,April 25, 2002.


Appointed to the FDNY on July 5, 1992. Father, Captain George E. Kelly, is retired from Ladder 153 and broth-er, Lieutenant George M. Kelly, is assigned to Engine 277. Member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies.Attended SUNY at Cortland, studying economics. He resides in Marine Park, Brooklyn, with his wife, Regina,and their two-year-old son, James.

August 27, 2010, 0238 hours, Box 22-3545, 2686 Colby Court, Brooklyn

LIEUTENANT JAMES P. KELLYENGINE COMPANY 245

Engine 245 responded to a reported structural fire at2686 Colby Avenue, Brooklyn, on August 27, 2010, at0238 hours. Arriving in a little more than three minutes,

Lieutenant James P. Kelly observed heavy fire and thick,black smoke from the top-floor windows of the six-story, 200-by 50-foot, non-fireproof, H-type building. Lieutenant Kellytransmitted the 10-75 and made his way to the fire apartment.

While his company was engaged in the 13-length stretchup the single, unenclosed stair, Lieutenant Kelly receivedreports that three elderly occupants were still inside the apart-ment. As the hose-line reached the fire apartment, FF JohnXuereb, Ladder 161’s outside vent Firefighter, reported that hebelieved the fire had entered the cockloft. Simultaneously, FFNicholas Shelse, Ladder 161’s irons Firefighter, transmitted a10-45 for the first occupant.

As thefire attackb e g a n ,L i e u t e n a n tE d w a r dG o n z a l e z ,Ladder 161,reported asecond 10-45.Engine 245acted quicklyto repositionthe line tosupport therescue of thetwo victims.Though thevisible firewas darken-ing down, thehigh heat andsmoke persist-ed, indicatingthe fire,indeed, was

burning in the cockloft. Fearing the developing fire in thecockloft might prevent the members from completing thesearch of the apartment and locating the remaining occupant,Lieutenant Kelly went past the operating hose-line to the rearbedroom, where he located the third occupant of the apartment.

Lieutenant Kelly found the 80-year-old victim, EugeneGalperin, face-down in the deepest corner of the room.Lieutenant Kelly dragged the victim through the apartment tothe public hall, where he was assisted by members of Ladder161. Mr. Galperin was removed to a lower floor, where mem-bers of Engine 318 performed CPR.

Mr. Galperin was successfully resuscitated that morning andrequired several weeks of hospitalization and recuperative care.He did not succumb to his injuries. Thankfully, in fact, all threevictims of this tragic fire recovered.

For hiscourage anddeterminationin the face ofa rapidlye x p a n d i n gfire, whileputting him-self at risk,L i e u t e n a n tJames P.Kelly is pre-sented witht h eU n i f o r m e dFire OfficersAssociationMedal.--CF

Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal

Lieutenant James Kelly (back row, third from left) with fellow rescuers from Engine 245.


Appointed to the FDNY on July 1, 2008. Now assigned to Engine 316. Wife, Paramedic Paula Moore, isassigned to Station 49, and uncle, Paramedic Will Silvestry, is assigned to the EMS Bureau of Training.Recipient of a citation in 2009, the 2010 Daily News Hero of the Month, 2010 Citation of Honor from theQueens borough president and a 2010 award from Firefighter Quarterly magazine. A trained Paramedic, he isworking toward a Nursing degree at Excelsior College. Resides in Bayside, Queens, with his wife, Paula.

August 9, 2010, 0930 hours, Box 75-6169, 211-39 45th Drive, Flushing, Queens

FIREFIGHTER ROBERT J. MOORELADDER COMPANY 167 (OFF-DUTY)

When on-duty, New York City Firefighters do anythingthey can to help people in need. The same is truewhen Firefighters are off-duty. This was the situation

FF Robert J. Moore, Ladder 167, faced on August 9, 2010.At 0930 hours, FF Moore was off-duty and preparing to

leave the gym after working out when he noticed a franticemployee trying to call 911. He asked the woman what waswrong and she told him that a house was on fire around thecorner.

FF Moore left the gym, turned the corner and saw heavy,black smoke coming from a two-story private dwelling,halfway down the block at 211-39 45th Drive.Simultaneously, FF Moore’s fellow Firefighters at Ladder 167were responding to the Box and receiving reports of a fire withpeople trapped.

When FF Moore reached the address, he was met withheavy fire and thick, black smoke pushing from the mainentrance and all three windows on the first floor of the house.In front of the house were a man and his 17-year-old son, whowere burned and covered in soot. They told the Firefighter thata child and his dog were trapped in the house. The man and hisson were the father and brother of the trapped teenager.

Immediately and without regard for his personal safety,FF Moore--who did not have any personal protective equip-ment (PPE) or tools--began to make his way down the narrowdriveway that led to the rear of the house. He had to passthrough the radiant heat andheavy smoke coming from thefire building and climb over aparked car. As FF Moore wasattempting to force entry intothe house, he heard cries forhelp coming from the rear ofthe house.

As he turned the exposure#2/3 corner, FF Moore saw a15-year-old teenager at thesecond-floor window, holdinghis dog and threatening tojump because he was burning.The Firefighter assessed thesituation and realized thatthere was potential for theroom to light up. He surveyed

the area and saw an eight-foot portable ladder located on theside of the garage in the rear. He placed the ladder directlyunder the trapped teenager and his dog and instructed him toremain calm.

The ladder was five feet short of the windowsill and FFMoore realized that this would be a difficult and challengingrescue. As he ascended the ladder, he realized that he wouldhave to stand on the top rung in order to reach the windowsill,a dangerous procedure. As he reached the top rung, FF Moorewas able to grasp the aluminum siding below the window andinstructed the trapped teenager to do exactly what he said orthey both would fall.

FF Moore had the teenager pass him the dog, which hequickly lowered to the ground. He then went back up the lad-der to remove the teenager. As he was re-climbing the ladder,FF Moore saw an awning just to the right. He thought he couldlean to the right and use the awning to brace their fall if theladder became unstable. The rescuer told the victim to stepdown onto his shoulders as he guided him down with onehand and held onto the windowsill with the other hand.

FF Moore carried the victim down three rungs on hisshoulders and then he repositioned the teenager between him-self and the building to provide a safer descent. Once theywere on the ground, FF Moore, a trained Paramedic, realizedthat the victim was having difficulty breathing and had suf-fered burns to his back and arms. He assisted the teenager to

the front of the buildingwhere the companies on-scene were beginning to fightthe fire. He grabbed the CFRbag off Ladder 167’s appara-tus and gave the victim oxy-gen and began treatment forhis burns. The victim’s careeventually was turned over toEMS personnel.

Thanks to the quickactions, bravery and persever-ance of FF Robert J. Moore,the victim survived. For hisactions while off-duty, he isofficially recognized by theFDNY with the Edith B.Goldman Medal.--NG

FF Robert Moore is reunited with 15-year-old Roy Nacpil. FF Moore washonored as the Hero of the Month by the Daily News for rescuing theyoungster. Attending the ceremonies were Commissioner Salvatore J.Cassano, Chief of Department Edward S. Kilduff and Daily News CEOBill Holiber.

Edith B. Goldman Medal


Appointed to the FDNY on October 28, 2001. Previously assigned to Tower Ladder 7. Holds an AssociatesDegree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Nassau Community College. Resides in Babylon, Long Island,with his wife, Jenna, and their daughters, Olivia and Mia.

September 15, 2010, 1815 hours, Box 22-3070, 418 Bronx Park Avenue, Bronx

FIREFIGHTER NICHOLAS S. MARCHESELADDER COMPANY 58

The night tour had barely started on the evening ofSeptember 15, 2010, but FF Nicholas S. Marchese andthe members of Ladder 58 and Engine 45 soon found

themselves in grave danger at a fire that already was startingto grow. At 1815 hours, the alarm sounded for a building fireat 418 Bronx Park Avenue. With their usual alacrity, the mem-bers donned their turnout gear and were swiftly on the way. FFMarchese was assigned the position of outside vent Firefighterand he surveyed the fire building as the rig pulled in front ofthe two-story row frame.

The dispatcher reported that there were people trapped inthe basement and two severely burned civilians already hadself-evacuated by the time units arrived. Realizing that his bestentry to the basement was from the rear, FF Marchese enteredthe building to the right and made his way out the back door.

Entering the yard, he was faced with a massive pile ofdebris and a stockade fence, blocking his way to the fire build-ing. Climbing over the garbage, the Firefighter broke his waythrough the fence, only to find more junk on the other side.With great difficulty, FF Marchese was able to make his wayto the rear door. He was able to force it and was met with ahigh heat and heavy smoke condition.

Donning the facepiece to his mask, FF Marchese enteredthe basement, only to find abicycle and more debrisstill blocking his way. Oncepast this, he found a pieceof plywood nailed in placeand blocking the hallway.After he removed that, hewas able to make his waydown the hall.

The ceiling in the hall-way was only six feet highand 30 inches wide and theheat became more oppres-sive as he advanced. FFMarchese located the rear-most bedroom and began tosearch for victims when he

heard FF Steven V. Troche, Ladder 58, with the irons, callingfor assistance with the two 10-45s he had located. Finding FFTroche and the victim in the jet-black smoke, FF Marchesehelped him lift and carry 20-year-old Tashauna Staples to safe-ty. FF Marchese knew that they wouldn’t be able to removeher through the piles of debris to the rear, so their only choicewas to make their way back down the narrow, heated, smokyhallway to the stairs. (Her two-year-old child, the second 10-45, was removed by FF Peter Tynan, Engine 45.)

As they approached the stairs, the two Firefighters had tomaneuver past the members of Engine 45, who were position-ing the hand-line to extinguish the blaze. The normally ardu-ous task of removing an adult up a flight of stairs was madeharder by the confined area and the heat and smoke surround-ing them. As the cool outside air let the rescuers know they’dreached safety, they were grateful that EMS personnel werethere to treat the victim and simultaneously give theFirefighters a chance to catch their breath.

The fire, which went to a second alarm, made its way intothe cockloft, but other Firefighters were there to contain it. FFsMarchese and Troche had done their best to give TashaunaStaples another chance at life. Her injuries were so severe thatshe required a lengthy stay at Jacobi Hospital. Were it not for

the valiant efforts the res-cuers put forth, she surelywould have perished thatnight.

For his bravery anddetermination in enteringthe fire area to find the vic-tim and his tremendousefforts in her removal underadverse conditions, theNew York City FireDepartment is proud toaward the American LegionFire Department Post930/Mark M. WohlfeldMemorial Medal to FFNicholas S. Marchese.--JT

American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930/Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal

Ladder 58 operated at Bronx Box 22-2372, 978 Southern Boulevard/East 163rdStreet, October 28, 2009. photo by Bill Tompkins


Appointed to the FDNY on September 25, 2005. Member of the Holy Name Society. Recipient of three unit cita-tions. Holds a BA degree in Psychology from Loyola College (Maryland). Resides in Glendale, Queens.

July 28, 2010, 1223 hours, Box 1303, East River in the vicinity of East 106th Street/FDR Drive, Manhattan

FIREFIGHTER MATTHEW R. LOPEZLADDER COMPANY 16 (ASSIGNED)LADDER COMPANY 43 (DETAILED)

New York City has more miles of waterfront than Seattle,San Francisco, Chicago and Portland combined,prompting Mayor Michael Bloomberg to refer to the

waterfront as New York City’s sixth borough. Ultimately, pro-tecting this sixth borough are the highly trained and equippedmembers of FDNY’s Water Rescue Units, as well as the mem-bers of the Marine Division and all Rescue and SquadCompanies.

According to the Department’s response matrix, Ladder 43was designated the Water Rescue Unit for an alarm of a man inthe water, in the vicinity of East 106th Street and the FDRDrive on July 28, 2010, at 1223 hours. While en route, addi-tional information was received over the Department radio thattwo civilians were in the water at the same location.

FF Matthew R. Lopez, Ladder 16, detailed for the tour toLadder 43, who was assigned the secondary water rescueswimmer at roll call, started removing his bunker gear in prepa-ration to don his cold water exposure suit upon exiting theapparatus. He knew immediately that this would be a difficultrescue attempt. The East River is known for tidal currents thatrun in several different directions at various speeds.Additionally, multiple victims meant that FF Lopez wouldhave to act without the comfort of a back-up rescue swimmer.He prepared himself mentally to act alone during this danger-ous water rescue.

As Ladder 43 entered the FDR Drive and approached thefishing pier, it was apparent that there were as many as threevictims in the water.Ladder 43’s chauffeurpulled the apparatus on theshoulder of the FDR, at thebase of the fishing pier, as abarefoot FF Lopez immedi-ately exited the apparatusto don his cold water expo-sure suit. After doing this,he climbed over a dividingwall and ran approximately50 yards to the location ofthe victims in the water offthe fishing pier.

Sizing up the situation,FF Lopez quickly realizedthat the three victims were

caught in a swirling, downward current, pulling them under thepier. Before entering the water, the rescuer was hooked up to atether line and received instruction from the company Officer.In one giant stride, FF Lopez jumped from the concrete barrierof the FDR Drive, descending 20 feet into the East River. Oncein the water, FF Lopez signaled to his Officer that he was okayand proceeded in the direction of the victim, who was beingdragged under the water beneath the fishing pier.

Swimming to the victim, FF Lopez had to fight a tremen-dous current and swirling undertow. Reaching the victim, henoticed the man now was floundering under the water anddrowning, unable to stay afloat. FF Lopez approached the vic-tim from behind and proceeded to hold onto him, positioninghis head above the water. In a moment of inspiration, FF Lopezwas able to summon his remaining strength and take control ofthe victim’s body by locking his arms around the victim’schest, using the Fire Department-issued rescue torpedo.

After securing the victim to this flotation device, FF Lopez,now suffering from severe fatigue and exhaustion, started thedifficult task of swimming back to the shoreline of the FDRDrive, all the while holding the victim’s head above the water.Arriving at the shoreline, FF Lopez was met by FDNY memberswho immediately set up a 20-foot hook ladder, secured withutility ropes. This facilitated the safe removal of both victim andrescuer from the treacherous waters of the East River. Arrivingon land safely, a CFR-D Engine Company began to administeroxygen to the victim and patient care was successfully trans-

ferred to EMS personnel.Proper training and

equipment, put in the handsof a dedicated and physical-ly fit member of thisDepartment, resulted in sav-ing this near-drowning vic-tim. There is no question thatFF Matthew Lopez’ knowl-edge of water rescue proce-dures, coupled with his deci-sive, swift and unhesitatingaction, saved the life of thisman. He is honored with theArthur J. Laufer MemorialMedal.--PWB

Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal

Diagram depicts the water rescue performed by FF Matthew Lopez.


Appointed to the FDNY on January 27, 2002. Father, Captain Greg Hansen, is retired from Ladder 87. Memberof the Emerald Society and the Viking Association. Studied ecology at SUNY at Oneonta and the College ofStaten Island. Resides in Staten Island with his wife, America. They are expecting their first child in July.

December 10, 2010, 2214 hours, Box 22-3251, 2953 Avenue W, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER GREGORY HANSENLADDER COMPANY 153

On the evening of December 10, 2010, Ladder 153received a phone alarm for a reported fire on the fourthfloor of a seven-story, fireproof multiple dwelling. The

address was 2953 Avenue W in Brooklyn. The report indicatedthat people were trapped. The CIDS (critical information dis-patch system) information stated that there were limitedhydrants within the complex, no well hole in the stairwell andlong hand stretches.

Engine 321 and Ladder 153 arrived first-due and membersbegan their way to the fourth floor. On their arrival, LieutenantChristopher Cooke, Engine 321, transmitted the 10-75 for aworking fire on the fourth floor over the handie-talkie.Keeping the CIDS data in mind, FF Gregory Hansen realizedthat the 35-foot extension ladder was his only recourse toaccess the fourth floor.

He exited the apparatus, knowing that the bucket was notgoing to be used due to the scaffolding in front of the building.He was joined by Ladder 153’s chauffeur, FF Brian McManus,and proceeded to the exposure #2 side of the building with the35-foot portable ladder. Arriving at the #2 side, a 36-year-oldmale was attempting to jump out of the fourth-floor windowdue to the heavy, black smoke conditions behind him.

As FF Hansen was ascending the ladder to the windowsill,he simultaneously was calming the victim. He was able toreach the victim at the tip of the ladder and eased him out ofthe window and onto the fully extended 35-foot ladder. Inorder to control the rescue, FF Hansen pressed the victimagainst the ladder and was successful in bringing him down tostreet level.

After ensuring the victimwas in the hands of FFMcManus, FF Hansen returnedto the ladder and scaled it backto the fourth floor. He thendonned his mask and enteredthe fire apartment. Due to theextremely long stretches, therewas no hand-line in place. AsLadder 153’s interior teamreached the apartment, they,

too, were met with high heat and dense smoke conditions.Collyers’ mansion-type conditions throughout the apartmentgreatly hindered all primary searches of the fire floor.

FF Hansen entered the rear bedroom and immediately wasdriven to his knees by the punishing heat and zero visibility.These conditions were caused by numerous vinyl records,along with other items. FF Hansen crawled about eight feetdeeper into the room and found an unconscious, 56-year-oldmale, lying in the prone position. He grabbed the victim andlifted him over boxes and stereo equipment that littered theentire room. FF Hansen was able to carry the victim past thedoor and into the living room, just as Engine 321 membersreceived water in their line.

With the engine’s line now in place and ready to advance,it was much more difficult to remove the victim. At this point,FF Hansen lifted the victim up and onto his shoulder and madea final push to exit the zero visibility of the apartment. In doingso, he was met with Ladder 153’s inside team and the outsidevent Firefighter, FF Peter Montagano, Ladder 156. With greateffort, the victim was successfully removed into the hallway.

The man immediately was given CPR and oxygen. He wascarried from the fourth floor to the street. In critical condition,he then was packaged and transported to Coney IslandHospital (CIH). After initial treatment at CIH, the patient wastransported to Jacobi Hospital for use of their hyperbaricchamber and continued care for his near-fatal injuries.

Captain William Stark, Ladder 153, stated, FF GregoryHansen’s heroic efforts most certainly saved the lives of two

people. Battalion Chief DonaldHoward, Battalion 33, added,His persistent efforts at this fireresulted in two lives saved. Thetradition continues. FF Hansenacted in the finest traditions ofthe New York City FireDepartment. Recognizing hisbravery, the FDNY is proud toaward FF Gregory Hansen withthe Emerald Society Pipes andDrums Medal.--TW

Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal

Ladder 153 operated at Brooklyn Box 55-3246, 3030 EmmonsAvenue/Nostrand Avenue, on January 17, 2004.


Appointed to the FDNY on June 1, 1983. Previously assigned to Engine 253. Father, Captain Angelo D. Insardi(now deceased), was retired from Engine 328. Recipient of numerous unit citations. Resides in NorthMassapequa, Long Island, with his three children, Heather, Kerry and Gregory.

December 23, 2010, 1323 hours, Box 75-0659, 521A Greene Avenue, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL G. INSARDILADDER COMPANY 102

In the history of the FDNY, it has been proved time andagain that experience and dedication to the craft of fire-fighting will allow one to see the big picture. FF Daniel

Insardi, Ladder 102, relied on these attributes when he rescueda four-month-old from a burning apartment.

Ladder 102 was assigned first-due to Box 0659, butarrived second-due to a four-story, brownstone-type framestructure. The building had thick, black smoke pouring fromall openings and people were shouting that a child was inside.FF Insardi, a 28-year FDNY veteran, was assigned the outsidevent (OV) position and he began his size-up as soon as hestepped off the apparatus.

FF Insardi had to alter his tactics from the onset of theoperation. He was now the second-due OV and he immediate-ly ascertained that Ladder 111’s OV was operating from itstower ladder bucket, venting the front of the building. FFInsardi was receiving confirmed reports of a missing childfrom Battalion Chief John Rozas, Battalion 57. Combiningthat information with his experience with the layout of thiskind of building, the Firefighter made some key decisions.The picture unfolding told him that getting to his position inthe rear was supremely important because there was a goodchance the missing child would be there.

FF Insardi chose to go through exposure #4, a similarattached building, to get tothe rear. Experience andinstincts told him to bringthe forcible entry saw. Hisinstincts were correct; thedoor below the stoop wasprotected by a heavy, steel-reinforced door, whichnecessitated the saw to cutthe multiple locks. Radioreports indicated slowprogress in the fire buildingdue to a narrow hall that wasblocked by furniture andhigh heat.

The heavy fire venting

out one of the windows in the rear confirmed the extent of thefire within. A six-foot chain link fence now stood between therescuer and the rear of the fire building. FF Insardi quicklyclimbed the fence and once he reached the top, it abruptly col-lapsed, causing him to fall backward. Unfazed, he quicklygathered his composure and began to force the rear door.Nothing came easy on this day as FF Insardi discovered thatthe entrance was blocked by furniture. Unable to get in, heattacked the hinges in order to remove the door completely.

FF Insardi now set to the task of searching for the missingchild. Conditions were punishing opposite the hose-line andbecame worse as he slipped past the doorway toward the rearbedroom. He crawled into the room and came upon an emptycrib. Undaunted, he continued his search until he found a bedand the unconscious Aniyah Vaughn, a four-month-old female.

FF Insardi knew that even though she was breathingweakly, he had to work fast to get her into the hands ofadvanced care. He proactively radioed to Chief Rozas torequest that EMS personnel and a CFR engine meet him infront of the adjoining building, exposure #4. He carried thechild and gave her rescue breaths as he retraced his steps to thefront of the building.

Chief Rozas stated in his endorsement of FF Insardi that, hewas, by far, the most qualified person on the scene to accomplish

this task alone. Although,unfortunately, the child ulti-mately expired, FF Insardi’sability to think ahead to thenext step of the operation,under complex and challeng-ing circumstances, gaveAniyah Vaughn her bestchance at survival. His forti-tude, determination and per-severance exemplify thefinest traditions of theFDNY. For these reasons, FFDaniel Insardi is awarded theCompany OfficersAssociation Medal.--MD

Company Officers Association Medal

Ladder 102 operates at All Hands fire in Flushing, Queens, on April 17, 2002.


Appointed to the FDNY on January 20, 2008. Member of the FDNY Football Team. Recipient of one unit cita-tion. Holds an AAS degree in Fire Science from Mesa Community College (Arizona). Resides in Long IslandCity, Queens.

July 28, 2010, 1223 hours, Box 1303, East River, south side of the East 106th Street fishing pier, Manhattan

FIREFIGHTER SHANE C. BENACLADDER COMPANY 13 (ASSIGNED)LADDER COMPANY 43 (DETAILED)

Medal Day is the most celebrated annual event amongthe members of the FDNY and their families. Theceremony always reflects on the past year’s deeds of

daring with thoughts of valiant rescues from burning buildingsand smoke-filled hallways. However, blazing fires are not theonly incidents at which FDNYFirefighters perform heroicdeeds. Water rescues, while notquite as prolific as rescues fromfires, seem to be growing in num-ber throughout the City.

To address this phenomenon,certain ladder companiesthroughout the five boroughs arestrategically designated by theFDNY as Water Rescue Units.Members of these companies arerequired to undergo water rescuetraining in addition to the fieldunit training at the Fire Academyand during company drills.

On July 28, 2010, that train-ing came into play as Ladder 43received a computer alarm forBox 1303, reporting a male in thewater in the East River, in thevicinity of the East 106th Streetfishing pier. While en route, thedispatcher updated the respond-ing units that reports of severalcivilians in the water were beingreceived.

FF Shane Benac, designatedthe primary rescuer at the day’sroll call, immediately began siz-ing up the situation, knowing thestrong and unpredictable currentsof the East River would portend adifficult rescue. Ladder 43approached the 106th Street pier,

off the FDR, and members realized that, in fact, several peoplewere trapped alongside the pier. The downward current fromthe East River against the pier created a whirlpool effect inwhich the victims were being pulled underwater. With threeconfirmed victims, there would be three rescuers required, thus

eliminating any back-up teams.Without hesitation, FF Benac

donned his cold water rescue suitand made his way down the pierto where the victims weretrapped. After being tethered to asafety line, FF Benac jumped the20 feet off the pier and into thechoppy waters. He began to swimtoward the victims and reached45-year-old Carlos Rivera, justbefore he was swept under thepier. The Firefighter grabbed Mr.Rivera’s almost lifeless body,pulled his head above water andsecured him with the rescue buoy.

FF Benac now struggled toswim himself and get Mr. Riverato the 20-foot ladder placed intothe water by the other membersof Ladder 43. After finally reach-ing the ladder, FF Benac, assistedby other members, removed thevictim from the river and almostcertain death. Mr. Rivera wastransported by ambulance toMetropolitan Hospital. He recov-ered and was released.

For maintaining the highesttraditions of the Department inperforming this heroic action, FFShane C. Benac is proudlyawarded the Chief Joseph B.Martin Medal.--SI

FF Shane Benac operated at Manhattan Box 22-1097, 12 East 80thStreet/Fifth Avenue, April 22, 2010. photo by Vic Nicastro

Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal


Appointed to EMS as an Emergency MedicalTechnician on February 6, 2004. Previouslyassigned to Stations 38 and 58. Member of thefirst-place team in the 2009 EMS Competition.Recipient of a pre-hospital save. Resides in DeerPark, Long Island.

Appointed to EMS as an Emergency MedicalTechnician on September 29, 2000. Previously

assigned to Station 31. Recipient of two unitcitations and several pre-hospital saves. Holds

an AAS degree from Broome CommunityCollege. Resides on Staten Island.

Appointed to EMS as an Emergency MedicalTechnician on January 9, 2006. Previously assigned toStation 4. Holds a BA degree in Communications andMedia Studies/Journalism from Fordham University.

Resides in West Babylon, Long Island.

Christmas Day, December 25, 2010SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn

EMTPATRICK M. CREEDEN

STATION 38

PARAMEDICPATRICK M. O’NEIL

STATION 38

PARAMEDIC

SEAN M. MCGRATHSTATION 39

Saturday, December 25, 2010, started as a peaceful andserene tour for the FDNY EMS members who ultimatelywere assigned to a precarious confined space incident at

the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. Thepatient, a 47-year-old female, making a visit to a family mem-ber, entered a lobby-level elevator for an eight-story ride thatbecame a life-altering experience, leaving her struggling forsurvival and praying for a Christmas Day miracle.

In what must have been a surreal moment of terror, the ele-vator began its eight-story ascent as the victim was entering theelevator car and became caught between the closing doors. Theunforgiving forces of high voltage and structural steel mangledand tore the flesh from one of the patient’s arms in an instant asthe elevator began a mindless vertical ascent. With the patient’slower extremities partially outside the car, the elevator draggedupward, shattering and tearing the patient’s legs as it whiskedpast seven landings. Finally arriving on the eighth floor, the vic-tim was barely conscious, her body shattered and bleeding, withboth of her crushed legs trapped between the elevator floor andlanding.

EMT Patrick Creeden, a Haz-Tac-trained member working on unit38H3, was one of the first EMS mem-bers to make it to the victim’s side.Calling on his 10 years of experienceas an EMT, he worked feverishly tocontrol the bleeding from thepatient’s mangled limbs and treatedher for the symptoms of compensatedhemorrhagic shock.

Arriving in the elevator momentslater was Paramedic Patrick O’Neilof unit 58U3. Paramedic O’Neil, withfive years of experience, coordinatedAdvanced Life Support (ALS) meas-

ures during the prolonged extrication, ensuring that intra-venous fluids were constantly infused to replace the patient’slife-threatening blood loss.

Paramedic Sean McGrath, working in unit 39R3, joinedhis fellow rescuers minutes later, bringing the knowledge andexpertise of a Rescue-trained Paramedic to the scene.Paramedic McGrath implemented specialized ALS protocol totreat the patient for crush injury syndrome, a cascade of phys-iological events that quickly can lead to high blood toxin lev-els, cardiac disrhythmia and irreversible tissue death.

Amid the noise and haste of the extrication, the three EMSmembers remained in the elevator at the patient’s side, com-posed and focused on the shared objective of every rescuer on-scene--saving the victim. Alongside Firefighters toiling with airbags and Hurst Tools, the EMS members remained as the eleva-tor floor was cut away, endangering all of the stricken elevator’soccupants. After almost an hour of disentanglement efforts, pro-ficient Basic Life Support (BLS) and cutting-edge ALS treat-ment, the patient was extricated from the elevator and rushed to

a waiting surgical team at the neigh-boring Kings County Hospital Level-I Trauma Center.

The tireless efforts and selflessdedication of Paramedics SeanMcGrath and Patrick O’Neil andEMT Patrick Creeden allowed thevictim to survive this tragedy, givingher what was the greatest gift thatshe ever could have hoped to receivethat Christmas Day--the gift of herlife. For their lifesaving actionswhile facing extreme adversity, theFDNY honors these three memberswith the Lieutenant KirbyMcElhearn Medal.--MJB

Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal

Following her extrication from the elevator, patient is read-ied for transport to Kings County Hospital.

photo by John Taggert, New York Daily News


Police Honor Legion Medal

When FF Brian Flynn, Engine 39, reported for duty in thelate afternoon of June 24, 2010, he was immediatelydetailed across the floor to work in Ladder 16, where

he was assigned the extinguisher position. He would be part of theinside team and carry a 21/2-gallon water extinguisher.

After the company returned to quarters following tworuns, they were directed to a reported building fire in the heartof the Upper East Side. When the company arrived at its des-tination--a 21-story, 200- by 100-foot, high-rise apartmenthouse, there was no fire or smoke visible. However, once inthe lobby, the members were confronted with anxious resi-dents who were self-evacuating the premises. Additionally, abuilding employee advised them that there was smoke in thehallway on the top floor and the apartment resident was home.

Immediately after receiving this information, FF Flynn,led by Lieutenant Michael McGevna, and accompanied by FFKeith Rogozinski, took the elevator to the 19th floor. Afterexiting, they took the stairs to the 21st floor. Once there, theydiscovered smoke banked down in the public hallway. Thesmoke was emanatingfrom apartment 21A,where the door had beenleft open. The teamentered the apartment andobserved flames in theliving room. Using waterfrom his extinguisher, FFFlynn was directed tohold back the fire, whilemembers of Engine 39proceeded into the 2000-square-foot, four-bed-room apartment.

Unfortunately, theEngine 39 members hadinsufficient water pres-sure in their hose-linebecause of a brokenstandpipe riser at the roof

tank. This, in turn, caused water to flood the elevator shafts,rendering them inoperative. After expending the water in hisextinguisher and without the protection of a hose-line, FFFlynn crawled past the fire and commenced a search. Aftersearching two bedrooms, smoke was observed coming from athird bedroom door. FF Flynn returned to the front of the apart-ment, re-traced his route and entered the third bedroom.

He crawled on his hands and knees, while calling out, any-one here? FF Flynn finally heard a slight gasp and located a70-year-old female, who was semi-conscious. When hetouched the woman, she rasped the word, oxygen. FF Flynnimmediately started dragging the woman to safety. He wasassisted by FF Rogozinski and, together, they removed the vic-tim to the 20th floor. Subsequently, suffering from smokeinhalation, she was transported to the hospital.

Although FF Flynn credits the entire Ladder 16 team withtheir efforts to mitigate the possibility of dire consequencesthat could have resulted from a broken standpipe and out-of-service elevators, it was his individual effort that saved the life

of the resident. FFFlynn’s situational aware-ness, observing a thirdbedroom, knowing thelocation of the fire, mak-ing a diligent search, aswell as his determinationand placing himself atrisk, all culminated in asuccessful outcome. Hisactions clearly demon-strated the highest tradi-tions of the FDNY andthe entire fire service.

For his courage andperseverance in the faceof a dangerous environ-ment, the Police HonorLegion Medal is proudlyawarded to FF Brian M.Flynn.--BDG

FIREFIGHTER BRIAN M. FLYNNENGINE COMPANY 39 (ASSIGNED)LADDER COMPANY 16 (DETAILED)

Appointed to the FDNY on May 31, 2005. Father, Daniel Flynn (records manager), and stepmother, Eileen Flynn(administrative assistant), are both retired civilian employees of the FDNY. Member of the Holy Name and EmeraldSocieties. Holds an Associate’s Degree in Science from Nassau Community College. Resides in Queens, with hiswife, Tracy, who soon will give birth to their first children, twins.

June 24, 2010, 1726 hours, Box 75-1021, 200 East 71st Street, Manhattan

Engine 39 operated at Manhattan Box 66-0775, 370 Lexington Avenue/41st Street(steam explosion), July 18, 2007.


FIREFIGHTER CHRISTOPHER T. SCHICKLERENGINE COMPANY 35 (ASSIGNED)ENGINE COMPANY 53 (DETAILED)

On the beautiful summer morning of July 28, 2010, FFChristopher Schickler had two reasons for feelingexceptionally good. First, he had just returned from

participating in the Iron Man competition in Lake Placid.Second, he was detailed to Engine 53 for the tour; the samefirehouse where his father worked and whose picture and/orname appeared in the many photos and plaques adorning thewalls. At the conclusion of the tour, FF Schickler added a thirdreason to be elated; he saved someone’s life.

Engine 53 was out in the field when the company, underthe command of Lieutenant Thomas Delgrosso, detailed fromLadder 13, was directed to respond to a report of a person in thewaters of the East River in the vicin-ity of 106th Street. Because the dis-patcher advised that a heavy volumeof calls was being received for theincident, the members started prepar-ing for a water rescue. FF Schickler,knowing the area and anticipating theworst, removed his bunker gearbefore the rig stopped on the north-bound lane of the FDR Drive, adja-cent to the 106th Street pier.Immediately on arrival, the crewnoticed two people in the water, whowere in obvious distress, attemptingto keep their heads above water.

FF Schickler immediately leaptoff the apparatus into the oncomingtraffic lane, raced around the front ofthe truck, vaulted the dividing wallseparating the highway from the pierand ran to the end of the structure.After being secured to a rope by FFAndrew Dory, Engine 22, detailed toEngine 53, FF Schickler scaled awrought-iron fence and, disregardinghis personal safety, jumped 20 feet

into the swirling currents of the river.It was confirmed that three people were in the water and,

after surveying the area, FF Schickler spotted a 60-year-old,unconscious male, whose head was under the water. Obviously,the man was in the most danger of the victims in the water andrequired immediate assistance. FF Schickler commenced thechallenging task of swimming toward the man.

When FF Schickler reached the man, he pulled his head upand out of the water and started swimming, with the victim intow, against the treacherous current toward a ladder that had beenlowered from the pier. So powerful was the river’s motion thatboth the victim and his rescuer started to be swept underneath the

pier. Summoning all his strength, FFSchickler, although exhausted,worked his way to the ladder and,with the assistance of FF JohnRodriguez, Engine 39, detailed toEngine 53, lifted the unconsciousvictim out of the water. He then waspassed to waiting EMS personnel.Subsequently, the man, in criticalcondition and suffering from respira-tory arrest, was transported toMetropolitan Hospital. FF Schicklerwas treated at NY PresbyterianHospital for a strained back, expo-sure and exhaustion.

Although he does not possessformal training in swift-water res-cue techniques, nevertheless, FFSchickler acted decisively andquickly to save the life of a drown-ing man. It is for these reasons, cou-pled with the fact that he operatedalone, that the Firefighter David J.DeFranco Medal is proudly present-ed to FF Christopher T. Schickler.--BDG

Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal

July 28, 2010, 1223 hours, Box 1303, East River in the vicinity of East 106th Street/FDR Drive, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on August 5, 2007. Father, FF Alan Schickler, is retired from Engine 53, cousin,Battalion Chief James Connelly, is assigned to Battalion 50 and cousin, Lieutenant Andrew F. Beck, is retiredfrom Ladder 121. Member of the Steuben Association. Holds a BA degree from Springfield College. Resides inMerrick, Long Island.

From one FDNY generation to the next--Father, AlanSchickler, with son, Christopher T. Schickler, honored withthe Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal for his water rescue.Chris was detailed to Engine 53--the Company from which hisdad retired as a Firefighter--when he made the rescue.


January 28, 2010, 0225 hours, Box 75-2513, 403 Avenue C, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER JOSHUA M. LOMASKLADDER COMPANY 147

It takes a noble, brave person to risk his/her life for others.The members of the Fire Department of New York upholdthese qualities with pride and dedication. Along with

being courageous, firefighting takes proficiency and leader-ship. These qualities were exhibited by FF Joshua Lomaskwhen he acted promptly to save the life of a woman who wastrapped in an apartment.

At 0225 hours on January 28, 2010, Ladder 147 was dis-patched to a fire at 403 Avenue C in the Kensington section ofBrooklyn. This call seemed similar to most runs for FFLomask and the members of Ladder 147. However, while thetruck was en route to the fire, additional information, report-ing numerous calls with a person trapped inside the apart-ment, was given to the members.

On arrival, Engine 281 gave the 10-75 signal for a work-ing fire on the fourth floor of a four-story multiple dwelling. Fire was vis-ible from the front two windows ontothe fire escape. The room in which theperson was trapped was directlyadjoining the fire room. Some of themembers of Ladder 147, who alreadywere in the building, proceeded to thefourth floor via the interior stairs andbegan forcing entry into apartment4D. As the forcible entry team pro-ceeded, an interior latch was noticedon the door, confirming the members’anxiety--someone was inside.

Ladder 147’s roof Firefightercontinued to move toward the roof bymeans of the stairway with the life-saving rope and roof saw. Then,Ladder 147’s chauffeur, FF Lomask,set up the aerial ladder. He noticed awoman at the window of the fireapartment. Heavy, black smoke wasbillowing over her head. After trans-mitting this information to theIncident Commander (IC), FF

Lomask quickly began moving the ladder to the window.He then instructed the terrified woman to stay where she

was and he would come to her. When FF Lomask moved theaerial ladder to the window, he saw that the woman had leftand gone back into the apartment. The inside team of Ladder147 was moving toward the bedroom of the apartment, but themembers were abruptly met by the furious blaze in the livingroom. This prevented them from getting to the woman trappedin the bedroom. It was obvious now that the only chance forher to be rescued was from the window where FF Lomask hadplaced the aerial ladder.

Arriving at the window and not seeing anybody, FFLomask quickly removed the child guards that prevented himfrom entering the apartment through the window. He donnedhis facepiece and entered the smoke-filled room. About five

feet into this toxic environment, FFLomask found the woman--disorient-ed, semi-conscious and scared. Withthe smoke thickening and most of thebuilding engulfed in flame, it wasvital that this rescue be completedquickly.

Operating without the protectionof a charged hose-line, FF Lomaskhelped the woman back to the win-dow and out onto the aerial ladder. Hewas assisted by FF Thomas Tanzosh,Ladder 148’s outside vent Firefighter,who helped complete her removaldown to the ground.

FF Lomask was decisive andaggressive when he made his moveinto the bedroom, knowing thewoman trapped inside had little timeto spare. For his meritorious actions,FF Joshua M. Lomask is presentedwith the Lieutenant James E.Zahn/Lieutenant Peter L. TroianoMemorial Medal.--VGLadder 147 operates at Brooklyn Box 33-2446, 1430

Flatbush Avenue/Farragut Road, May 26, 2009.photo by Brooklyn Dispatcher Warren Fuchs (retired)

Lieutenant James E. Zahn/Lieutenant Peter L. Troiano Memorial Medal

Appointed to the FDNY on October 15, 1995. Previously assigned to Engine 33. Recipient of two As and two unitcitations. Resides in Brooklyn with his wife, Diana, and their children, John, Michael and Joseph.


With more than the usual number of calls for odor ofsmoke or working fires started accidentally by ille-gal fireworks, the Fourth of July is always a busy

night for the Fire Department. But not all fires are accidentaland the ones that are set intentionally are meant to be moresevere, usually by someone seeking total destruction.Someone removed a gas meter from a second-floor apartmentat 708 East 243rd Street in the Bronx. That action placed themembers of Engine 63 in a life-threatening situation and test-ed their resolve.

The evening of July 4, 2008, was still young for FFs JonasG. Adams, Jr., Anthony M. Cuozzo, Philip Marino and RobertW. Painter, working the evening shift in Engine 63. LieutenantJohn M. Flaherty, Battalion 15, was the Officer assigned to theengine for that tour. At 1953 hours, the computer spat out areport of a phone alarm for a fire in the six-story multipledwelling where the above-mentioned gas meter had beenremoved. As they were responding, the dispatcher warnedincoming units that there were numerous phone calls andreports of fire on the second and third floors.

The building’s location in the uppermost corner of theBronx, one block from the Westchester border in MountVernon, meant that there would be a delay for secondary unitsresponding. From three blocks away, the responders could seea heavy volume of ominous, black smoke, billowing from theroof. As the Engine 63 chauffeur pulled up to the reportedaddress, the members could see deadly flames lapping out thesecond-floor windows in the throat of the building.

He bypassed the hydrant in front of the building to facili-tate tower ladder placement in that strategic position andinstead positioned the engine on the corner of White PlainsRoad. The members of Engine 63 quickly worked to get a firstline in position as a crowd began to gather to watch the grow-ing inferno and residents self-evacuated the building.

When they reached the second-floor landing, Firefighterswere met with a high heat and heavy smoke condition fromfire emanating from the open fire apartment door. LieutenantFlaherty and Lieutenant Mannion, Ladder 39 covering,attempted to pull the door closed, but the volume of flamesproved too much for the limited extinguisher water fromLadder 39’s extinguisher Firefighter.

Calling for a second line, but knowing that it would bedelayed, Lieutenant Flaherty called for water and led themembers of Engine 63 in gaining control of the interior stairsand then the hallway as they worked their way toward the fireapartment. As they crawled down the floor with blue flamesshooting out of the apartment door, they had to muster everyounce of courage to make the turn into the fire apartment. Theblue flames they saw were coming from the gas pipelinewhere the meter had been removed and the intense heat hadset fire to the whole apartment.

As other units began to fight, the fire extended to the floorabove and other apartments. The members of Engine 63 con-tinued to claw their way into the fully involved apartment asthe gas-fueled flames roared over their heads. When all visiblefire had been knocked down and the gas supply had been shutdown, they were relieved by Engine 38 members, who contin-ued to extinguish pockets of fire in the charred apartment.

Had it not been for the aggressive efforts of the membersof Engine 63, with no second line to back them up, the firecould have quickly spread to envelop the whole building. Forthe skill, determination, courage and teamwork displayed byLieutenant John M. Flaherty and FFs Jonas G. Adams, Jr.,Anthony M. Cuozzo, Philip Marino and Robert W. Painter, theFire Department is proud to present the Lieutenant JamesCurran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medalto Engine Company 63.--JT

LIEUTENANT JOHN M. FLAHERTY (BN-15)FF JONAS G. ADAMS, JR.FF ANTHONY M. CUOZZOFF PHILIP MARINOFF ROBERT W. PAINTER

July 4, 2008, 1953 hours, Box 75-3886, 708 East243rd Street, Bronx

ENGINE COMPANY 63

Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal


LIEUTENANT RAYMOND J. BAYER, JR.FF GERARD F. CAVANAGHFF DANIEL P. DONOHUEFF JAMES M. DOWDELLFF JOHN J. O’SULLIVANFF JON MICH SOMMESO

March 29, 2010, 0421 hours, Box 75-1580, 3813 Church Avenue, Brooklyn

The anthropologist Margaret Meade once said, Neverdoubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed peo-ple can change the world. This saying is true for

Firefighters, too, as they often make a world-changing differ-ence in dire moments. Such was the case for four individualsresiding at 3813 Church Avenue, a two-story, 25- by 60-foot,commercial/residential structure in the Flatbush section ofBrooklyn, when fire erupted in the early-morning hours ofMarch 29, 2010.

Working the six by nine tour that early spring morning inLadder 174, Snyder Island, were Lieutenant Raymond J.Bayer, Jr., and FFs Gerard F. Cavanagh, Daniel P. Donohue,James M. Dowdell, John J. O’Sullivan and Jon M. Sommeso.At 0421 hours, the tone alarms went off in the Snyder Avenuefirehouse and the company responded as first-due truck to thereported fire.

Engine 248, which was the first-due engine, reported onarrival that heavy smoke was pushing from the building andtransmitted a 10-75. As Ladder 174 arrived, Lieutenant Bayerobserved a civilian about to jump from the second floor due toheavy smoke pushing from the window. The Lieutenantordered the chauffeur, FF Cavanagh, to position the aerial andrescue the trapped civilian.

Meanwhile, entering the building, the inside team--theLieutenant and FFs Donohue with the irons and Dowdell withthe extinguisher--were pushed back by heavy fire and thicksmoke in the stairwell.Simultaneously, FF Cavanaghset the aerial in place, ascendedthe ladder and rescued the cut-off civilian. However, becausethe aerial was being used, FFSommeso, the roof Firefighter,needed to improvise.

Moving quickly, he took atarred-over scuttle ladder fromthe adjoining building, whichrequired use of a Halligan toolto pry open the scuttle cover.Additionally, FF O’Sullivan,outside vent Firefighter, also

had problems getting to the rear of the building. Thinkingquickly, he placed a portable ladder onto the one-storyattached structure and climbed to the roof. He then pulled theladder up to the roof and moved to the rear of the building andclimbed down into the rear yard.

By this time, Engine 248 had stretched a hand-line andpushed back the fire, which was in complete control of thefirst-floor stairwell. This allowed the inside team to climb thestaircase and search the upper floor. Working in high heat andzero visibility, the team forced the door of the rear apartment.However, while this was occurring, Engine 248 had re-posi-tioned their line into the first-floor store, which allowed thestairwell to reignite, thereby forcing the team to operate underpunishing conditions.

On the second floor, the team members closed the doorbehind them to keep the now-unchecked fire at bay and beganto search the apartment. FF Dowdell, in the course of hissearch, located a nine-month-old baby on a bed and almostimmediately, FF Donohue located two other victims.Lieutenant Bayer immediately was notified of the three 10-45sand radioed this information to Battalion Chief Joseph McKie,Battalion 41. With this information, Engine 248 re-positionedtheir hand-line and knocked down the stairwell fire. The insideteam then brought the three civilians down to the safety of thestreet and handed them off to EMS personnel.

In his report of the incident, Deputy Chief Stephen Moro,Division 15, noted, The rapidintervention and removal byLadder 174 was instrumentalin the survival of these fourindividuals. They demonstrat-ed job knowledge, aggressiveaction and a coordinatedeffort in making this rescue.The Fire Department of theCity of New York is proud tohonor the members of LadderCompany 174 today with theFirefighter Thomas R.Elsasser Memorial Medal.--DJH

LADDER COMPANY 174

Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal

Ladder 174 operated at this two-alarm fire on East 92nd Street,Brooklyn, April 4, 2002.


Appointed to the FDNY as a Firefighter on February 2, 2003. Previously assigned to Engine 14.Recipient of a unit citation. Holds a BS degree in Speech Communications with a minor inBusiness Communications.

March 1, 2010, 2346 hours, Box 75-2605, 981 57th Street, Brooklyn

FIRE MARSHAL BRIAN M. KREBSBFI--CITY-WIDE SOUTH COMMAND

Crimes committed by organized street gangs typicallyfocus on racketeering, arms trafficking, extortion,assault, robbery and murder. The night of March 1,

2010, was different; this time, the members of one of the morenotorious street gangs were focused on revenge.

At 981 57th Street in the Borough Park section ofBrooklyn, all family members had gone to bed early. Just aftermidnight, they awoke in terror to the sound of breaking glass,as multiple Molotov cocktails were propelled through thefirst-floor windows, trapping the occupants on the upper floor.The quick response by Firefighters from Engine 247 andLadder 148 led to a rapid attack on the fire and the saferemoval of occupants. Grateful family members later reportedthat the Firefighters had appeared almost instantly.

Fire Marshals from the Bureau ofFire Investigation (BFI), City-WideSouth Command, responded.Supervising Fire Marshal Tom Kaneassigned Fire Marshal Brian Krebs asthe lead investigator. FM Krebs con-ducted a forensic examination of thefire scene that determined two incen-diary devices were thrown through thefront windows. He uncovered evi-dence and processed it for laboratoryanalysis. FM Krebs conducted an areacanvass, seeking investigative leads.He interviewed potential witnesses,cultivated confidential informants,analyzed investigative data bases andevaluated intelligence gleaned from avariety of law enforcement sources.

Investigation uncovered links to asecond nearby fire and to street gangactivity, specifically this particularinfamous gang. FM Krebs determinedthe motive of both fires was revengerelated to an internal gang dispute.During the next days, weeks andmonths, the Fire Marshal continued toidentify elusive gang members, then

implemented a strategy that resulted in the apprehension of anumber of suspects. Skilled interrogation led to confessionsand the identification of previously unknown suspects.

Working jointly with BFI’s Special Investigations Unit,FM Krebs presented the results of his investigation to theOffice of the District Attorney and the Grand Jury, resulting inthe July 21 indictment of 18 members of the street gang organ-ization. FM Krebs spearheaded an apprehension team mannedby members of the BFI and the NYPD. A total of 30 arrestswere made by FM Krebs in this case.

This is a significant BFI accomplishment. The results ofthis investigation send forth a powerful message--to both thepublic and potential offenders--that the FDNY will meet andconfront all those who challenge the safety of the citizens of

New York City and the Firefighters ofthe FDNY. The perpetrators in thiscase showed a depraved indifferenceto human life when under the cover ofdarkness, they firebombed a fullyoccupied private residence.

FM Krebs worked diligently todevelop investigative leads. Then,with fearless resolve, he set out to huntand apprehend these violent felons,known to carry and use firearms. Asthe apprehensions were made, FMKrebs distinguished himself in hisknowledge of the law and skilled useof interview/interrogation techniques,which generated powerful evidencefor the prosecution. Throughout thecourse of this investigation, FM Krebsdemonstrated the resourcefulness andtenacity found only in the most dedi-cated investigators.

His actions represent the highesttraditions in law enforcement. Withthis in mind, FM Brian Krebs isawarded the Deputy CommissionerChristine R. Godek Medal.--JDL

Deputy CommissionerChristine R. Godek Medal

Taking a break from training at Camp Smith Range isFire Marshal Brian Krebs.


It is often said that being a Firefighter is not just a careerchoice, but a calling. A great sense of pride and dedicationexude from the members and drives them to be the heroes

they truly are. FF Christopher J. Minichiello embodies thesequalities and on the evening of May 25, 2010, he demonstratedhis abilities and proved what an asset he is to the Department.

On the evening of May 25th, at 1826 hours, a fire broke outin a private dwelling in Queens. Early on in the response, thedispatcher reported an elderly person was trapped on the secondfloor. Engine 303 was first-due. The members transmitted a 10-75 signal. It was evident that this fire was dangerous and mov-ing quickly. On arrival, Ladder 126 members observed anadvanced fire pouring out of the front windows. Conditionsbegan to deteriorate rapidly.

Engine 303’s Commander quickly reported an out-of-serv-ice hydrant. A 10-70 signal (water supply is required) wasimmediately transmitted, as well as an urgent handie-talkiemessage to all mem-bers on the scene.

The inside team ofCaptain DanielKrueger (Division 13)and FFs Minichiellowith the irons andMatthew J. Sweeneywith the extinguisher,forced the inside foyerdoor open, leading upto the second floor.When they got to thetop of the stairs, theyforced the second-floorapartment door open.The door opened onlyabout one foot, indicat-ing that there wassomething or someonebehind it.

FF Minichiello

heard a person moaning in the apartment. He then reached hishand behind the door and felt the hand of the victim. Knowingthat time was running out, the Firefighter quickly pushed thedoor in enough to slip through the opening, disregarding hisown safety. Captain Krueger then followed suit. Without theprotection of a hose-line and knowing that the fire hydrant wasout of service, this rescue was particularly treacherous.

As the fire began to draw closer to the rescuers, FFMinichiello moved the victim back, while FF Sweeney pushedthe door open and assisted in removing the victim down thestairs. The victim then was placed in the care of other memberson the ground level. The Firefighters at the scene worked fever-ishly to extinguish the fire.

FF Minichiello used an innate sense of awareness by under-standing the report of the trapped elderly occupant, the locationof the fire and the resistance of the apartment door. Puttingthese elements together, he was able to execute this rescue suc-

cessfully. Had it notbeen for the quick andaggressive actions ofFF Minichiello and theinside team, theinjuries sustained bythe victim certainlywould have been moreextensive, if not fatal.Unfortunately, she didexpire a few monthslater. For his timelyand heroic actions, theFDNY is pleased tohonor FF ChristopherMinichiello with theWilliam FriedbergMedal.--VG

May 25, 2010, 1826 hours, Box 75-9839, 97-17 Waltham Street, Queens

FIREFIGHTERCHRISTOPHER J. MINICHIELLO

LADDER COMPANY 126

Appointed to the FDNY on August 5, 2007. Member of the Columbia Association and the Emerald Society.Resides in Astoria, Queens.

William Friedberg Medal

FF Matt Sweeney (left) had the extinguisher and William Friedberg Medal winner, FFChristopher Minichiello (right)--both of Ladder 126--had the irons at Queens Box 75-9839,97-17 Waltham Street.


As New Yorkers know, by mid-July, the nights are swel-tering and humid. In the outer boroughs, as traffic diesaway, the sound of air conditioners sometimes are

louder than the summer cicada insects. For FDNYFirefighters, this time of year is especially difficult becausethey must contend with the heat and humidity, as well as theweight of their personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools.Such was the case on July 20, 2010, when at approximately0300 hours, a fire broke out on the third floor of 1452 55thStreet in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn.

Working the irons positions that hot night in Ladder 148was FF Stephen J. Cunningham. As the call came into the 12thAvenue firehouse, every member knew--because of the hour--that civilians would be at risk with many in bed and asleep. Anaggressive attack would be required.

Ladder 148 arrived at the 75- by100-foot, non-fireproof multipledwelling in a bit more than four min-utes. FF Cunningham, along withLieutenant Robert Giddings and FFHenry Jablonsky (Engine 282) withthe extinguisher, quickly climbed upto the third floor where they metLieutenant Ryan Paholek, Engine 247covering, who was controlling thedoor to apartment 3F to protect ten-ants as they fled the upper floors ofthe building. The inside team donnedtheir facepieces and hoods and, afterthe safety of the occupants in thestairway was ensured, entered theburning apartment.

FF Cunningham and the othermembers of the team were immedi-ately met with a tremendous blast ofheat and smoke. Lieutenant Giddingsheard the crackling of fire from theright and ordered FF Jablonsky toopen the extinguisher and assist himwith a right-handed search.

Meanwhile, FF Cunningham began his search to the left.FF Jablonsky emptied the extinguisher on the growing fire andthen tried to hold back the flames by closing the door. However,the expanding inferno quickly burned through the luan (a typeof plywood) door and began to roll across the ceiling.

Without the benefit of a charged hose-line and the extin-guisher emptied of water, FF Cunningham pressed on with hisleft-handed search. Under arduous conditions, he moved 15feet deeper into the apartment. His dedication was rewardedwhen he found an unconscious victim, face-down in the mid-dle of the room. The Firefighter dragged the burned victim pastthe unchecked fire to the safety of the public hallway. As res-cuer and victim reached safety, Lieutenant Paholek and Engine247’s hose team arrived and a 10-45 code was transmitted.

FF Cunningham removed the victim to the floor belowand oxygen was administered bymembers of Engine 201. FFCunningham then returned to thefire apartment. Even though he wasbordering on exhaustion and hadreceived a puncture wound throughhis glove, he continued to search foradditional victims. This searchproved negative.

In his report of the incident,Battalion Chief Mark Fernen wrote:FF Cunningham exhibited personalbravery by placing himself at riskwhile conducting a determinedsearch in dangerous and worseningconditions without the protection ofan operating hose-line in place. Ifnot for his actions, it is highlyunlikely the victim would be alivetoday. The New York City FireDepartment is proud to honor FFStephen J. Cunningham today withthe Shelly Rothman MemorialMedal.--DJH

Appointed to the FDNY on May 31, 2005. Father, FF Steve Cunningham, is retired from Ladder 153. Memberof the Emerald Society and Columbia Association. Holds a BS degree with a a double major in Art andManagement from the College of Staten Island. Resides on Staten Island.

July 20, 2010, 0303 hours, Box 75-3799, 1452 55th Street, Brooklyn

FIREFIGHTER STEPHEN J. CUNNINGHAMLADDER COMPANY 148

Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal

FF Stephen J. Cunningham with forcible entry tools.


Members of the Emergency Medical Serviceencounter many situations where their quickthinking can make a big impact. Being in the

right place at the right time doesn’t hurt either. Thisproved true for EMTs Eric Howard and Keith Martin onNovember 2, 2010.

They arrived on-scene of what they thought wouldbe a routine assignment on West 40th Street inManhattan. As they exited their ambulance and begangathering equipment, they heard a woman yelling behindthem, calling for assistance. Naturally, they turned to seewhere the calls were coming from.

It was then that the EMTs observed that the calls forhelp were coming from a Port Authority Police Officer,who was struggling with a combative man. From a dis-tance, it appeared that the man was reaching for theOfficer’s gun.

Without hesitation, EMTs Howard and Martin react-ed and ran down the block to assist. They approached theman, who began shouting at them and attempted to throwa drink at them. Together, EMTs Howard and Martinwere able to restrain the man by holding him against awall. The Port Authority Officer, Amy Desthers, then

was able to radio for assistance and several Officersquickly arrived, taking the man into custody. EMTsHoward and Martin continued on to their original assign-ment, transporting a patient with back pain to BellevueHospital.

For several days, Officer Desthers searched for theEMTs who had come to her aid. Other EMS units thatshe encountered were unaware of the incident and didn’tknow to whom she was referring. Finally, on November5th, EMTs Howard and Martin were notified that OfficerDesthers wanted to say thanks.

EMT Howard said, We didn’t tell anyone it hap-pened. We just didn’t think it was a big deal. He notedthat the pair had been on-scene for only 12 minutes,including the time to help the Officer and their patient.However, Officer Desthers certainly thought it was a bigdeal.

The EMTs’ superiors think it is a big deal, too, andone that is medal-worthy. For exhibiting quick thinkingand putting their personal safety at risk, EMTs EricHoward and Keith Martin are proudly presented with theJack Pintchik Medal.--JP

November 2, 2010314 West 40th Street, Manhattan,

near the Port Authority Bus Terminal

Jack PintchikMedal

EMTERIC J. HOWARDSTATION 8

EMTKEITH G. MARTIN

STATION 8Appointed to EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician on September 28,

2009. Previously assigned to Station 15. Studied liberal arts at St. John’sUniversity and is attending the College of Westchester, studying multimedia.

Resides in the Bronx.

Appointed to EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician on July 27, 2009.Father, Lieutenant Gary Howard, is retired from Rescue 2. On a leave ofabsence from studying at Adelphi University. Resides in Whitestone, Queens.


At the quarters of Engine 54/Ladder 4, the night tour wasjust getting started. It was a Saturday night, May 1st,early spring and warm. Lieutenants Michael Barvels,

Engine 54, and John Kazan, Ladder 4, had completed roll calls.Working in Engine 54 were FFs Paul Fischetti, StephenHughes, Federico Martinez, Nicholas Pettenato and ColinRyan. Working in Ladder 4 were FFs Timothy Cashion, ScottHickey, William Leahy, Brian Loveridge and George Young.

At 1835 hours, the teleprinter signaled a vehicle fire atWest 45th Street and 7th Avenue. All members immediatelyrecognized that a routine car fire in this high-profile, midtownarea was unlikely. The members of Engine 54/Ladder 4, allhighly trained in situational awareness and response strategy,went to work. As the apparatus pulled into traffic, bothLieutenants Barvels and Kazan began formulating a strategy.

Nearing the intersection, both company Officers begantheir size-up. The streets were crowded with pedestrians andtraffic. Just ahead, the two Lieutenants observed an oldermodel Nissan Pathfinder with hazard lights flashing and whitesmoke seeping from the passenger compartment. This wasunusual. The situation had just escalated significantly. BothOfficers now put into motion a strategy that would fully iden-tify the existing situation, ensure the safety of exposed civil-ians and properly mitigate the immediate threat.

Many issues had to be addressed simultaneously.Lieutenant Barvels directed FF Martinez to maneuver theapparatus into a protective position and then ordered the mem-bers to ready a hose-line and hook up to the hydrant. The noz-zle team of FFs Pettenato and Ryan alerted Lieutenant Barvelsof fireworks-like flashes from within the vehicle, leading himto make a critical tactical decision--delay extinguishmentoperations and gather more intel.

Lieutenants Barvels and Kazan, alert to the possibility ofradioactivity in the area, directed FFs Fischetti, Hughes, Leahyand Loveridge to deploy the Ultraradiac and Rad 50 meters tomonitor radiation levels. Continued area assessment by FFsHickey, Cashion and Leahy determined there were continuedpopping reports from the rear passenger area of the vehicle. FF

Young’s canvass of the area located a police officer who hadseen the driver park the vehicle and then run. Lieutenant Kazanadvised the on-scene mounted police officer to initiate a com-puter search of the vehicle and registered owner. That comput-er search determined the vehicle was unregistered.

The Lieutenants now advised all members to address theconcern of secondary devices and then coordinated with NYPDto ensure a response by ESU and the Bomb Squad. Within min-utes, the area was filled with emergency response personnel.Evaluation by the Bomb Squad confirmed it; this was, indeed,a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).

The members of Engine 54/Ladder 4 continued to supportemergency response operations. Ladder 4 readied FAST unittools and SKED stretchers in anticipation of injured person-nel. Engine 54 prepared for a long stretch to enable tacticalaction in the event of an activated explosive device. Bothcompanies operated for the next five hours until relieved.

In his report of this incident, Deputy Chief DanielDonoghue, Division 3, described the professional actions ofthe Officers and members of Engine 54/Ladder 4 as a textbookresponse to the new standard in terrorism-related incidentsperformed in the highest standards of the FDNY.Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano and Chief of DepartmentEdward S. Kilduff remarked that their measured approachemphasized caution and restraint to achieve optimal situation-al awareness.

This was a highly significant FDNY operation. The com-pany Officers and Firefighters set in motion and executed aseries of actions that led to the successful mitigation of a ter-rorist threat from an improvised explosive device and ensuredthe recovery of highly significant prosecutorial evidence. Withteamwork and unwavering resolve, they met the unique chal-lenge of this potentially horrific terrorist attack that targetedthe citizens of New York City. The terrorist, Faisal Shahzad, isserving life in prison. For their textbook resolution to this inci-dent, the members of Engine Company 54 and LadderCompany 4 are presented with the World Trade CenterMemorial Medal.--JDL

ENGINE COMPANY 54LIEUTENANT MICHAEL B. BARVELSFF PAUL J. FISCHETTI (L-4)FF STEPHEN J. HUGHES (L-4)FF FEDERICO MARTINEZFF NICHOLAS M. PETTENATOFF COLIN C. RYAN

May 1, 2010, 1835 hours, Box 0814, corner of West 45th Street/7th Avenue, Times Square, Manhattan

ENGINE COMPANY 54LADDER COMPANY 4

World Trade CenterMemorial Medal

LADDER COMPANY 4LIEUTENANT JOHN V. KAZANFF TIMOTHY R. CASHION (E-54)FF SCOTT A. HICKEYFF WILLIAM J. LEAHYFF BRIAN J. LOVERIDGEFF GEORGE T. YOUNG


Service Rating B

Service Rating A

FF Kevin F. Brennan, L-80FF Nicholas E. Brisotti, L-59FF Glenn S. Bullock, R-1FF Patrick L. Cattani, Jr., L-167FF Kevin C. Clayton, L-176FF David Collado, Sq-61FF Cristofer N. DiBenedetto, Sq-18

FF John J. Dorn, M-1FF Ronilo T. Fuentes, L-41Lt. Brian J. Horton, L-61FF Marcin Kalski, E-257FF Stephen B. Katz, R-1FF Kenneth LaBarbera, E-168FF Thomas J. Liguori, E-254

FF Brian T. Marts, E-90FF Daniel B. Maurice, L-52FF James F. McKechnie, L-167FF William J. Patsakos, L-80FF Anthony Reynolds, L-47FF Nicholas A. Shelse, L-161FF Brian W. Walsh, L-137

FF Shane C. Benac, L-13FF John J. Blake, III, L-48FF Matthew R. Bland, E-96FF Shaun A. Burgos, L-19Lt. Anthony Campanelli, E-21Lt. John F. Carroll, Bn-18FF Anthony R. Cavalieri, R-5FF Anthony E. Chaimowitz, L-112FF Angelo J. Cocciolillo, L-54Lt. William R. Croak, L-170FF Stephen J. Cunningham, L-14FF Paul A. Denver, L-59

FF Cristofer N. DiBenedetto, Sq-18FF Joseph P. Diodato, L-61 FF Brian M. Flynn, E-39FF Keith M. Gilligan, L-28FF Gregory Hansen, L-153Lt. Kevin P. Hayes, L-3FF Daniel G. Insardi, L-102Lt. James P. Kelly, E-245Capt. Kieran M. Kilduff, L-19FF Joshua M. Lomask, L-147FF Matthew R. Lopez, L-16FF Nicholas S. Marchese, L-58

Capt. Charles A. Mastandrea, L-29Lt. Patrick E. McNiff, Bn-12FF James G. McNulty, L-170FF Christopher J. Minichiello, L-126FF Brian T. Mitchell, L-122FF Robert J. Moore, L-167FF Christian S. Nielsen, L-157FF Brian K. O’Keefe, L-28FF William L. Roesch, L-168Capt. James F. Rogers, L-59FF Christopher T. Schickler, E-35

Bureau of Fire Investigation--BFIService Rating A

FM John R. Barry, Squad 34, CWNFM Brian T. Kane, Special Investigations Unit

FM Constantine J. Kanelopoulos, Squad 32, CWSFM Brian M. Krebs, Squad 35, CWS

FM Frank L. Quiles, Special Investigations UnitFM John P. Watkins, Special Investigations Unit

Service Rating B

FM Peter M. Bradley, Squad 55, CWNFM Constantine J. Kanelopoulos, Squad 32, CWS

FM Raymond Ott, CWNFM George E. Snyder, Jr., Squad 55, CWNFM Joseph B. Sullivan, Auto Fraud Squad

Latin Kings Task ForceMarch 1, 2010, Box 2605

Squad 32, Citywide SouthMarch 10, 2010, Box 851

Squad 37, Citywide SouthApril 6, 2010

Citywide SouthApril 11, 2010, Box 294

Citywide NorthApril 20, 2010, Box 2760

Citywide South/ Special Investigations Unit

May 3, 2010, Box 483

Fireworks Enforcement UnitJuly 5, 2010

Special Investigations UnitJuly 13, 2010, Box 8611

Special Investigations UnitSeptember 5, 2010, Box 3626

Special Investigations Unit September 15, 2010, Box 3070

Unit Citations


January-December 2010

CFR Pre-Hospital Save Commendations

January 2010Engine Company 8, January 31Engine Company 10, January 2Engine Company 14, January 18Engine Company 28, January 2Engine Company 44, January 25Engine Company 47, January 12Engine Company 48, January 1Engine Company 65, January 6Engine Company 90, January 17Engine Company 167, January 8Engine Company 168,

January 2 and January 16Engine Company 231, January 14Engine Company 240, January 26Engine Company 249, January 12Engine Company 273, January 2Engine Company 274, January 24Engine Company 282, January 17Engine Company 284, January 9Engine Company 291, January 9Engine Company 293, January 20Engine Company 307, January 16Engine Company 320,

January 3 and January 21Engine Company 321, January 8Engine Company 325, January 13

February 2010Engine Company 22, February 8Engine Company 37, February 16Engine Company 40, February 9Engine Company 47, February 14Engine Company 59, February 18Engine Company 76, February 24Engine Company 82, February 28Engine Company 97, February 12Engine Company 222,

February 3 and February 20Engine Company 241, February 11Engine Company 243, February 5Engine Company 257, February 5Engine Company 286, February 7Engine Company 287, February 26Squad Company 288, February 26Engine Company 291, February 18Engine Company 292, February 21Engine Company 295, February 22Engine Company 308, February 6Engine Company 315, February 25Engine Company 332, February 24

March 2010Engine Company 8,

March 20 and March 30Engine Company 15, March 21Engine Company 16,

March 17 and March 31Engine Company 23, March 16Engine Company 46, March 2Engine Company 60, March 19Engine Company 81, March 24Engine Company 89, March 3Engine Company 231, March 17Engine Company 234, March 30Engine Company 240, March 20Engine Company 254, March 23Engine Company 255, March 10Engine Company 257, March 9Engine Company 271, March 16Engine Company 276,

March 18 and March 19Engine Company 290, March 26Engine Company 299, March 16Engine Company 305, March 20Engine Company 307, March 21Engine Company 310, March 23Engine Company 318, March 27Engine Company 325,

March 22 and March 31Engine Company 330, March 22

April 2010Engine Company 53, April 2Engine Company 62, April 29Engine Company 79, April 5Engine Company 89, April 3Engine Company 92, April 18Engine Company 158, April 10Engine Company 240, April 16Engine Company 280, April 10Engine Company 282, April 6Engine Company 285, April 28Engine Company 292, April 28Engine Company 293, April 26Engine Company 308, April 13Engine Company 325, April 8Engine Company 331, April 5

May 2010Engine Company 8, May 17Engine Company 14, May 27Engine Company 22, May 23Engine Company 39, May 27Engine Company 54, May 29Engine Company 74, May 26Engine Company 75, May 18Engine Company 95, May 28Engine Company 156, May 27Engine Company 217, May 17Engine Company 230, May 4Engine Company 236,

May 10 and May 18Engine Company 262, May 25Engine Company 275, May 4Engine Company 282, May 31Engine Company 283,

May 6 and May 31Engine Company 319, May 18Engine Company 328, May 10Engine Company 332, May 4

June 2010Squad Company 41, June 29Engine Company 88, June 10Engine Company 89, June 7Engine Company 211, June 17Engine Company 219, June 12Engine Company 222, June 28Engine Company 231, June 10Engine Company 253, June 13Engine Company 286, June 17Engine Company 292, June 16Engine Company 303, June 15Engine Company 305, June 4Engine Company 311, June 15Engine Company 312, June 4


July 2010Engine Company 24, July 17Engine Company 42, July 12Engine Company 43, July 8Engine Company 44, July 12Engine Company 65, July 20Engine Company 80, July 17Engine Company 88,

July 7 and July 12Engine Company 93, July 13Engine Company 151,

July 2 and July 24Engine Company 227, July 31Engine Company 236, July 27Engine Company 254, July 14Squad Company 270, July 31Engine Company 274, July 22Engine Company 289, July 20Engine Company 307, July 9Engine Company 309, July 6Engine Company 313, July 17Engine Company 316, July 31

August 2010Engine Company 4, August 13Squad Company 18, August 18Engine Company 74, August 20Engine Company 91, August 31Engine Company 214, August 15Engine Company 229, August 17Engine Company 235, August 15Engine Company 246, August 19Engine Company 248, August 26Engine Company 253, August 26Engine Company 266, August 21Engine Company 271, August 6Engine Company 274, August 5Engine Company 279, August 16Engine Company 283, August 10Engine Company 289, August 23Engine Company 294, August 3Engine Company 301, August 8Engine Company 307, August 24Engine Company 319, August 5

September 2010Engine Company 21, September 19Engine Company 37, September 28Engine Company 50, September 8Squad Company 61, September 28Engine Company 69, September 25Engine Company 95, September 23Engine Company 166, September 16Engine Company 217, September 7Engine Company 233, September 5Engine Company 235, September 13Engine Company 236, September 26Engine Company 243,

September 4 and September 12Engine Company 254, September 1Engine Company 255, September 20Engine Company 257, September 6Engine Company 271, September 13Engine Company 275, September 19Engine Company 283, September 2Engine Company 312, September 5Engine Company 317, September 17Engine Company 320, September 2Engine Company 324, September 11

October 2010Engine Company 1, October 18Engine Company 3, October 15Engine Company 4, October 19Engine Company 5, October 6Engine Company 45, October 11Engine Company 46, October 14Engine Company 54, October 5Engine Company 69, October 21Engine Company 76, October 17Engine Company 227, October 12Engine Company 242, October 19Engine Company 245, October 26Engine Company 251, October 25Engine Company 262, October 13

November 2010Engine Company 23, November 1Engine Company 42, November 26Engine Company 48, November 17Engine Company 63, November 15Engine Company 92, November 6Engine Company 97, November 30Engine Company 206,

November 12 and November 30Engine Company 231, November 30Engine Company 255, November 5Engine Company 257, November 12Engine Company 258, November 20Engine Company 260, November 23Engine Company 264, November 3Engine Company 268, November 1Engine Company 274,

November 10 and November 25Engine Company 285, November 5Engine Company 286, November 2Engine Company 298, November 19Engine Company 306, November 27Engine Company 310, November 12Engine Company 317, November 13Engine Company 318, November 9Engine Company 319, November 20Engine Company 323, November 26Engine Company 324, November 24

December 2010Engine Company 7, December 6Engine Company 8,

December 4 and December 9Squad Company 18, December 31Engine Company 22,

December 14 and December 21Engine Company 23, December 26Engine Company 24, December 17Engine Company 71, December 13Engine Company 92, December 6Engine Company 96, December 5Engine Company 97, December 30Engine Company 154, December 2Engine Company 159, December 31Engine Company 202, December 26Engine Company 220, December 26Engine Company 225, December 13Engine Company 255, December 8Engine Company 283, December 13Engine Company 290, December 2Engine Company 292, December 14Engine Company 297, December 19Engine Company 305, December 9Engine Company 308, December 21Engine Company 312, December 9Engine Company 324, December 2


Paramedic Faisel Abed (2)EMT Annabell AbreuParamedic Roberto AbrilParamedic Alex AcevedoEMT Samuel AckermanEMT Pedro Acosta (2)Paramedic Wilbert Acosta (3)Paramedic Elizabeth Acosta-RayosEMT Devon AdamsParamedic Samantha AguirreEMT Hasnie Ahmetaj (2)Paramedic Keith Ahrens (2)Lieutenant Nicholas Aiello (4)Paramedic Jeanne Aikins (2)EMT Thomas AkerbergLieutenant Rosemarie AlabrandiEMT Richard Alavarces (2)Paramedic Joseph Albo (3)EMT Edwin Aldrich, IIIParamedic Ashley AlejoLieutenant Rosemarie AlibrandiEMT Alexis AliceaParamedic Richard Alicea (2)Lieutenant Richard AllasParamedic Rowan Allen (2)EMT Daniel Almandoz (2)Paramedic Anthony Almojera (2)EMT Jean AltidorParamedic John-Paul AlvarezLieutenant Rae Ammirati (2)Lieutenant Lawrence AndersonEMT Guillermo AndradeParamedic Aren Andreasian (2)Paramedic Timothy AnsonEMT Rowland AquinoLieutenant Carlos Ariza (2)Paramedic Miriam ArnoldEMT Winston ArnoldLieutenant Lloyd Arscott (3)EMT Alejandro Arzeno (2)EMT Sharon AssisParamedic Ulya Atilgan-QuesadaParamedic Howard AuerbachEMT Steven AumoitheParamedic Freddy AvilesLieutenant Gilberto AvilesParamedic Angel AyalaEMT Arzu AydogduEMT Babacar BaEMT Benjamin BadilloEMT Robert BaerLieutenant Edgar Baez (3)EMT Anthony Baiocco (2)Paramedic Isaiah Baker (2)Paramedic Felicia Bangura (2)EMT Xiaotian BaoParamedic Kenneth BaroneParamedic Mary Ann BaroneParamedic Jason BartelsParamedic Raymond BartolomeyCaptain Wayne Baskin (2)Paramedic Brendan Bass (2)Lieutenant Mario BastidasLieutenant Moses Bastien (3)Lieutenant Andrew Bates (2)EMT Mark BatistaEMT Jeremy BayardLieutenant James Becker (4)

EMT Netta BedassieEMT Petula BedeauParamedic Jagmeet Bedi (4)Paramedic Leonardo Bedoya (3)Paramedic Eduardo BelgraveParamedic Daniel Bellingham (2)Paramedic Jose Benitez (2)Lieutenant Carol BenjaminParamedic Kimberly Benson (2)EMT George Bergen, Jr. (2)Captain Mitchell BerkowitzEMT Victor Berrios (2)Paramedic Richard BerroaParamedic Joseph BevilacquaLieutenant Christopher BilzEMT Prabhleen BindraEMT Dave BlanchardParamedic Nadra Blelis (2)Paramedic Conor Bliss (2)Lieutenant Jorge Blondett (3)EMT Abdul BoddingtonEMT Kenneth BogleParamedic William BohrParamedic James Bolger (2)EMT Adolfo Bonafoux (2)Paramedic Richard Bonet (2)Paramedic Kenold BonhommeParamedic Ferdinand Bonifacio (3)Lieutenant Mark Bonilla (12)Division Chief James BoothLieutenant Frank BorelloParamedic Alexis BorkowskiParamedic Jose BorreroEMT Antoinette Bovell JonasParamedic Schyler Boyd (3)Lieutenant Tonya Boyd-Jones (2)Captain Edward BradleyParamedic Shane BradyParamedic Kevin BratholtEMT James Bremen (2)EMT Andre BristolParamedic Benjamin BriuEMT Nicholas BroadbentEMT Andrew BrockParamedic Telina BrockParamedic Keisha BrockingtonEMT Keith BuccieriEMT Ronald BulaclacEMT Tyeisha BurgessEMT Daniel BurgosLieutenant David BurkeEMT Anthony Burrell (2)EMT Jazmin Burrell (2)EMT Katrina BuyundParamedic Damien ByfieldEMT Alex ByrdEMT James ByrneEMT Anthony CabanEMT Henry CabreraEMT Victor Cadicamo (3)Paramedic Carmen CaggianoParamedic Robert Caggiano (2)Paramedic Steven Caggiano (4)EMT Salvatore CaiozzaLieutenant Margaret CalamusaParamedic Corrielle Caldwell (2)Paramedic Pablo CallejasEMT Robert Camaj

Lieutenant Steven Cameron (2)EMT Michelle Campbell (4)Paramedic Desiree CamporealeEMT John Capunay (2)EMT Jorge CarbonellLieutenant Michael Carboni (2)EMT Henry CareyLieutenant Linda Carlson (2)Paramedic Stephen CarpenterEMT Holly CarrEMT Patrick CarriganParamedic Daryl CarrollEMT Mark Carroll (2)EMT Kenneth CarterLieutenant Richard Casaletto (2)Lieutenant Elizabeth CascioEMT Sidney CastiblancoEMT Ruben CastilloEMT Nancy CastroLieutenant Andre CatapanoParamedic James CavaliereParamedic Marcos CavalloLieutenant Cemal Cengiz (3)Paramedic Chin-Shan ChanEMT Kai Chan (2)Paramedic Marvin ChanLieutenant Mark ChaplanParamedic Pierre Charboneau (5)EMT Steven ChasanCaptain Richard ChattertonEMT Ruth ChavezEMT Thomas CheccoParamedic Francisco Checo (2)Paramedic Chin-Shan ChenParamedic Kenny Cheng (3)Paramedic Rondell ChesterParamedic Jason Cheung (3)Paramedic Timothy Chiarel (2)EMT John Chiarovano (2)EMT Brandon ChinParamedic Cynthia Chin (2)EMT Frank CicciarelloEMT Anastasius CieltoParamedic Michael CilentoLieutenant Rafael Cintron (5)Paramedic Edward ClarkeCaptain Lizette Claro (4)Paramedic Johana Clerge (2)Paramedic Trevor ColemanParamedic Dwaynne ColeyParamedic John ComerfordEMT Steven ConboyParamedic Arthur ConcepcionEMT Michael CondonEMT Thomas ConfortiParamedic Andria ConnellParamedic Danielle ConnellEMT Felix ContrerasEMT Julio ContrerasEMT Joseph ConzoCaptain Louis Cook (3)Lieutenant Luis CorallesLieutenant Edwin CordovaParamedic Jane CorellaLieutenant Luis Corrales (2)EMT Daniel Cortes (2)Paramedic Gary CortesParamedic Juan Cortes

EMT Karina CostantinLieutenant Anthony CozzinoParamedic James Crispino (2)EMT Edward CrowleyEMT Kiesha CrutchfieldEMT Emilio CruzParamedic Jose Cruz (3)EMT Rebecca Cruz (2)EMT Yeny CruzEMT Henry CubaParamedic Michael CumberbatchLieutenant Sean CunniffeEMT Desmond Cunningham, Jr.EMT Owen CunninghamParamedic Stephen Curiale (3)EMT Peter CurryLieutenant Timothy Cusack (3)Paramedic Joseph DalyEMT Nicholas DamanteParamedic Jonathan DamatoParamedic Mary D’AngeloEMT Errol Daniels (2)Lieutenant James Darnowski (6)Lieutenant Kevin DarnowskiParamedic Christopher D’Auria (2)EMT Kerry David (2)EMT Kenneth DavisParamedic Sorffly DaviusCaptain Carolyn DeevyCaptain Anthony DeGennaro (2)Paramedic Jesus DeinnocentiisLieutenant Gilbert DeJesus (2)EMT Dawn Delgado (2)Paramedic Jordwin Delrosario (3)Lieutenant Christopher DeLuca (2)Lieutenant Michael DeMarco (2)Paramedic Christopher DemottEMT Joseph DenapoliEMT Peyton DennisParamedic Brian DePalmaParamedic Maureen DeptolaParamedic Brian Desantis (3)Paramedic Anthony DesirParamedic Kathleen Devanyes (2)EMT Christopher DevineEMT Ramon DiazParamedic Kevin DifioreEMT Matthew DigiulioLieutenant Patrick DillonLieutenant John Paul Dimen (3)Paramedic Trinh DinhEMT William DipietraLieutenant Timothy Dluhos (2)EMT Jean Dominique (2)Paramedic George Doremus (2)Paramedic Anselmo DossantosParamedic Diane Dos Santos (3)Lieutenant Erin Doyle (2)Lieutenant Angela Dragotto (3)EMT Douglas DrumgoEMT Ian Dsouza EMT Jim DuffLieutenant Richard DunLieutenant William DunckleeLieutenant Andrew DunnParamedic Jason DurecoutParamedic Thomas DurkinEMT Dustin Dwyer (2)

Number in parentheses indicates multiple saves.

2010 Pre-Hospital Save Awards


EMT Karl DyckmanLieutenant Michael Earley (4)EMT Christopher Echevarria (4)EMT Tristen Echols (2)Lieutenant Wa-il K. EldahryParamedic Doraun EllisEMT Keisha Ellis (2)EMT Sean Emanuel (2)EMT Nicholas Emanuele (2)Lieutenant Christopher Emhardt (2)EMT Robert Emhardt (2)Lieutenant Kevin EnrightEMT Watson EntwisleLieutenant Thomas EppingerLieutenant Richard Erdey (5)Paramedic Francisco EspadasEMT Jeffrey EspinalEMT Jimmy EspinosaParamedic Josette Esquivias (3)EMT Mark Estick (3)Lieutenant Albert EstradaParamedic John EvansEMT Sarah EvansParamedic John Eyzaguirre (4)Paramedic McDonald EzeParamedic Joseph FarrellParamedic Joseph Fazzino (2)EMT Kimberly FazziolaLieutenant David FeinParamedic Harvey FeintuchParamedic Christopher

Feliciano (2)EMT Domingo FelicianoEMT Samuel FernandezParamedic Ray Ferreira (4)EMT Sherri Fiebert (2)Lieutenant Brett Fields (2)Paramedic Jerry Figueroa (2)Lieutenant Thomas FinnDivision Chief Michael FittonParamedic Stanislav Flaksman (3)Paramedic Vince Flood (2)Paramedic Ernst FlorealLieutenant Charles FloresParamedic Miguel Flores (4)Paramedic Serafin Flores (2)Paramedic Richard FlowerParamedic Gregory FloydLieutenant Patrick Flynn (4)Lieutenant Patricia FoleyEMT Bruce Fonseca (2)EMT Paul ForteParamedic Jonathan FortiEMT Nedia FougereEMT Kathy Ann FrancisEMT Jewel Fraser (2)Paramedic Katherine FrawleyEMT Tyrell FrazierEMT Albert FredericksEMT Stephanie FrenchLieutenant Mitchell FriedlandParamedic Joshua Frumer (2)Lieutenant James Furlong (5)Paramedic Carlo Gabrielli (2)EMT Japhet Gaengan (2)EMT Vincent GagliardoEMT Andy GalagarzaLieutenant Scott GallettaEMT Daneroy Gallimore (2)EMT Alfredo GarciaParamedic Christian GarciaEMT Juan GarciaLieutenant Maria GarciaLieutenant Joseph Gasparini (3)Paramedic Alfredo Gaw

EMT Sarah GeldardLieutenant Victoria GenoveseEMT Gregory GentileParamedic James GeronimoParamedic Julianne GerrishParamedic William GettensEMT Dwayne GilkesLieutenant Dave Gill (3)EMT Joseph GinobbiLieutenant Joseph GioielliParamedic Marco GiraoParamedic Annemarie GirgentiParamedic Erlis GjyreziLieutenant Abraham Glatzer (2)Lieutenant Michael GlennEMT John GloverEMT Don GoepfertParamedic Erica Golino (2)Paramedic Alexander Gomez (3)EMT Carlos GonzalezParamedic Daniel GonzalezEMT Edward GonzalezParamedic Enrique Gonzalez (2)Paramedic Jason GonzalezEMT Dave GoodmanEMT Daryl Goodridge (2)EMT Mac GottliebParamedic Kahlia GrahamParamedic Marcio

Grano De Oro (2)Paramedic Feliks Granovskiy (2)EMT Blauri GraterolEMT Raz-Giem GravesEMT William GrazianoEMT Michael GrecoEMT Jason GreibeslandLieutenant Karen GrohlParamedic Eric GruarinParamedic Sheng GuEMT Carlos Guadron (2)EMT John Guarisco (2)Deputy Chief Geraldine GuarneriLieutenant Julie Guevara (4)Paramedic Roland Guirand, Jr.EMT Aston GuobadiaParamedic Garry GurrierEMT Aartha GutierrezLieutenant Luis Gutierrez (2)Paramedic Matthew Guttilla (2)EMT Cecil GuyParamedic Richard GuzmanLieutenant Bruce Haas (2)Lieutenant Andrew HaberCaptain Howard Hahn (3)Paramedic Andrew Haley (2)Lieutenant Elise Hanlon (3)Paramedic Jennifer HannafeyLieutenant Thomas Hannan (2)EMT Nicholas HansenParamedic Benjamin Harris (2)Lieutenant Charles HarrisEMT Darren HarrisEMT Samuel HarrisEMT Tameka HarrisEMT Bevonia HarrisonEMT Winslow HarrisonEMT Ahmetaj HasnieParamedic Salwa HassanEMT Kimberly Hattan (2)Captain Kevin HaughParamedic Richard HawkinsEMT Krystal HayesEMT Michael HealeyEMT Lori HeckerParamedic John Heer (2)

Paramedic Robert Heins (3)Paramedic Juan Henriquez (3)Paramedic Walter HenryEMT Cristobal HernandezEMT Jamaal Hickmon (2)Paramedic Christopher HigginsLieutenant Joan Hillgardner (2)Lieutenant Barret Hirsch (4)Paramedic Walter HochbruecknerEMT Robert HockenjosEMT Patrick HodgensEMT Ceasar HollowayParamedic Simon Holyland (2)Captain Paul HopperParamedic David HovestadtEMT Chih Kai HuParamedic Joseph Hudak (3)Paramedic Charles HugginsEMT Steven Hughes (2)Lieutenant Paige HumphriesParamedic Robert HuntEMT William HuntParamedic Lee Hyo GapEMT Peter Inglis (2)EMT James IngramEMT Barbara IrizarryEMT Irma Irizarry (3)Paramedic Matt Jachyra (2)EMT Aman-Re JackParamedic Christian Jackson (2)EMT Curtis JacksonEMT Melissa JacksonLieutenant Peter JakubowskiEMT Sonia James-RajuParamedic Dennis Jamieson (2)EMT James JanuszkiewiczLieutenant Joseph JeffersonLieutenant Walter JehleParamedic Kevin JenningsEMT Marcus JeromeEMT Jerome Jewet (2)EMT Estarlin JimenezLieutenant Andrew JohnsonLieutenant Marietta Johnson (2)EMT Michael JohnsonEMT Nyasha Johnson (2)EMT Ronald JohnsonLieutenant Stephen JohnsonParamedic Angela JonesEMT Vanchella JonesLieutenant Wayne Jones (2)Paramedic Willie Jones (2)EMT Suzette JordanParamedic Alexis JosephParamedic Nathalie Joseph (4)Paramedic Tracy Joseph (2)Paramedic Sean Josten (2)EMT Philip JugenheimerParamedic Winsley JulienLieutenant Michael Kaiser (3)Paramedic Aleksander KaplanLieutenant David KaricEMT Thomas KarteliasEMT Daniel Keegan (2)Paramedic Robert KellyEMT Michael KenneyEMT Ofir Keren (2)EMT Julie KeshembergParamedic Alexander KhalefParamedic Adil KhalidParamedic David KherEMT Yuriy KhurinLieutenant Scott Kiernan (5)Paramedic Michael KingEMT Shaun King

Paramedic Steven KleinbergLieutenant Kathleen Knuth (2)EMT David KocajEMT Christian KomondoreaParamedic Jing Kong (3)EMT Erik KorzeniewskiParamedic Ewa KoszowskaEMT David KowalskiLieutenant George Kroustallis (2)EMT Erik KrozeniewskiLieutenant Jeff Krulfeifer (3)Paramedic Jason Kum (3)Paramedic Franklin KupferbergEMT Douglas LaicoParamedic Jowaheer LallEMT Frank LaurinoLieutenant Nicole LawrenceEMT Jason LazarLieutenant Gaetano Lazzara (7)EMT Johnathon LeavyParamedic Juan Lebron (2)Paramedic David LeeParamedic Gilbert LeeEMT Shijae LeeParamedic William LehmannEMT Dwight Leitch (2)Paramedic Katty LeJardeEMT Thomas Leonard (3)Paramedic Vito LeoneParamedic Bart LeseurEMT Thomas Leto (2)EMT Jeffrey LevineEMT Christopher LewisEMT Maurice LewisEMT Rosa LewisEMT Justin LicariEMT Josue LicianoParamedic Justin LimParamedic Justin Lin (2)EMT Zhang Kai LinDeputy Chief Stephen Lincke (6)Paramedic Kay LincolnLieutenant Timothy Lindblom (2)EMT Christina Lindie (2)Paramedic Christopher Lipkin (2)Paramedic Alexander LipsittParamedic Maureen LittleParamedic Carlos LizcanoParamedic Cris LoguidiceEMT Lissette LoledoEMT Harold LongEMT Valerie LongoLieutenant Carlos Lopez (2)Paramedic Hoover Lopez (3)EMT John LopezParamedic Lisa Lopez (2)Paramedic Luis Lopez (2)Paramedic Michael LoscalzoParamedic Joseph LosquadroLieutenant Edward Loss (6)EMT Mwalimu LovelaceEMT Brendan Lovett (4)EMT Edward LoweEMT Edwin LozadaEMT Antonio LuceroEMT Jessica LundenEMT Robert LynchEMT Dennis MachtelLieutenant Elizabeth MackiewiczEMT Vashala MadhoParamedic Nicholas MagroEMT Aly MahmodParamedic Christopher Mahoney (2)Paramedic Sean MahoneyParamedic Allen Maikels


EMT Ralph Maisonneuve (2)Paramedic Mario MaldonadoEMT Orlando MalinayParamedic Ralph Mangrella (4)EMT James Manti (2)EMT William MarcheseParamedic Steve MarinoLieutenant David Marks (3)Paramedic Julio MarreroLieutenant Michael MarsEMT Robert MartellEMT Keith Martin (2)Paramedic Michael MartinEMT James MartinezParamedic Orlando MartinezEMT Anthony Marullo, Jr.Paramedic Daniel MathieuParamedic Eric Matonis (3)EMT Frank MaynardEMT John MayroseLieutenant Kevin MazuzanParamedic Daniel MbohEMT James McCabeLieutenant Lawrence McCallaParamedic Charles McCarrenLieutenant Michael McCarthyParamedic Thomas McCarthyEMT Michael McCauley (2)Paramedic John McConnell (2)EMT Michael McConville (3)EMT Thomas McCormickParamedic James McCueParamedic James McDaleParamedic Eze McDonaldParamedic Sean McGrathEMT Cullen McGrawParamedic James McGuireEMT Timothy McGurkEMT James McHughParamedic Charles McKeon (2)EMT Kevin McKeonLieutenant Charles McLaughlinEMT Reginald McLaurinParamedic Tyrone McLuneEMT Christopher McManusEMT Michael McNallyParamedic Charles McNeil (2)Lieutenant Joe McWilliams (5)EMT Chalin MedinaParamedic Francisco MedinaCaptain Rudy MedinaParamedic Michael Melas (2)EMT Manuel MelendezParamedic Byron MeloParamedic Jason Mendelsohn (2)Paramedic John MendezParamedic Redwin MendezEMT Dewey MendoncaParamedic Onoria MercadoEMT Raul MercadoParamedic William MeringoloParamedic Kerry Merkel (2)Lieutenant Lawrence Messina (2)Lieutenant Edward MeyerEMT Michael MeyerEMT Yaniri MiandaParamedic Alexandru MihailescuLieutenant Joanne Miller (2)EMT Johnny Miller (2)Paramedic Latisha Miller (2)Paramedic Matthew Miller (2)Paramedic William Miller (4)EMT James MillsParamedic Adam Minkow (2)

Lieutenant Anthony MirandaEMT Yaniri MirandaParamedic Justin Miro (2)EMT Daniel MitchellEMT Shawna MitchellEMT Fritz MoiseEMT Gladimyr MoiseParamedic Thomas Monahan, Sr.Lieutenant Norberto Monell (2)EMT Louis MontalvoEMT Keith MoonLieutenant William Moore (2)Lieutenant Angelo Morales (2)Paramedic Daryl Morales (2)EMT Isaiah MoralesParamedic Jose Morales (2)EMT Michael MoralesEMT Ivan MoreauParamedic Julie MorelandEMT Michael Morstatt (2)Paramedic Michael MotleyParamedic Farooq Muhammad (3)Lieutenant Martha Muriel (2)Lieutenant Donald Murphy (2)Lieutenant James MurphyEMT Nora MurphyEMT Samuel MurrayParamedic Said MustafaLieutenant Ralph MustilloParamedic Donald MycoosingEMT Salvatore Namio (4)Captain Andrea

Nanna-MontgomeryParamedic Carlo Napoleon (2)Paramedic Daniel Napoletano (3)Paramedic Christopher NatoliEMT John NaughtonLieutenant Alfred NavaroParamedic Jonathan NegronEMT Rebecca NegronParamedic Mancuso NeilLieutenant Walter NelsonEMT Nacel NemorinEMT Lisa NesbittParamedic Kenneth Newman (2)Paramedic Ray Nirrengarten (2)EMT Andy NunezEMT Ryan OcampoParamedic Vanessa OcasioLieutenant Vincent OcchipintiParamedic Jason Ochoa (2)Paramedic Joseph O’FarrellEMT Kevin O’HaraEMT Curtis OliverParamedic Makesi OliverParamedic Gerson Olivo (2)Lieutenant Bryan O’MalleyEMT Meleki O’NealEMT Michael O’Neil (2)Paramedic Patrick O’NeilParamedic William Oneill (2)EMT Frantz OriolEMT Christopher Orlik (2)EMT Kimberly OrorkeParamedic Eric OrthEMT Joel OrtizEMT John OrtizEMT Jose OrtizLieutenant Norman OrtizParamedic Ferry OscarParamedic Niall O’Shaughnessy (3)EMT Jennifer OsterParamedic Eric OzechowskiParamedic Julio Padilla

EMT Sharay PaigeEMT Janice Palencia (2)EMT Delphena Panton (2)Paramedic McCray ParchmentEMT Nestor ParedesEMT Hanifa Parris (2)Paramedic Greg Partch, Jr.EMT Matthew Pascale (2)Lieutenant Anthony PascarellaParamedic Christian Pasco (2)EMT Patrick PasculloLieutenant Joseph Pastor (2)Lieutenant Joseph PatakyEMT Jake PateLieutenant Raymond PattersonLieutenant Yunek PaulEMT Anthony PaulinoParamedic Fernando Payamps (3)Paramedic Abel PayeroParamedic Larry PayneParamedic Joseph Pelicano (3)Paramedic Maximo PenaParamedic Clifton PennieLieutenant Esmerelda PepperEMT Elizabeth Perez (2)EMT Francis PerezEMT Frank PerezEMT Jose Perez (6)Lieutenant Osvaldo PerezEMT Tina PerezParamedic Jeannie PerroneEMT Kelly PetersEMT Ilya PetevkaLieutenant Jon Phelan (3)EMT Timothy PhillipsParamedic Latasha PierreParamedic Andre Pierre-LouisEMT Leslie PignataroEMT Carlos PillizaEMT James PioneParamedic Jeanne PirroneEMT Adam PiscitelloParamedic Ivan Placido (2)EMT Kostadinov PlamenLieutenant Edmund Platt (2)Paramedic Brian PlunkettParamedic Bernard PogrebinskyEMT Karen PolancoLieutenant Lawrence Pontrelli (2)Paramedic Grzegorz PortkaLieutenant Michael Potasso (2)Paramedic Victor PotitoEMT Baldeo PrahladEMT Joseph PrebishLieutenant Robin Printy (2)EMT Brian PriorEMT Janet PuenteLieutenant Jeffrey Quigley (2)Paramedic Antonio QuinonesEMT Tracey Quinonez (2)Paramedic Eddie Radovic (3)Paramedic Rezaur RahmanParamedic Usman RahyabParamedic Kevin RamdayalLieutenant Rafael Ramirez (5)Paramedic Ryan Ramjas (2)EMT Roberto RamonEMT David RamosEMT Gilbert RamosLieutenant Manuel RamosEMT Vijay RampersadEMT Eric RandolphEMT Kenneth RauParamedic Charles Raynor (2)

Paramedic William Razenson (2)Lieutenant Bonnie ReganEMT Dennis Rehberger (2)Paramedic Mark ReillyEMT Christopher RespolEMT Scott Rest (3)EMT Carlos ReyesParamedic Daniel Riccobono (3)Lieutenant William Rich (8)Lieutenant Matthew Rightmyer (2)Paramedic Cesar RiosEMT William RitterEMT Agatha Rivera (3)EMT Brian RiveraEMT Cynthia RiveraEMT Josiah RiveraParamedic Michael Rivera (2)EMT Nelson RiveraParamedic Rosa RiveraEMT Allen RizzoEMT Raeshon RobersonParamedic Earl RobertsLieutenant Timothy Roberts (3)EMT Christopher RobertsonParamedic Taisha Robinson (2)Lieutenant Miguel Roche (4)EMT Arnaldo RodriguezParamedic Dennis RodriguezEMT Franklin RodriguezParamedic George RodriguezEMT Jeanine RodriguezParamedic Craig RoederParamedic Lionel RomanEMT Ruben RomanoParamedic Corey RomanowskiEMT Edgar RomeroLieutenant Douglas RondonEMT Roberto RosaLieutenant Thomas Rosa (2)EMT Richard RosadoParamedic Edgar RosalesParamedic Jerri Rosati (3)Paramedic John RosatiLieutenant Anthony Rosiello (2)EMT Vanessa RossLieutenant Scott RothschildCaptain Robert Rousso (2)EMT John RugenEMT Adam RuizParamedic Edward RuizEMT Richard Ruiz (2)Paramedic Dean RussellParamedic George Russo (2)Captain Stephen RussoParamedic Alison Russo-Elling (2)Paramedic Brendan Ryan (2)EMT Nicolas SaccoLieutenant Jason Saffon (2)EMT Djohnny Saint LouisParamedic Louis Saint-SurinParamedic Favian SalazarParamedic Parisa SalemParamedic Salim Abdul SalimLieutenant Marc SamuelsEMT Michael SanchezParamedic Matthew SanfilippoEMT Fabio SantanaEMT Josette SantanaParamedic Jason Santiago (2)Paramedic Nicolas Santini (2)Lieutenant Vincent Santoiemma (2)Paramedic Kathleen SantoraEMT Ricardo SantosParamedic Lupin Sara


Month Unit MembersJanuary 31C3 EMTs Raheam Jones, Edward Primo, Steven SeymourFebruary 41D2 EMTs Rafael Torres, Anthony Trabolse, Franklin Trabucco March 23D3 EMTs George Bergen, Patrick Hodgens, Ronald McCueApril 16D2 EMTs Terrence Moore, Rafael Muniz, John PikeMay 49B1 EMTs John Marino, Michael Meyer, Jose OrtizJune 43V3 Paramedics William Gettens, Sara Lupin, Evgeni ZenkovichJuly 58D3 EMTs John Cook, Darryl Savoca, Marso SullyAugust 57A3 EMTs Daniel Cotter, James McHugh, Andrew SavageSeptember 38S2 Paramedics Doraun Ellis, Brendan Ryan, Allen Schildgen October 39D2 EMTs Kenneth Barriteau, Abdul Boddington, Bevonia HarrisonNovember 58G3 EMTs Jonathan Disilvestro, Gregory Saint Clair, Terrence Sykes December 49H3 EMTs Pedro Acosta, Paul Forte, Dennis Rehberger

EMT Andrew Savage (2)EMT Darryl SavocaEMT Thomas ScalaParamedic Robert ScanlonParamedic Steven ScarinziEMT Michael SchaferParamedic Conrad SchbauerParamedic Jonathan SchecterParamedic Allen Schildgen (2)EMT Donna SchulzEMT Kouassi Schumann (2)EMT Douglas SchusterLieutenant James Scordus (2)EMT Funk ScottLieutenant Kiernan ScottParamedic Linda ScottEMT Norman Scott (3)EMT Richard SeaberryEMT Kimoi Sealy-BrownParamedic Andre Segovia, Jr.EMT Betzaida SerranoParamedic Erika SerranoEMT Morgan SetorieParamedic Olashawna SeymoreEMT Stanley ShakirEMT Chunghing ShamLieutenant Barry Shapiro (5)Paramedic Ajay Sharma (3)EMT Kimberly SharpeLieutenant Michael Sheridan (2)EMT Joseph SicilianoEMT Thomas SicilianoDeputy Chief Howard SicklesParamedic Edmond SignerParamedic Kenneth Silas (2)Paramedic Arnold Silva (2)Paramedic Roberto SilveiraParamedic Gary SimmondsParamedic Stephen SimonLieutenant Derrick Simpkins (2)EMT Rajbir SinghParamedic Edmond SingnerEMT William Slavik (2)Paramedic Gary SmileyLieutenant Brian SmithParamedic Hugh SmithEMT John Smith

Paramedic Kelvin SmithEMT Michael SmithParamedic Richard Smith (3)EMT Garfield SmytheParamedic Ervin SobievParamedic Magdalena SobocinskiEMT Jose SolisParamedic Robert SottileEMT Marie-Nicole SouffrantParamedic Jason SpandorfLieutenant Philip SpiroEMT Alyssa SpoonerEMT Cindy StewartEMT Robert Strafer (4)EMT Cody StrambergerEMT June StraughnEMT Ashley Strevy McDonaldEMT Kevin StringfieldEMT Junior StvilParamedic Evan SucheckiEMT Deo Sukhu (3)Captain John SullivanLieutenant Milton Sylman (2)EMT Thomas SzczerbaEMT Alvin Taylor (2)Paramedic Christopher Taylor (3)EMT Keith Taylor (2)Paramedic Mark TaylorEMT Orville TempleEMT Adrian TheobaldLieutenant Thoywell ThomasParamedic Mario Thompkins (2)Lieutenant Donna Tiberi (2)Lieutenant Leonard Tiberi (2)EMT Beth Tichman (2)EMT Robert Tiegen (2)EMT Vanessa TineoEMT Beth TishmanEMT Lissette ToledoParamedic Michael Toomey (3)Paramedic Alberto TorresEMT Camalia TorresEMT Yelitza TorresEMT Anthony TortoriciParamedic Stephen TortorielloEMT Mourad TouatiLieutenant Debra Towers

Paramedic Gerardo ToyloyLieutenant George TragerParamedic Michael TraversParamedic Michael TrioloParamedic Timothy Troeber (2)EMT Noel Trowers (2)Paramedic William TruoccoloParamedic William Tung (2)EMT Salvatore TurturiciEMT Erica UcciardinoEMT Heidi UmpierreEMT Amanda UsterEMT Peter VacarroLieutenant Andre Valdez (2)EMT Juan ValenciaEMT Erick ValentinEMT Norman ValleEMT Joseph Vandemark (2)EMT Mary VanickyEMT Roy VasquezParamedic John VavalEMT Charles VegaEMT Margaret VegaEMT Frank VelaEMT Teodoro VelazquezParamedic Robert VelenziEMT Elvis Velez (3)EMT Paula Velez (2)EMT Kim VersheckParamedic Jason Verspoor (2)Captain Michael VetackParamedic Rachel VictorParamedic Phillip VillafaneEMT Anthony Villanueva (2)Paramedic Guillermo VillaverdeParamedic Charles Vitale (2)Lieutenant Tony VoxakisEMT Shamika WaldronEMT Mark Walker (3)EMT Niecia WalkerLieutenant Vincent Walla (2)Lieutenant Kathleen WalshEMT Michael WalshLieutenant Robert Walsh (4)EMT Shawna WalshParamedic Chuen WangEMT William Warr

Lieutenant Scott Waryold (2)Paramedic Charles WashingtonLieutenant Jason WaszmerParamedic Todd Weber (2)Captain Robert Weihs (4)Paramedic Stuart Weinstein (2)Paramedic Rebecca WeismanLieutenant Darren Wetsell (2)Paramedic Alwain WhiteEMT Dana WhiteCaptain John WielandLieutenant Kyle WigglesworthParamedic Morgan WildingParamedic Peter Wilken (2)Paramedic Horace WilliamsLieutenant Najja Williams (2)Paramedic Sebastian WilliamsEMT Sedley WilliamsEMT Tara WilliamsEMT Brian WilsonEMT Rohan WilsonLieutenant Craig Wing (6)Paramedic Asher WinikEMT Jason Withers (2)EMT Paul WizeliusLieutenant Stewart Wolf (3)Paramedic William WolfEMT Danny WongParamedic Patrick WormsParamedic Colin WrightParamedic Mingze Wu (2)Paramedic Skerdi YmerajLieutenant Joseph YollesParamedic Arthur YoungEMT Wayne YoungParamedic Anlo YuEMT Kenny YuParamedic Andrey Yuabov (5)Lieutenant Paul Yunek (6)Paramedic Roman YusupovParamedic Camejo ZaithEMT Mohmedris ZanpawalaParamedic Eugeni ZenkovichLieutenant Joeel Zepeda (3)EMT Zheng ZhangParamedic Chris ZinnelParamedic Marvin Zuniga

EMS Unit of the Month--2010


UNIT CITATIONSEngine Company 63July 4, 2008 Box 3886

Engine Company 243March 7, 2009 Box 2897

Ladder Company 168March 7, 2009 Box 2897

Engine Company 273October 26, 2009 Box 4319

Ladder Company 129October 26, 2009 Box 4319

Engine Company 283December 7, 2009 Box 22-1605

Rescue Company 4December 8, 2009 Box 0500

Squad Company 288December 8, 2009 Box 0500

Ladder Company 79January 17, 2010 Box 22-546

Ladder Company 168January 30, 2010 Box 2890

Ladder Company 176February 3, 2010 Box 858

Engine Company 64February 10, 2010 Box 75-2852

Ladder Company 41February 15, 2010 Box 75-3402

Ladder Company 32February 15, 2010 Box 75-3402

Ladder Company 28February 16, 2010 Box 1498

Squad Company 41February 20, 2010 Box 22-2173



Rescue Company 1February 24, 2010 Box 33-0078

Engine Company 255March 5, 2010 Box 3028




Ladder Company 56April 1, 2010 Box 3370

Engine Company 67April 7, 2010 Box 1688

Squad Company 1April 7, 2010 Box 1270

Ladder Company 122April 7, 2010 Box 1270

Ladder Company 8April 11, 2010 Box 77-259

Engine Company 22April 22, 2010 Box 22-1097

Engine Company 54May 1, 2010 Box 814

Ladder Company 4May 1, 2010 Box 814

Ladder Company 48May 1, 2010 Box 75-2365

Rescue Company 3May 9, 2010 Box 75-2309

Squad Company 41May 9, 2010 Box 75-2309

Engine Company 94May 11, 2010 Box 22-2431


Ladder Company 116May 14, 2010 Box 7386


Rescue Company 1June 7, 2010 Box 75-619

Ladder Company 174June 18, 2010 Box 1584

Ladder Company 122June 22, 2010 Box 75-1273

Engine Company 95July 1, 2010 Box 1831

Ladder Company 36July 1, 2010 Box 1831

Haz-Mat Company 1July 6, 2010 Box 8510

Engine Company 28July 8, 2010 Box 44-404

Engine Company 5July 8, 2010 Box 44-404

Ladder Company 120July 17, 2010 Box 75-1673



Engine Company 53July 28, 2010 Box 1303


Engine Company 1August 9, 2010 Box 22-596

Ladder Company 41August 10, 2010 Box 75-3075

Ladder Company 36August 22, 2010 Box 22-1796


Ladder Company 132August 30, 2010, Box 22-963


Squad Company 41September 14, 2010, Box 2109

Ladder Company 58September 15, 2010 Box 22-3070

Engine Company 45September 15, 2010 Box 22-3070

Engine Company 88September 22, 2010 Box 22-3326

Engine Company 201October 16, 2010 Box 22-2667

Engine Company 287October 30, 2010 Box 75-7929

Ladder Company 147December 8, 2010 Box 75-2512

Ladder Company 136December 14, 2010 Box 3129

Ladder Company 154December 27, 2010 Box 75-7951

Rescue Company 5December 31, 2010 Box 75-1014


MEDAL AND AWARD DONORSJames Gordon Bennett Medal

Established in 1869 and, for years, it was thesole decoration awarded for valor in the Fire

Department of the City of New York. As a result ofits seniority among medals, it is awarded annuallyfor the most outstanding act of heroism after theconsideration and deliberate judgment of the mem-ber by the Medal Board of the New York City FireDepartment. (Page 11)

Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award

In 1896, a committee of Brooklynites endowedthis medal “to be given to the most deserving

Firefighter in the Brooklyn Fire Department, ashe/she shall be selected by the Fire Department ofthe City of New York.” The recipient also is award-ed the Firefighter Louis Valentino Award, a medalendowed/funded since 1998 by Diane Valentinoand the Valentino family. (Page 12)

Christopher J. Prescott Medal

Named in honor of EMT Christopher Prescott,the first EMS member to make the Supreme

Sacrifice in the line of duty in 1994, the PrescottMedal is the highest honor bestowed upon a mem-ber of the Bureau of EMS. Funded by theUniformed EMTs and Paramedics and FireInspectors Union. (Page 13)

Hugh Bonner Medal

Named in honor of Chief Hugh Bonner, “a stal-wart Chief of Department who preferred to

rule by example.” The medal first was awarded in1897. (Page 14)

Honor Legion Medal

The Honor Legion is open only to “the bravest ofthe Bravest,” both active and retired.

Prerequisites for membership are confined toFirefighters of all ranks who have receivedDepartment recognition and been granted a Class I,II or III award for deeds of valor performed atimminent risk to their lives. First awarded in 1984and funded by the Honor Legion. (Page 14)

Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal

These sisters, in their deed of gift, wrote “...forthe purpose of encouraging the members of the

force in the exercise...of heroic endeavor under cir-cumstances of special danger.” Awarded for thefirst time in 1899. (Page 15)

Thomas E. Crimmins Medal

First awarded in 1912. In memory of her father,Thomas E. Crimmins, contractor, builder, loyal

New Yorker and son of a volunteer Fireman, Mrs.May M. Burke provided in her will for the endow-ment of the Crimmins Memorial Medal. (Page 16)

Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal

Honorary Deputy Chief William F. Kennyendowed this medal in memory of his father, a

Battalion Chief who served in the Department,faithfully and conspicuously, from 1876 until 1903.It is given as a “perpetual token of zeal and endur-ing interest.” First awarded in 1918. (Page 17)

Walter Scott Medal

Colonel Walter Scott, a successful New Yorkmerchant, was intensely interested in the City’s

protective forces. In 1920, he endowed a medal forvalor bearing his name, to be awarded annually toa member of the FDNY. (Page 18)

John H. Prentice Medal

This medal is the gift of Mrs. Marion PrenticeBrookman in memory of her father. The medal

is for “an act of intelligent bravery.” First awardedin 1921. (Page 19)

Henry D. Brookman Medal

Mrs. Marion Prentice Brookman, in makingthis award possible, wrote, “...to help the

authorities in installing into the Department the factthat the service rendered by the Firefighters is of acharacter held in high esteem by the people and toperpetuate the old fealty and admiration held by thelate Henry D. Brookman for the FDNY.” Firstawarded in 1921. (Page 20)

M.J. Delehanty Medal

The founder and dean of civil service schoolsbearing his name endowed this medal in 1937,

“to be awarded annually to a member of theDepartment whose distinguished service in the lineof duty receives recognition by the Board of Meritof the Fire Department.” (Page 21)

William F. Conran Medal

Honorary Chief Conran endowed this medal in1937. His profession of fire protection engi-

neer enabled him to improve the efficiency of fire-fighting appliances. (Page 22)

Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal

The Honorable Fiorello H. LaGuardia, whileMayor, frequently “turned out” at large fires.

He had a keen interest in the problems of fire pre-vention and extinguishment. First awarded in 1937.

(Page 23)

Tracy Allen-Lee Medal

EMT Allen-Lee is nationally recognized as thefirst EMS professional in the country to be

awarded the Public Safety Officer’s Benefit by theUnited States Department of Justice, Bureau ofJustice Assistance, after dying from a communica-ble disease sustained in the line of duty. Funded bythe Uniformed EMTs and Paramedics and FireInspectors Union. (Page 24)

Chief John J. McElligott Medal/FFs Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award

Named in honor of the late Chief and FireCommissioner, Chief McElligott. He joined

the Department in 1905 and retired in 1941 after along and fruitful career. This medal was endowedby William F. Conran and first was awarded in1937. Recipient also is awarded the Fitzpatrick andFrisby Award, a medallion endowed by theFitzpatrick and Frisby Foundation, in memory ofthese two Firefighters who made the SupremeSacrifice. The UFA funds this award. (Page 25)

Thomas F. Dougherty Medal

Chief Dougherty served with the Departmentfrom 1888 to 1933 with distinction and honor.

In addition to inventing the nozzle that bears hisname, he was a colorful member of the FireCollege faculty, where he specialized in teachingthe technique and efficacy of ventilation. Firstawarded in 1937. (Page 26)

Albert S. Johnston Medal

Albert S. Johnston was a Captain in the NewYork Fire Patrol with a record of 50 years of

faithful service. Ten years after his retirement in1927, this medal was endowed by William F.Conran. (Page 27)

Bella Stiefel Medal

In Mrs. Stiefel’s 90 years, she came to admire thebravery displayed by Firefighters. Her last will

and testament provided for this medal, which firstwas awarded in 1947. The Uniformed FirefightersAssociation funds this award. (Page 28)

Vincent J. Kane Medal

This medal is named in honor of the late VincentJ. Kane, labor leader and longtime President of

the Uniformed Firefighters Association. Funded bythe UFA. (Page 29)

Pulaski Association Medal

First awarded in 1962 and endowed by the FireDepartment Pulaski Association in memory of

Casimir Pulaski. General Pulaski organizedAmerican cavalry forces during the RevolutionaryWar. He died as a result of wounds received lead-ing the charge at the Battle of Savannah. Presentedto the recipient in recognition for upholding theFire Department’s tradition of valor and service tothe citizens of the City of New York. (Page 30)

Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal

This medal, in honor of Commissioner EdwardThompson, was endowed in 1964 by the late

Bertram Brummer and his wife, Susie. It is to beawarded to a member exhibiting outstandingcourage and fidelity. By endowing this, a secondmedal, they illustrate their high regard and affec-tion for the Department. (Page 31)

Columbia Association Medal

Endowed by the Columbia Association since1966. Medal is awarded in memory of retired

Fire Marshal Thomas J. Russo, Senior. (Page 32)

Susan Wagner Medal

Endowed by the UFA to honor the memory ofMrs. Susan Wagner, wife of the former Mayor

of the City of New York, and to perpetuate the highesteem in which she held the Firefighters of theCity of New York. This medal is awarded to amember of the Department who has performed anoutstanding act of valor. First awarded in 1966. TheUFA also funds this medal in memory of the lateassemblywoman Eileen Dugan, a prime sponsor ofthe Cancer Bill. (Page 33)

Steuben Association Medal

Endowed by the Steuben Association in honor ofGeneral Frederick Wilhelm Von Steuben. First

awarded in 1967. Funded by the Fire DepartmentSteuben Association Charities, Inc. (Page 34)

Chief James Scullion Medal

Recognized as a pioneer in his field, ChiefJames Scullion was instrumental in bringing

both basic and advanced life support services intothe modern-day emergency medical system in theCity of New York in the early 1970s. His dedica-tion and commitment to excellence are memorial-ized through this award. (Page 35)

Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal

Endowed in 1975 by the late Dr. J.W.Goldenkranz, Honorary Assistant Chief, to

honor “the heroic efforts of the Officers andFiremen, all of whom perform their duties atextreme personal risk.” Dr. Goldenkranz was affil-iated with the FDNY since 1913 and was presidentof the New York Firemen’s Cycle Club. Donationalso made by Sandy and Terry Sansevero. (Page36)


Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal

Endowed/funded in 1977 by the Uniformed FireOfficers Association “for an act of heroism and

bravery performed by a Fire Officer at a fire.”(Page 37)

Edith B. Goldman Medal

Endowed by the many friends of the lateHonorary Deputy Chief Barney Goldman to

honor the memory of both his wife, Edith, and himand to illustrate the high regard and affection heheld for FDNY members. First awarded in 1978.

(Page 38)

American Legion Fire Department Post 930/Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal

Endowed by American Legion Post 930, thismedal is in memory of Mark M. Wohlfeld, a

lifelong member of the Fire Department Post, acolonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and a retiredFDNY Firefighter. The history of this intrepid war-rior’s exploits is related graphically in the secondand third issues of WNYF (1945). After his retire-ment from the FDNY, he continued to serve hiscountry and his fellow man by working for theVeterans Administration. He died on May 24, 1978,and is interred in Arlington National Cemetery.First awarded in 1979. Donation made in memoryof Firefighter Eugene “Butch” O’Kane by his fam-ily. (Page 39)

Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal

The Laufer Medal, presented for the first time in1980, is named in honor and memory of the late

Deputy Chief Arthur J. “Artie” Laufer, who contin-ually showed his love for Firefighters and his fel-low man through his actions. Endowed by the UFAand the family of retired Deputy Director ofDispatch Operations, Joseph E. Higgins, Jr.

(Page 40)

Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal

This medal, endowed by the members of the Pipesand Drums of the FDNY Emerald Society

Bagpipe Band, is awarded to a member of theDepartment who performs an outstanding act ofheroism in keeping with the FDNY’s highest tradi-tions. First awarded in 1981. Donations made byMatthew and Susan Daly, Sandy and TerrySansevero and retired FM Jim McSwigin. (Page 41)

Company Officers Association Medal

Endowed by the Company Officers Associationin memory of Company Officers in the FDNY

who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Medalawarded for the first time in 1982. It is donated inmemory of retired Captain Sy Berkowitz. Donationmade by Honorary Chief James Martin, in memoryof Firefighter Francis Esposito and Captain MartinEgan of Ladder Company 79. (Page 42)

Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal

The Martin Medal is endowed in honor of thelegendary Assistant Chief Joseph B. “Smokey

Joe” Martin, who served the FDNY with “fidelityand devotion” for 47 years. Awarded for the firsttime in 1984. Awards are made in the memory ofFirefighter Anthony D. Buccieri, Engine 75; inmemory of Firefighter Mike Donnelly of Ladder33, who died in 1983 after an heroic battle withcancer; by the Martin family in memory of FrancesB. Martin (1905-1996), daughter of “Smokey Joe”Martin; in memory of Battalion Chief William C.Rinsdale, 19th Battalion, who died in the line ofduty in 1971; and donation by Richard Kirrstetter,Ladder 33, and all his Brothers in Ladder 33,Engine 75, Battalion 19. (Page 43)

Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal

Adedicated professional with a passion for com-munications, Lieutenant McElhearn is remem-

bered for his instrumental involvement in theresearch and development of the first modern-dayField Communications Unit (FieldComm) forEMS. Sponsored by the Uniformed EMS OfficersUnion. (Page 44)

New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal

The New York State Honorary Fire ChiefsAssociation, Inc., founded in 1950, is an independ-

ent, non-profit and tax-exempt organization, dedicatedto promoting the interests of the Firefighters of the Stateof New York. The active Association is affiliated withthe New York State Professional Fire FightersAssociation and is celebrating 50 years of volunteerservice to the Firefighters of New York and their fami-lies. The medal, funded by the Association and firstawarded in 1984, is presented every year to a Firefighterwho has performed with valor. This medal is dedicatedto honoring all Firefighters who have performed withvalor. (Page 11)

Police Honor Legion Medal

The Police Honor Legion Medal is endowed bythe New York City Police Department Honor

Legion. It was first awarded in 1984. Donations aremade by FM Arthur J. Crawford, FM Dennis H.Fink and retired Detective James K. Burke.

(Page 45)

Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal

In honor of the memory of FF David J. DeFrancofor his dedicated efforts on behalf of the FDNY.

This medal, awarded for a water-related rescue, ispresented by the Uniformed FirefightersAssociation (UFA) in memory of David’s father, FFDan DeFranco. FF Dan DeFranco was assigned toEngine Co. 17 and Ladder Co. 18 on the lower eastside for more than 33 years during a period ofextremely heavy fire duty. FF Dan DeFranco alsoserved on the executive board of the UFA for eightyears at the post of sergeant at arms with honor,dedication and devotion to his Brother Firefighters.

(Page 46)

Lieutenant James E. Zahn/Lieutenant Peter L. Troiano Memorial Medal

The Lieutenant James E. Zahn/Lieutenant PeterL. Troiano Memorial Medal has been estab-

lished in honor of these two beloved “Brothers,”who laid down their lives for the people of the Cityof New York. This medal is awarded to a memberof the Department who has performed an act ofbravery in the protection of life and/or property,either while on- or off-duty. Endowed by the mem-bers of Engine 277 and Ladder 112. (Page 47)

Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters

Burn Center Foundation Medal

The New York Firefighters Burn CenterFoundation is an organization committed to the

goals of quality burn care and fund-raising endeav-ors. Similarly, the FDNY is engaged in safeguard-ing and improving the quality of life for City resi-dents. It is this semblance of purpose and collabo-rative spirit that is deserving of recognition. Withthis in mind, the New York Firefighters BurnCenter Foundation awards a medal to the most wor-thy of units in appreciation of “a concentrated,super effort based on teamwork.” Endowed by theNew York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation andDr. Marc Kramer, Honorary Assistant Chief andConsultant to the Medical Division. (Page 48)

Firefighter Thomas R. ElsasserMemorial Medal

Endowed/funded by the Uniformed FirefightersAssociation, this medal is named in honor of

Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser, a 20-year veteranof the FDNY, whose firefighting career was cutshort in 1990 by his untimely death. FirefighterElsasser was a major contributor to UFA charitysporting events. (Page 49)

Deputy CommissionerChristine R. Godek Medal

Established and presented by Honorary FireCommissioner Dorothy W. Marks and (now-

deceased) Honorary First Deputy CommissionerShelly Rothman in honor of Christine R. Godek,the first female Deputy Fire Commissioner of theFDNY. Presented annually to an outstanding NewYork City Fire Marshal for unusual display of ini-tiative, improving techniques, resourcefulness andcapability in the investigation of arson. (Page 50)

William Friedberg Medal

The William Friedberg Medal, presented for thefirst time in 1996, is named in honor and mem-

ory of the late William Friedberg. Bill was arespected and beloved elementary school principal,who spent 33 years working with the children ofNew York City and six years as a member of theNew York State Industrial Board of Appeals. Hebelieved that early education and instruction werekey to fire prevention. Funded by Mr. Friedberg’swidow and family. (Page 51)

Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal

This medal is dedicated to honoring allFirefighters who have performed with valor.

Awarded for the first time in 2005. Funded by themembers of the New York State Honorary FireChiefs Association, Inc., and the Fire Bell Club ofNew York, in memory of Shelly Rothman, a long-time member and Chairman of the Board ofDirectors. (Page 52)

Jack Pintchik Medal

Following successful resuscitation from cardiacarrest by EMS Paramedics, Jack Pintchik,

founder of the Pintchik Home Improvement Stores,honored members of EMS by establishing the firstformalized EMS Awards & Recognition ceremony.In his memory, the Pintchik family continues toshow their respect and support of EMS profession-als through the Jack Pintchik Medal. (Page 53)

World Trade Center Memorial Medal

Established to honor the bravery and courage ofthe 343 FDNY members who made the

Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001, at theWorld Trade Center. This Company of the YearAward is endowed/funded by the 9/11 parents and fam-ilies. (Page 54)

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(Above and right) Brooklyn Box 22-0963, 175 Putnam Avenue, August 30, 2010, the incidentfor which FF Peter G. Demontreux, Ladder 132, was awarded the James Gordon BennettMedal and New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal, and FF Charles J.Dodenhoff, Rescue 2, was awarded the Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award.

(Right) Manhattan Box 0814, corner of West 45th Street/7th Avenue,Times Square, May 1, 2010, the incident for which Engine Company54 (Lieutenant Michael B. Barvels and FFs Paul J. Fischetti (L-4),Stephen J. Hughes (L-4), Federico Martinez, Nicholas M. Pettenatoand Colin C. Ryan) and Ladder Company 4 (Lieutenant John V.Kazan and FFs Timothy R. Cashion (E-54), Scott A. Hickey, WilliamJ. Leahy, Brian J. Loveridge and George T. Young) were presentedwith the World Trade Center Memorial Medal. In this photo, the areaaround the SUV is examined for any potential evidence.

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Medal Day Book2011 - Welcome to NYC.gov Medal... · FDNY MEDAL DAY 2011 Honoring the Courage, Commitment and Compassion of FDNY Fire & EMS Members — June 8, 2011 —