2025 FDNY Medal Day

FDNY MEDAL DAY

June 4, 2025

Honoring Members of the Fire Department, City of New

York

MEDAL BOARD

Robert S. Tucker

Fire Commissioner

John M. Esposito

Chief of Department

FIRE

Kevin F. Woods

Chief of Fire Operations

EMS

Michael Fields

Chief of EMS Operations

Publication of this FDNY Medal Day Book was made possible by the FDNY Foundation. The FDNY gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the Board of Directors and staff.

The FDNY Foundation

Matthew J. DiLiberto, Chairman • Jean O’Shea, Executive Director

The FDNY also thanks the Honorary Fire Officers Association for their generous contribution to create this publication.

FDNY

Bravely Serving Since 1865

Front cover: February 23, 2024, second-alarm Box 1647: Firefighter Matthew Nolan picks up a panic-stricken victim at the window. A total of six individual medals were awarded for rescues at this incident. Three people were rescued by members deploying the life-saving rope, and four residents were rescued from the floors above the fire.

Back cover: July 7, 2024: Scene at Beach 96th Street, Far Rockaway, where multiple injured swimmers were pushed onto the jetty. Recipients of the Yadira Arroyo Medal, Station 47 EMTs Andrew Ochtera and Saverio Bosco, work with NYC lifeguards to treat and remove the victims to safety. (Photo by FDNY Command Tactical Unit)

MEDAL DAY PUBLICATION

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

PUBLIC INFORMATION (Acting)

Amanda Farinacci

DIGITAL & MEDIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Joseph D. Malvasio

MANAGING EDITOR

Kristin Eng

MEDAL DESK

Captain Jack Cassidy

Lieutenant Dennis McCutchen

Lieutenant Daniel Walsh

Paramedic Natalie Apollon

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Ana Cortes

Thomas Ittycheria

COPY EDITOR

Lauren LaLonde

WRITERS

EMT Gillian Axtens

Deputy Chief Michael Barvels

Battalion Chief Daniel Barvels

Clare Bourke

Captain Patrick Burns

Captain Kirk T. Candan

Battalion Chief John J. Cassidy

Fire Marshal Billy Chen

Captain Michael Doda

Firefighter Joseph Dunnigan

Lieutenant Nick Graziano

Nicholas L. Guss

Lieutenant Steve Interdonati

Lieutenant Benedict Jacobellis

Captain Alexander Khalef

Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael J. Kavanagh

Captain Randy Li

Captain Ralph L. Longo

Battalion Chief Stephen Marsar

Assistant Chief Paul Miano

Firefighter Thomas Morrison

Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello

Deputy Chief Natalia Polunin

Lieutenant Joshua Raeben

Captain Brendan Ryan

EMT Frank Webers

Captain Robert A. Wilson

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

EMT Kimberly Socci

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS BY

Randy Barron

EMT Kyle Cook

Photos provided by medal recipients unless otherwise noted

SPECIAL THANKS

Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn and Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael J. Kavanagh and the Bureau of Fire Investigation

Matthew T. Talty

Deputy General Counsel

Rich Ain

Bureau of Legal Affairs

June 4, 2025

Dear Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)’s annual Medal Day celebration.

The five boroughs rise on the foundation of dedicated public servants who share a sense of responsibility to protect and defend their neighborhoods. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the women and men of the FDNY, who work tirelessly to ensure that their fellow New Yorkers feel secure in their communities. Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and for 160 years, the FDNY has been steadfastly committed to guaranteeing the safety of residents and visitors in the Big Apple. The members of New York’s Bravest and Best embody the ideals of courage and selflessness that define our great city, and the annual Medal Day recognizes the invaluable contributions and acts of valor carried out by our firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and paramedics throughout the year. As you gather to commemorate these courageous individuals, I am proud to applaud the entire FDNY family for its unflinching devotion and efforts to forge a brighter, healthier, and safer future for all.

On behalf of the City of New York, congratulations to this year ’s honorees. I extend my best wishes for a memorable ceremony and continued success.

Sincerely,

Eric Adams Mayor

FIRE COMMISSIONER

As an all-hazards public safety agency, the FDNY is accustomed to responding to all kinds of emergencies, in all kinds of scenarios. There is much that can go wrong: Weather can be an impediment, technology can malfunction and circumstances can change rapidly, making dangerous situations even more dangerous. But this is what the FDNY does best: relying on foundational skills that are practiced time and again, maintaining calm while things are going wrong and completing every single mission assigned. This book is a celebration of all of that, as we recognize the truly remarkable rescues our members accomplished and highlight the occasions our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics were measured, quick-thinking and brave. We commend all the members who did this exemplary work; they embody what it means to be part of the FDNY, and they deserve our praise and honor on FDNY Medal Day.

Our highest award for a meritorious act for members of Fire Operations is the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Medal, awarded to Firefighter Michael D. Kotzo of Ladder Company 28. Kotzo was part of a team of firefighters who responded to a fire in a six-story Manhattan building, with reports of people trapped at the top-floor windows. Kotzo is one of six members who will receive a medal for their role in the fire, where firefighters performing three separate roof rescues saved three people, and additional members operating on the floors above the fire rescued four people overcome by smoke. In an incredibly dangerous and highly technical operation, Kotzo was deliberate and courageous, displaying teamwork and leadership—and in doing so, had a tremendously successful outcome.

Our highest award for a meritorious act for members of EMS Operations is the Christopher J. Prescott Medal, awarded to EMT Amber Black and EMT Mitchell Tarnapolsky. The pair were working on the Coney Island boardwalk last July when they observed two swimmers in distress at about 6 p.m. Moving quickly to help, they made a plan for EMT Tarnapolsky, a seasoned lifeguard, to swim out to the swimmers in need. He reached the swimmers and coordinated efforts with EMT Black and another EMT unit to get the swimmers to the shoreline safely. Thanks to their quick thinking, their teamwork and their bravery, they were able to save the lives of two youngsters.

These are just some of the stories you’ll read about in these pages. Our members are dedicated to their training and consistently prove they will do whatever is necessary to save lives. This is the gift of the FDNY: members who just won’t quit, who will pull out all the stops to do their jobs—and then some. They show courage, compassion and commitment. For this, we are grateful, and we thank you for your service. Congratulations on these amazing awards! This work is truly remarkable.

Robert S. Tucker

CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT

Every day, in every corner of this City, FDNY members answer calls for help, running toward danger to save life and property. They perform acts of bravery with courage and compassion, and they often happen without fanfare or recognition. Today, we honor the Bravest and the Best.

The firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and officers recognized in this book represent the very best of the FDNY. Their stories are reminders of the dedication to duty that defines this department. Whether it is a rescue during a fire, on the water or during a complex operation under extreme pressure, you’ll find that these medals are awarded to members who went far beyond what was expected and acted in ways that require quick thinking, selflessness and extraordinary courage in dangerous and unpredictable situations.

I am positive if you ask those recognized in this book about their acts of bravery, they will say, “It’s part of the job.”

In the FDNY, we place an emphasis on teamwork and training. We teach all members that being a first responder means being ready to act at a moment’s notice, without hesitation and without regard for oneself in unusual situations. Six firefighters in total will receive medals for a two-alarm fire in February 2024, where three people were rescued by firefighters performing a life-saving rope rescue. One of those members was Probationary Firefighter Jason Lopez, recipient of the BC Thomas J. Neary Bronx/Harlem Firefighter Medal. Lopez was first on the roof during this job. Multiple people were trapped at windows above a fire, and Firefighter Lopez, although a proby, knew a roof rope rescue was the only means of saving them.

He and his fellow members initiated the rare life-saving rope evolution. Executed as a team, each individual member involved in the life-saving rope rescue performed their evolutions perfectly and successfully rescued three people trapped above the fire. This operation is an excellent example of when the elite training of FDNY members, even those just starting their career, combined to save lives.

It is just one example of the extraordinary dedication and skill reflected in this year’s medal recipients. I am proud of the work that our men and women perform each day to keep this City safe. Congratulations on a job well done.

John M. Esposito

FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

Mark

DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS

ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONERS

Guerra

Jeremy Brooks Support Services

Nafeesah Noonan Workforce Development

Kwame Cooper Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Barbara Dannenberg Human Capital

Lizette Christoff Management & Budget

Amanda Farinacci Public Information (Acting)

Derek Poppe External Affairs

Kat Thomson Support Operations

Don Nguyen General Counsel & Legal Affairs

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS

Jason Shelly External Affairs

Dominique Joseph Family Assistance

Carlos Velez Investigations & Trials

Dr. David J. Prezant Chief Medical Officer Special Advisor to the Fire Commissioner for Health Policy

Hilit Tolani Equal Employment Opportunity

Kevin Williams Candidate Investigation

James H. Harding Jr. Assistant Deputy Commissioner External Partnerships

Michele J. Maglione Youth Workforce & Pipeline Programs

Rebecca Mason Fire Prevention

Barry Greenspan Procurement & Fiscal Services

Dr. Karen Hurwitz Chief Medical Officer Bureau of Health Services

Dr. Glenn H. Asaeda Chief Medical Director Office of Medical Affairs

Dr. Bradley Kaufman Deputy Chief Medical Director Office of Medical Affairs

Dr. Shenecia Beecher Deputy Chief Medical Officer Bureau of Health Services

Dr. Jayson Park Deputy Chief Medical Officer Clinical Director, WTC Health Program

Dr. Douglas Isaacs Deputy Chief Medical Director Office of Medical Affairs

CHIEF OFFICERS

John Sarrocco Assistant Chief of Fire Operations

Kevin Brennan Assistant Chief Fire Operations

Paul Miano Assistant Chief EMS Operations

Malcolm

Chief of Special Operations Command

Monsignor Marc Filacchione

Reverend Pamela Holmes

Reverend V. Simpson Turner Jr.

CHIEF FIRE MARSHALS

Michael

Assistant Chief Fire Marshal

CHAPLAINS

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello Father Joseph Hoffman

Father Christopher Keenan, OFM Rabbi Joseph Potasnik

Michael Fields Chief of EMS Operations

Kevin F. Woods Chief of Fire Operations

Thomas Currao Chief of Fire Prevention

James Canty Chief of Safety

Michael Meyers Chief of Training

Cesar Escobar Assistant Chief EMS Operations

Moore

Daniel Flynn Chief Fire Marshal

Kavanagh

BOROUGH COMMANDERS

DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEFS

Joseph Pataky EMS Chief of City Central Operations

Stacy Scanlon EMS Chief of City North Operations

Tonya Boyd EMS Academy

Grace Cacciola EMS Operations

Kathleen Knuth EMS Chief of City South Operations

Michael Massucci Fire Operations

Joseph Ferrante Assistant Chief Queens

Brian Gorman Assistant Chief Manhattan

Joseph Duggan Deputy Assistant Chief Brooklyn

David Simms Deputy Assistant Chief Staten Island

Michael Woods Deputy Assistant Chief Bronx

Fredrick Villani Chief of Planning

Joseph Schiralli Fire Operations

Ian Swords EMS Chief of Operations

Denise Werner Emergency Medical Dispatch

Christopher Ritchie Chief of Fire Academy

DIVISION COMMANDERS

Thomas S. Tanzosh Uniformed Personnel

Joseph Cavaretta Uniformed Personnel

Joseph Downey Rescue Operations

Joseph Loftus Hazmat Operations (Acting)

Francis Simpson Marine Operations

Russell Regan Fire Division 11

James Smithwick Fire Division 15

Daniel Browne Fire Division 13

Mark A. Cuccurullo Fire Division 14

Joseph Carlsen Fire Division 3

James Donlevy Fire Division 6

William McCormack Fire Division 7

Joseph Harris Fire Division 8

Kevin Murphy Fire Division 1

DIVISION CHIEFS

Dinorah Claudio Bureau of Health Services

Farooq Muhammad Emergency Medical Dispatch PSAC 2

Martin Braun EMS Division 8

John Eyzaguirre Bureau of Training EMS Academy

Evan Suchecki Fleet Services

Christopher J. Bilz Hospital Liaison Unit

Charles Morgan Emergency Medical Dispatch PSAC 1

John Nevins EMS Division 7

Richard Bracken EMS Safety Command

Cheryl Middleton EMS Operations Mental Health Response Unit

Marie Villani EMS Operations

Mark Bonilla EMS Special Operations

Joseph Sanders EMS FDOC

Kahlia Graham Bureau of Training EMS Academy

Robert Hannafey EMS Division 9

Luis Basso EMS Division 5

Nancy Gilligan EMS Division 4

Natalia Polunin EMS Division 2

Patrick Flynn EMS Division 6

Nicholas Aiello EMS Division 1

Laitrice Edwards EMS Division 3

INDEX OF MEDALS AND RECIPIENTS

James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal, Engine Company

Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal, Squad Company

Lt. Joshua L. W iener, (Rescue Bn), FF Patrick J. Conway, FF John H. McCoy, FF

World Trade Center Memorial Medal, Ladder Company 18 Capt. Bryan M. Scimeme, D-1 (now Lt.), FF Kevin C. Alore Jr., FF Michael L. Morano, FF Justin C. Rodriguez,

TOP FIRE OPERATIONS MEDAL RECIPIENTS

Since 1869, the FDNY has awarded annually a medal for the highest act of bravery by a firefighter or fire officer. In 2020, this top honor was renamed in honor of Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr., the highest ranking uniformed member of the Department killed on September 11, 2001. Chief Ganci made the supreme sacrifice while leading the rescue efforts in response to the terrorists attacks at the World Trade Center.

1869—Lieutenant Minthorne D. Tompkins (L-1)

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, MD

1925—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)

2011—Firefighter Peter G. Demontreux (L-132)

2012—Firefighter Kevin J. Hogan (L-114)

2013—Lieutenant Thomas G. Woods (L-154)

2014—Lieutenant Robert E. Lee (L-47)

2015—Captain William J. Grant (E-168)

2016—Lieutenant Brian J. Colleluori (L-174)

2017—Firefighter James P. Lee Jr. (R-1)

2018—Lieutenant Michael J. Conboy (R-3)

2019—Lieutenant Patrick T. Mataraza III (L-56)

2020—Firefighter John H. McCoy (Sq-288)

2021—Firefighter Abraham G. Miller (L-23)

2022—Firefighter Darren J. Harsch (Sq-270)

2023—Firefighter Artur Podgorski (L-108)

2024—Lieutenant Mark H. Russo (Rescue Bn)

Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr.

Chief of Department

Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Medal & NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal

Firefighter Michael D. Kotzo

Ladder Company 28

February 23, 2024, 1417 hours, Box 22-1647, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on September 14, 2003. Previously assigned to Engine Company 69. Attended Luzerne County Community College. Recipient of three Unit Citations (2005, 2015 and 2023), a PreHospital Save (2011) and a Service Rating B (2017). Resides in Pleasantville, New York, with wife Wendy and children Kamryn and Gavin.

At 1414 hours on February 23, 2024, Ladder Company 28 responded first due to a reported fire on the top floor of an isolated six-story multiple dwelling. While responding, the Manhattan Communications Office notified that they were “loading up the box” due to the quality and quantity of phone calls, and that people were on the fire escape.

On approach, Ladder Company 28 observed heavy smoke emanating from the building and confirmed people on the fire es cape. Upon arrival, Firefighter Michael Kotzo (L28, chauffeur) immediately set the aerial ladder to the fire building’s roof. As the outside team scaled the aerial, Lieutenant Robert Perrone (L-28) advised Battalion 16 that the fire was on the third floor, blowtorching out the open apartment door into the hallway and cutting off access to the floors above.

lowered FF Lopez to the window to effect the rescue, then lowered him and the panic-stricken civilian safely to the ground.

FF Kotzo then turned his attention to another civilian hanging out of the adjacent top-floor window. With no other rope yet on the roof, FF Kotzo determined that the victim's only chance of survival was to reuse the rope a second time. While attempting to calm the victim at the window, FF Kotzo retracted the rope and transmitted to Battalion 16 that a second rope rescue was being conducted. FF Kotzo understood the inherent risk of using the same rope a second time. He attached the snap hook to his personal harness, handed the rope to Firefighter Thomas Morrison (Sq-41) to lower him, then bravely dismounted the parapet.

Hearing reports of people trapped at the top-floor windows, FF Kotzo climbed the aerial to the roof, anticipating the necessity of a life-saving rope rescue. On the roof, Firefighter Jason Lopez (L-28, roof) confirmed the report that a civilian had jumped and was being attended to in the alley. He then looked over the exposure 4 parapet and saw multiple people at the two top-floor windows, with heavy smoke pushing over their heads, screaming for help. Concerned the others might jump, FF Kotzo and FF Lopez conferred and determined an immediate rope rescue was necessary.

After transmitting their intention to command, FF Lopez attached the snap hook to his harness and mounted the parapet. FF Kotzo took four turns around his harness hook and directed FF Lopez to dismount the parapet. While Firefighter Christopher Dawkins (L-28, OV) relayed commands, FF Kotzo

W ith FF Dawkins as guide, FF Kotzo shouted commands until he was level with the window. The victim was extremely panicked and had trouble complying with instructions, so FF Kotzo took hold of the victim’s arms and wrapped them around his own neck, instructing the victim to do the same with his legs. FF Kotzo securely grabbed hold of the victim, and they began to descend. The victim had trouble holding on, and eventually his legs and arms hung down, forcing FF Kotzo to support the weight of the victim with only his arms as he was lowered to the ground.

Firefighter Michael Kotzo was instrumental in two of the three life-saving rope rescues conducted at this incident. He acted within the highest traditions of the Fire Department of the City of New York and is deserving of the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Medal and NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal. TM

FF Michael Kotzo is lowered on a life-saving rope to rescue the second of three victims from the top-floor windows at this lithium-ion battery fire, February 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy of NYPD Aviation)

Members who operated at Manhattan Box 22-1647, February 23, 2024. From left to right: FF Michael Ninivaggi (E-80), FF Royce Allman-Changkit (E-234), FF Christopher Dawkins (L-26), Lt. Damian LaPene (E-69), FF Timothy Tenney (E-69), FF Jason Lopez (L-28), FF Michael Kotzo (L-28), FF Michael Sassi (E-69), Lt. Robert Perrone (L-28), FF Stephen Hayes (L-28), FF Sebastian Espinoza (E-313), BC Daniel Schug (B-16) and FF Timothy Gavigan (L-28).

TOP EMS OPERATIONS

Named in honor of EMT Christopher Prescott, the first EMS member to make the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in 1994, the Prescott Medal is the highest honor bestowed upon a member of EMS Operations.

1997—EMT Paul M. DePalo (Battalion 46)

1998—Paramedic Jeffrey W. Hinton (Battalion 16)

1999—Paramedic Daniel Fink (Battalion 35)

2000—EMT Daniel E. Stewart (posthumously)

EMT David Karic (Battalion 20)

2001—EMT Gamaliel Bonilla (Battalion 31)

2003—EMT John Manning (Battalion 43)

2004—EMT Ronald G. Grubert (EMS Academy)

EMT David T. Weissman (Station 50)

2005—EMT Ronald J. Johnson (Station 8)

2006—EMT Stephen A. Smith (Station 54)

2007—Paramedic Abraham B. Englard (Station 10)

Paramedic Juan L. Henriguez (Station 10)

2008—EMT Shawn P. Healy (Station 19)

EMT Daniel J. Rohde (Station 19)

2009—Dr. Dario Gonzalez (Medical Director, Div 1 & 2)

Lieutenant Louis Cook (Haz-Tac)

Paramedic Marco A. Girao (Station 8)

Paramedic Juan Henriguez (Station 8)

2010—Paramedic Margagret Vega (Station 20)

2011—EMT Kyle R. Barbaria (Station 26)

EMT Edward Rodriguez (Station 20)

2012—Lieutenant Derrick C. Simpkins (Station 58 )

EMT James S. Hyams (Station 58)

2013—EMT Marilyn L. Arroyo (Station 46)

EMT Jimmy M. Guailacela (Station 46)

2014—EMT Brendon Hernandez (Station 16)

2015—EMT Shawn Alexander (Station 58)

EMT Khadijah Hall (Station 58)

2016—Lieutenant Michael C. Daddona (Station 50)

2017—EMT Ryan J. Gref (Station 4)

2018—EMT Taylor T. Perez (Station 8)

2019—Paramedic Jacqueline J. Benel (Station 14)

2020—Paramedic Niall C. O'Shaughnessy (Station 4)

Paramedic Joshua S. Rodriguez (Station 4)

2021—EMT Gary Hui (Station 59)

EMT Samuel R. Wright (Station 59)

2022—Lieutenant Paul A. Ardizzone (Haz-Tac)

Paramedic Shewain Q. George (Station 32)

Paramedic Hugh Smith III (Station 39)

2023—Lieutenant Shlomo E. Winkler (Station 45)

Paramedic Kira L. Watkins (Station 45)

2024—EMT Shawn M. Griffin (Station 45)

EMT Emmanuel F. Titus (Station 45)

EMT Christopher J. Prescott

Christopher J. Prescott Medal

EMT

Amber M. Black

CAppointed to the FDNY on June 21, 2021. Currently assigned to Station 23. Previously assigned to Station 4 and Station 43 (when the rescue occurred). Holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of Staten Island. Recipient of the Unit of the Month. Resides on Staten Island.

Appointed to the FDNY on October 26, 2020. Previously assigned to Station 17. Recipient of a Pre-Hospital Save (2024). Resides in Brooklyn with fiancée Zerina.

oney Island is one of New York City’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, offer ing visitors a combination of nostalgia and ex citement. This atmosphere reaches from the beach to the boardwalk. Thankfully, the serenity of Coney Island’s beach and boardwalk is under the careful watch of our NYC Parks Department lifeguards, NYPD officers, the U.S. Coast Guard and— most notably—our FDNY EMS Summer Beach Gator detail: 75 Paul (75P) and 75 Queen (75Q). These two units oversee nearly three miles of coastline and boardwalk and welcome an almost incalculable number of visitors during the summer months.

On Saturday, July 6, 2024, the members assigned to Station 43’s 75Q—EMTs Mitchell Tarnapolsky and Amber Black— and 75P— EMTs Roger Canale and Ciro Napolitano—not only embraced this iconic spirit, but also set a new standard through their demonstration of unparalleled bravery and relentless determination.

Days after celebrating Independence Day, widely recognized as a busy time for beachgoers, Coney Island’s oceanfront was warm and inviting, with minimal waves. This created a relaxing atmosphere for both leisure and swimming. At roughly 6 p.m., the calm environment was shattered when two teenagers were reported drowning off the shore by West 23rd and the Boardwalk. Thanks to the NYC Parks Department team and active monitoring of the Parks radio traffic by EMS members, the crews of 75Q and 75P were provided early notification of this reported incident and expeditiously reported to the relayed location.

75Q was the first to arrive on scene, and EMT Tarnapolsky—an NYC Parks Department lifeguard

for eight years prior to joining EMS—quickly assessed the situation and took decisive action. EMT Tarnapolsky witnessed two swimmers, roughly 100200 yards out, displaying agitated/erratic movement. One of the swimmers was occasionally submerging. Given their quick response, EMT Tarnapolsky advised EMT Black that he was going into the ocean to save the two swimmers. EMT Black provided radio relay and communications to both FDNY resources and NYC Parks Department about ongoing rescue efforts. 75P, which arrived shortly after EMT Tarnapolsky entered the water, began preparing to receive two patients, while EMT Black remained diligent in observing EMT Tarnapolsky’s movements and efforts from the coastline. All three members remained mindful that EMT Tarnapolsky could also need assistance during the rescue. Through unwavering determination, EMT Tarnapolsky successfully made contact with the swimmers and immediately took hold of and supported the intermittently submerging swimmer. EMT Tarnapolsky then gave verbal direction to the second swimmer to hold onto the legs of the secured swimmer and, while supporting both swimmers, began making his way to the shoreline. Meanwhile, EMTs Canale and Napolitano entered the water to assist with recovery of the swimmers and provide support to EMT Tarnapolsky. EMT Black was supplementally providing updates and coordination with incoming additional resources. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our members, two young lives were saved.

For their teamwork, selfless actions and unwavering perseverance in the face of unknown dangers, EMT Mitchell Tanapolsky and EMT Amber Black now carry the honor, legacy and spirit embodied by our Christopher J. Prescott Medal.—BR

Members of Station 43 who rescued two teens from drowning on July 6, 2024. From left to right: EMT Mitchell Tarnapolsky, EMT Amber Black, EMT Roger Canale, EMT Ciro Napolitano.

IBrooklyn Citizens Medal & FF Louis Valentino Award

Lieutenant Edward P. Velten

December 28, 2024, 0305 hours, Box 75-3110, Brooklyn Ladder Company 157

Appointed to the FDNY on July 14, 2014. Promoted to lieutenant after the incident, in April 2025. Now assigned to Battalion 47. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 157 and Engine Co. 255. Holds a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice from University of Maryland. Recipient of a Unit Citation (2019) and three Pre-Hospital Saves (2016, 2017, 2018). Member of the FDNY rugby team. Resides in Belle Harbor, New York, with wife Cara and children Nora, Fallon and James.

n the dark and rainy early-morning hours of December 28, 2024, at 3:05 a.m., Ladder Company 157 and Engine Company 255 responded to a call for fire in the basement at Brooklyn Box 3110, a two-story private dwelling. As they turned down the smoke-filled, dead-end block, members immediately noticed nearly a dozen civilians standing outside in nightwear, sheets and blankets.

After confirming the fire location, the inside team of Ladder 157 quickly entered the first-floor front door and searched for the stairs to the basement. Their search confirmed that the only access to the basement was an exterior entrance at the rear of the dwelling. Before Engine 255 stretched their hoseline, Ladder 157 used the rear entrance to access the basement, which was in complete darkness and full of heat and suffocating smoke.

After descending and making the first turn off the stairway, then-Firefighter Edward Velten (forcible entry) was instantly forced to his stomach by the overpowering heat. He commenced his search for fire and victims, splitting off from his officer, Lieutenant Michael McPartland, and the can firefighter, FF Matt Martin (E-255, detailed to L-157 for the tour) to cover more ground. His search led him down a hallway with fire rolling overhead and

to a doorway where he discovered the main body of fire. After transmitting this information and communicating with the rest of his team, FF Velten used the door of the room to partially shield himself from the inferno as he continued his search. Advancing through the room under high heat and zero visibility, he made his way past a labyrinth of furniture, where he found a motionless victim in the corner, under a mattress and with burns to his body.

Transmitting the discovery to his team, FF Velten moved the heavy mattress to access the victim as FF Martin moved in to keep the fire at bay with the water extinguisher. FF Velten pulled the victim’s limp body out of the burning room, through the hallway and up the stairway to the rear yard, where members stood by to begin life-saving treatment. FF Velten then returned to the basement to complete his search and regroup with other members inside.

By risking his own safety, FF Velten successfully rescued a victim found in a very difficult position, ultimately saving his life. Under extremely arduous conditions, Firefighter Velten showed outstanding courage and tenacity, reflecting the highest standards of the FDNY, for which he is awarded the Brooklyn Citizens Medal and FF Louis Valentino Award.—MB

EMT

Saverio J. Bosco Jr.

Station 47

TYadira Arroyo Medal

July 7, 2024, 1715 hours, CAD 3864, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on October 16, 2017. Previously assigned to Station 55. Recipient of a Unit Citation (2023), a Unit of the Month (December 2022) and FDNY Certificate of Recognition (COVID-19). Member of FDNY lacrosse team. Resides in East Rockaway, New York.

Appointed to the FDNY on February 5, 2018. Holds a bachelor's degree in emergency services administration from Adelphi University. Recipient of the Chief James Scullion Medal (2022), a Unit Citation (2023) and a Pre-Hospital Save (2022). Resides in East Rockaway, New York.

he summer months of 2024 proved to be a busy time for FDNY units working on New York City’s 520 miles of waterfront. On Sunday, July 7, 2024, on Rockaway Beach, FDNY EMTs Andrew Ochtera and Saverio Bosco conducted a remarkable ocean rescue operation while working on one of the FDNY’s summer beach Gators.

At approximately 1700 hours, on Beach 96th Street in Far Rockaway, Station 47’s beach unit (74P) was alerted to numerous swimmers caught in a rip current along the Beach 91 rock jetty. The FDNY Robotics Unit raised their drone overhead to gain a better visual of the incident while New York City lifeguards entered the water to retrieve the victims.

Knowing the swimmers were in danger of being pushed into the rocks from incoming tide and heavy surf, the EMTs decided to head to the jetty. EMT Bosco drove the gator while EMT Ochtera ran five blocks through the crowded beach and traversed 100 yards of slippery jetty to assist the patients and lifeguards. The group was now on the base of the jetty, being slammed against the rocks by the rising tide and incoming waves.

While the lifeguards tended to two victims on one side of the jetty, EMT Ochtera moved to the opposite side, toward another victim and a good Samaritan who had swum out to help. The two were in a precarious position, doing their best to hold onto the rocks as waves crashed over them. EMT Ochtera climbed down the jagged rocks to help secure both people. He quickly assessed the victim and recognized that she was unable to climb up the rocks without help.

Off-duty Squad 252 Captain James Ellison—who was visiting the beach and offered to help— had also arrived on the rocks. Together, he and EMT Ochtera

determined that a backboard would be the safest way to stabilize the victim and remove her from the jetty. They packaged the victim, which was challenging due to the uneven surface of the jagged rocks, the steep angle and the slippery algae/ water-covered area. The good Samaritan carefully ascended the rocks, then Captain Ellison and EMT Ochtera slid the victim up the rocks and passed them to lifeguards and FDNY Robotics firefighters for removal off the jetty.

Firefighter and lifeguards also began removing one of the two victims from the opposite side of the jetty. EMT Ochtera then scrambled down to the remaining victim, who was closer to the waterline. He positioned himself below the victim in order to prevent him from sliding back into the water should they be hit by a rogue wave. Meanwhile, members from Engine Company 266 and the Robotics Unit placed a water rescue tether rope under the victim’s arms to help secure him while waiting for the backboard.

While all this was happening, EMT Bosco was coordinating the movement of medical equipment and additional backboards from the beach to the jetty and requesting additional medical resources for the victims. With the equipment in place, EMT Bosco joined EMT Ochtera and Captain Ellison in the packaging of victims, removing them from the beach and into waiting ambulances.

For their heroic team effort, performed with little regard for their own safety, the FDNY is proud to award the Yadira Arroyo Medal to EMT Andrew Ochtera and EMT Saverio Bosco of EMS Station 47.—CB

Left: EMT Andrew Ochtera (left) and EMT Saverio Bosco (right). Right: While the first patient is carried off the jetty, EMTs Ochtera, EMT Bosco and lifeguards package a second patient and assess/treat a third patient. (Photo by FDNY Command Tactical Unit)

AHugh Bonner Medal & Honor Legion Medal Firefighter Matthew E. Nolan

Squad Company 41

February 23, 2024, 1414 hours, Box 22-1647, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on January 14, 2013. Previously assigned to Engine 84 and Ladder 34. Holds an associate degree in fire science from Dutchess Community College. Member of the FDNY Emerald Society and snare drummer for the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Resides in New Windsor, New York, with wife Jennifer and children Jack, Declan and Trent.

t 1414 hours on February 23, 2024, the Manhattan Communications Office “loaded up” Box 1647, due to the quality and quantity of phone calls, for a reported fire on the third floor of an isolated six-story multiple dwelling and ordered Squad Co. 41 to respond. While en route, Battalion 16 transmitted the 10-75, just before NYPD Aviation advised dispatch that they had observed multiple people hanging out windows on the exposure 3-4 side of the building.

Armed with this information, Squad 41’s Lieutenant Joshua Wiener ordered his outside team—Firefighters Matthew Nolan (roof) and Thomas Morrison (hook)—to the roof with the life-saving rope (LSR). As the firefighters made their way to the front of the building, sizing up the operation to determine the best way to the roof, a handie-talkie transmission from the roof announced that they were starting a rope rescue. Upon acknowledging the transmission, Battalion 16 ordered Squad 41 to get another rope to the roof immediately.

Battalion Chief Daniel Schug (B-16) advised members that due to fire blowtorching into the hallway from the fire apartment, companies had yet to ascend above the fire floor. Understanding that time was a factor, FF Nolan and FF Morrison hustled to Ladder Company 34’s apparatus, located at the exposure 1-2 corner of the fire building, and quickly ascended their aerial ladder to the roof.

FF Morrison arrived on the roof first. He was in the process of lowering Firefighter Michael Kotzo (L-28, chauffeur) to rescue a civilian from the top-floor window—the second rope rescue at this incident. Dropping down onto the roof, FF Nolan rushed to the rear 3-4 corner of the building where the rope rescue was taking place. As soon as FF Kotzo pulled his victim free from the window, another victim appeared through the smoke. As Firefighter Matthew Murphy of Rescue Company 3 proactively secured his life-saving rope to a substantial object, FF Nolan alerted him of the need for another rope rescue. FF Nolan clipped the snap hook to his harness and straddled the parapet as FF Murphy took four turns around his harness hook and directed him to dismount the parapet.

With FF Morrison now relaying commands, FF Nolan reached the window and was met with thick, black smoke issuing around a panic-stricken civilian. After giving the man instructions to wrap his arms around the firefighter’s neck, FF Nolan pulled himself toward the victim. However, the terrified civilian grabbed the rope as he came out of the window. Using all his strength, FF Nolan wrapped his arms

and legs around him.

Once the victim was firmly secure, FF Nolan yelled, “DOWN” to his relay. FF Nolan's grip on the victim was steadfast as FF Murphy lowered them both safely to the ground, where he was handed to awaiting EMS personnel.

In his incident report, Battalion Chief Daniel Schug noted, “FF Nolan entered into a chaotic scene and performed his duties aggressively, decisively and without hesitation to save the life of a man above the fire.” Firefighter Matthew Nolan performed the third rope rescue that day within the highest traditions of the Fire Department of the City of New York, and he is presented today with the Hugh Bonner Medal/Honor Legion Medal.—TM

Members of Squad Co. 41 from left to right: FF Sean Heater, FF Michael Grigoli, Lt. Joshua Wiener, FF Matthew Nolan, FF Thomas Morrison and FF Christopher Brown.

Firefighter Matthew Nolan picks up a panicstricken victim at the window.

BC Thomas J. Neary Bronx/Harlem Firefighter Medal

Firefighter Jason J. Lopez Ladder Company 28

February 23,

On Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1414 hours, Ladder Company 28 responded first due to Box 1647 for a reported fire in a six-story, non-fireproof multiple dwelling. While en route, Manhattan Dispatch relayed urgent reports of occupants hanging from fire escapes. As Ladder 28 arrived, Lieutenant Robert Perrone transmitted a size-up indicating heavy smoke showing and confirmed victims trapped at windows and hanging from the fire escapes.

Assigned to the roof position, Probationary Firefighter Jason Lopez, along with Firefighter Christopher Dawkins (outside vent), ascended the aerial to the roof. As they scaled the ladder, a radio report from Lt. Perrone indicated that the fire apartment was located on the third floor, with the apartment door left open—allowing what turned out to be a heavily fueled lithium-ion battery fire to spread into the public hallway. Recognizing the severity of the situation and the potential for trapped occupants on the upper floors, FF Lopez prepared for immediate roof operations.

Upon reaching the roof, Battalion 16 transmitted that multiple individuals were hanging from windows on the 4 side of the building. Shortly after, another urgent transmission reported a jumper down in the rear alley. Without hesitation, FF Lopez made his way to the edge of the 4 side and confirmed the presence of several victims clinging to windows on the top floor, pleading for help.

Realizing that a roof rope rescue was the only viable means of saving them, FF Lopez transmitted his intent to initiate the life-saving operation. Ladder Company 28’s chauffeur, Firefighter Michael Kotzo, and FF Dawkins immediately joined FF Lopez to assist in setting up the rope evolution. FF Kotzo readied the life-saving rope (LSR) and secured the lowering point as Lopez clipped in and mounted the parapet. FF Dawkins assumed the role of the guide and maintained communication with the victims.

Once over the edge, FF Lopez was lowered down the building’s rear façade. As he descended to the window level, he made contact with a panicked victim, whom he calmly instructed to remain still. With precision and care, he wrapped his arms securely around the individual, bracing for the combined weight. Lopez and the victim were safely lowered to the ground, where he transferred the occupant to Engine Company 59 for immediate medical attention. Without delay, he returned to the roof to continue operations.

Firefighter Lopez’s actions that day were marked by courage, composure and an unwavering commitment to the lives of others. His selfless decision to initiate a roof rope rescue under extreme conditions—placing himself at great personal risk—exemplifies the very highest traditions of the FDNY. For his valor and decisive decision-making under extreme stress, Firefighter Jason Lopez is awarded the BC Thomas J. Neary Bronx/Harlem Firefighter Medal.—BC

Appointed to the FDNY on April 24, 2023. Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society. Resides in Manhattan, and has a child named Ian.

Members who operated at Manhattan Box 22-1647, February 23, 2024. From left to right: FF Michael Ninivaggi (E-80), FF Royce Allman-Changkit (E-234), FF Christopher Dawkins (L-26), Lt. Damian LaPene (E-69), FF Timothy Tenney (E-69), FF Jason Lopez (L-28), FF Michael Kotzo (L-28), FF Michael Sassi (E-69), Lt. Robert Perrone (L-28), FF Stephen Hayes (L-28), FF Sebastian Espinoza (E-313), BC Daniel Schug (B-16) and FF Timothy Gavigan (L-28).

Ladder Co. 28’s FF Christopher Dawkins acts as guide while FF Michael Kotzo lowers FF Jason Lopez to rescue a victim at the window. (Photo courtesy of NYPD Aviation)

OEmily Trevor Mary B. Warren Medal

Battalion Chief Robert S. Wind

Ladder Company 125

January 13, 2024, 0217 hours, Box 75-6616, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on May 31, 2005. Promoted to battalion chief after this incident, in December 2024. Currently detailed to Division 15. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 125 (captain); Engine Co. 310 (lieutenant); and Ladder Co. 126, Engine Co. 303 and Ladder Co. 158 (firefighter). Holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from SUNY Empire State College. Recipient of a Class III and Service Rating B (2024), two Unit Citations and two Pre-Hospital Saves. Father, Firefighter Robert L. Wind, retired from Ladder Co. 126; grandfather Firefighter Henry P. Wind retired from Engine Co. 299 and is deceased; great-grandfather Lieutenant John E. Fagan retired from Ladder Co. 24 and is deceased. Resides in Hauppauge, New York, with wife Kimberly and children Jack, Paige and Riley.

n January 13, 2024, at 2:17 a.m., Ladder Company 125 responded to a call for a fire in a private dwelling, with reports of a child trapped. Upon arrival, members observed a fire on the second floor of a two-story, attached, flat-roof private dwelling. Captain Robert Wind, commanding Ladder 125, was met by a distraught woman at the front door to the building, screaming that her child was upstairs.

Captain Wind made his way up the staircase to the second floor, where he observed members of the NYPD exiting down the stairway, overcome by smoke and confirming fire on the second floor. Met with extreme heat and zero visibility, he crawled approximately 2 feet off the staircase, where he encountered the main body of fire, from floor to ceiling in the area of the front bedrooms. Captain Wind searched the bathroom and rear bedroom first, then returned to the second-floor hallway, determined that the victim had to be on the opposite side of the fire in one of the front bedrooms.

The only way to access the front bedrooms was to quickly pass by the heavy volume of fire. Given the strong possibility that a child was trapped inside one of those bedrooms, and with fire rolling across the second-floor ceiling, Captain Wind attempted access to the front bedrooms without the protection of a hoseline. After successfully navigating this difficult position, he

observed a partially open front bedroom door, which he entered to encounter punishing heat conditions and zero visibility. With flames rolling over his head along the ceiling, Captain Wind began an aggressive search of the bedroom, located a bunk bed and immediately searched both the top and bottom bunks. With no child in hand and conditions deteriorating, Captain Wind laid down on his stomach and swept his hands under the bed. Feeling a child’s arm, he immediately made a transmission indicating he had found a victim and started removal. Captain Wind pulled the unconscious child out from under the bed as Engine Company 315 began extinguishing fire with their hoseline. Shielding the victim with his back to the heat and flames, Captain Wind brought the girl down the hall to the second-floor staircase, where he passed the child over the railing to members from Engine Co. 299. They carried the victim outside to waiting EMS members, who performed lifesaving treatment and transported the child to the hospital. Thanks to the heroic actions of Captain Robert Wind on that cold, winter night, a little girl is alive today. His composure and professionalism under extreme conditions embody his dedication to the firefighting service. Captain Wind’s actions exemplify the highest standards of the FDNY, for which he is awarded the Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal.—MB

Members who operated at Queens Box 6616, January 13, 2024, from left to right: FF Jerry Quintero, FF Brian Paglino and FF Walter Calderon of Engine Co. 315; FF Edward Ramilo, Captain Robert Wind, FF Robert Hughes, FF Fernando Rodrigues, FF Thomas Ferro and FF Matthew Newman of Ladder Co. 125.

Thomas E. Crimmins Medal

Firefighter David Nkrumah Ladder Company 47

December 4, 2024, 2140 hours, Box 75-3092, Bronx

On December 4, 2024, at 2140 hours, Ladder Company 47 received a phone alarm reporting fire in a multiple dwelling in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx. Upon arrival on scene, Captain Carl Jost III transmitted a 10-75 for fire out two windows on the fifth floor of a six-story, non-fireproof multiple dwelling.

Captain Jost’s inside team included Firefighter David Nkrumah (irons) and FF Victor Torres Jr. (can). While they ascended the stairs to the fifth floor, the members were told that no one was inside the fire apartment. However, upon arriving at the fire apartment door, Captain Jost quickly realized that someone was surely inside since the deadbolt, chain and police locks were all engaged. The inside team began working on the door, and FF Torres was forced to use a reduced-profile SCBA maneuver to enter the fire apartment, disengage the police lock and fully open the door.

Inside the apartment, Ladder 47’s inside team was immediately met with heavy fire coming from the living room, which was to the right of the entrance. Without the protection of a charged hoseline, the team crawled past the living room and began their primary search of the apartment. After crawling down a long

hallway, Captain Jost veered right to search the kitchen. FF Nkurmah and FF Torres kept crawling straight toward the two bedrooms.

In the middle of the hallway, FF Nkurmah came across an unconscious victim lying on their back. He called out to Captain Jost that he had located a 10-45 and began removing the victim toward the door of the apartment. FF Nkurmah was quickly met by FF Torres, who helped bring the victim back down the long hallway, still without a hoseline operating within the fire apartment. As the pair approached the seat of the fire in the living room, the heat intensified, and FF Nkurmah did his best to shield the victim from the flames, injuring himself and getting burned in the process.

After removing the victim to the public hallway and handing them off to other units, FF Nkurmah returned to the fire apartment and continued with the rest of his first-due truck duties. As noted by Battalion 20 Commander Bonasera, “...he made an aggressive search in deteriorating conditions, without the protection of a hoseline. He passed fire twice and exposed himself to extreme personal risk.” It is for these reasons that Firefighter David Nkurmah is being awarded the Thomas E. Crimmins Medal.—KC

Appointed to the FDNY on April 24, 2023. Holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Westchester Community College. Is an Ironworker Local 40. Resides in Brooklyn.

From left to right: FF Richard Guarnieri, FF David Nkrumah, FF Victor Torres Jr., FF Brandon Miller, Captain Carl Jost and FF Bobby Wolmart.

IThomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal

Firefighter Daniel Centonze Rescue Company 4

August 4, 2024, 0717 hours, Box 75-7816, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on May 4, 2003. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 119 and Squad Co. 270. Holds an associate degree in fire science from Empire State University. Father, Firefighter Vito Centonze, retired from Engine Co. 298 in 1981. Resides in North Massapequa, New York, with wife Marissa and children Mason, Maddox and Mia Bella.

n the early Sunday morning of August 4, 2024, the tones rang out and Rescue Company 4 was assigned first due to Queens Box 7816 for fire on the first floor of a two-story private dwelling. En route, the dispatchers notified responding companies that there were civilians trapped on the second floor.

Pedestrians at the scene waved fire companies onto the block, and Captain Patrick Burns observed a large volume of fire blowing out the exposure 2 side windows. As Engine 292 stretched the initial hoseline, Firefighter Daniel Centonze (can) and Firefighter Giovanni Martinez (irons) donned their SCBAs, forced entry on the first floor and were immediately faced with fire extending out of the open door, into the hallway and up the stairs. As the team entered the building, FF Centonze used his extinguisher to attempt to hold back the fire through the disintegrated apartment door. He knew they needed to get to the second floor quickly, and they crawled on their bellies up the burning staircase.

On the second floor, intense heat and zero visibility forced the team to the floor. FF Centonze began his right-hand search toward the rear of the apartment. The first door was unlocked and led to a small bedroom. After a quick search with negative results, he continued his search and forced a locked door to gain access to the adjoining bedroom.

Entering the bedroom, he immediately attempted to shut the door behind him. The room had the same deteriorated condition as the hallway and was filled with clutter, making crawling very difficult. As FF Centonze moved on his hands and knees to maneuver around the obstacles, he crawled toward the rear to vent the bedroom window.

After a quick search of the top of the bed, he dropped back to the floor and swept underneath and around it. FF Centonze found an unconscious female lying on the floor and transmitted the 10-45, then began to move the slumped woman to safety. He held her by her upper body and started to pull her toward the doorway. He continued to bring her across the room when Firefighter Al Francis (R-4, chauffeur) emerged and assisted him in the woman’s removal.

Together, they moved toward the stairs. The fire was still burning in the apartment below, continuing to deliver thick black smoke and high heat up the staircase. At the top of the stairs, FF Centonze lifted the woman on his shoulder while shielding her with his body. He descended the staircase, made his way past the other operating members and exited the building, carrying the victim straight to EMS.

FF Centonze operated on the floor above a heavy fire con-

dition, without the protection of a hoseline. Because of his bravery and courage and putting his own life at great personal risk, this woman survived a life-threatening situation. For his actions and efforts during operations at Queens Box 7816, Firefighter Daniel Centonze of Rescue Company 4 is awarded the Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal.—PB

FF Centonze climbed the burning staircase to the second floor of the two-story multiple dwelling, where he located and rescued an unconscious victim. (Photo by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

Walter Scott Medal

Firefighter Jeffrey L. Mirabal Ladder Company 54

September 4, 2024, 1603 hours, Box 75-2676, Bronx

As the day tour came to a close on September 4, 2024, Ladder Company 45 received a telephone alarm for smoke coming from a private dwelling at Bronx Box 2676. While en route, an additional caller confirmed the address. As Ladder Company 54 and Engine Company 96 turned onto the block, they saw heavy black smoke pushing under pressure from the second and third floor windows of a three-story attached dwelling. Engine 96 promptly transmitted the 10-75 for a fire on the second floor.

As Ladder 54’s inside team—Lieutenant Thomas Scharfenberger, Firefighter William Cavinee (irons, detailed from E-96) and Firefighter Jeffrey Mirabal (can)—exited the apparatus and made their way to the entrance, people reported that there were residents possibly trapped inside. The team also observed an occupant hanging from a third-floor window who, due to the punishing conditions inside, jumped shortly thereafter and survived with a fractured leg.

As Engine 96 began stretching their handline, the inside team made their way to the second floor, encountering heavy smoke and little visibility. On the second-floor landing, the members were met with an open apartment door, high heat and visible fire just inside the apartment. They pushed their way into the fire apartment under extreme heat, and FF Mirabal attempted to cool the overhead fire with the can extinguisher.

Lt. Scharfenberger crawled toward the fire bedroom door in an attempt to close it, but the door had burned through, and fire extended above into the kitchen and living room. With the can now expended, the members initiated a primary search. As FF Cavinee began a left-hand search of the blacked-out apartment, FF Mirabal heard muffled cries within the apartment to his right. He notified his officer and, without hesitation or the protection of a hoseline, crawled down the hallway, searching deep into the apartment. While moving in the direction of the sounds, FF Mirabal passed visible fire before he reached a rear bedroom, where he found the now-unconscious woman slumped in the doorway. Knowing time was not on his side, FF Mirabal transmitted a 10-45 over his radio and quickly began removing the victim through the hallway, into the now fully involved living room and toward the apartment door. He was met by Lt. Scharfenberger and FF Cavinee. Together, they removed the victim—in extremely high heat, with heavy fire rolling over their heads—to the landing. They attempted to close the door, but heavy fire continued to vent into the second-floor landing through the burned-out door. Firefighters Mirabal and Cavinee continued to move the victim down the stairs and onto the street. Despite their exhaustion, they immediately rendered much-needed first aid and medical care to the victim as they awaited the arrival of EMS.

Firefighter Jeffrey Mirabal acted in the highest traditions of this Department, at great risk to his own personal safety. He saved the life of a civilian who would surely have perished if not for his actions. For his efforts, he is awarded the Walter Scott Medal.—RAW

Appointed to the FDNY on June 12, 2017. Holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Mercy College. Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society and FDNY Vulcan Society. Resides in Yonkers, New York, with wife Paola and children Daniel, Evan, Ethan and Ayana.

September 4, 2024, Bronx Box 75-2676. (Photo from Citizen App)

AJohn H. Prentice Medal

Firefighter Christopher G. Carlin Ladder Company 56

October 5, 2024, 0226 hours, Box 75-3309, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on December 11, 2017. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 48 and EMS Station 50. Holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from James Madison University. Recipient of the Father Julian F. Deeken Memorial Medal (2024) and Lt. James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal (2023). Brother Firefighter Kevin Carlin is assigned to Ladder Co. 26; Brother EMT Gregory Carlin is assigned to Station 50; Father, Battalion Chief George Carlin, retired from Battalion 16 in 2007. Resides in Mineola, New York, with wife Erin and child Jonathan.

firefighter assigned to the outside vent position plays a critical role in fireground operations. Firefighters assigned to this position must make quick and decisive decisions to save lives. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Ladder 56 Firefighter Christopher Carlin demonstrated this skill. At 2:27 a.m., Ladder Company 56 responded first due to a phone alarm for a fire on the second floor of a six-story multiple dwelling in the Bronx.

Upon arrival, the company was met by multiple people in the street and heavy smoke billowing out of several windows. Ladder 56’s officer, Captain John Hunt, informed the outside team that there were numerous civilians on the front fire escape. FF Carlin immediately made his way to the fire escape, where several individuals were shouting for help. Using his hook, he dropped the fire escape ladder and climbed up. He assisted one civilian from the second floor and three others from the third floor, guiding them down

the fire escape through the thick smoke venting from the second-floor windows.

Captain Hunt and the inside team—Firefighters James Brush (forcible entry) and James McDonagh (can)—were met with heavy fire venting out the slightly open door of the fire apartment on the second floor. They attempted to gain entry, but the door was barricaded from the inside with old air-conditioning units and debris.

FF Carlin, having heard the transmissions about the door challenges, climbed back up the fire escape. He notified his officer that he was going to vent the first window and gain entry into the apartment kitchen. Once inside, FF Carlin was met with dense, acrid smoke that severely limited his visibility. Pressing on, he searched the kitchen and into the hallway, where he encountered severe heat and fire rolling over his head. FF Carlin then crawled into the living room, searching through a medium clutter condition to the window. After venting the second window, he continued his search and found an unconscious victim under a couch.

Firefighter Carlin notified Captain Hunt and began removing the victim toward the front door. By now, the inside team had gained entry, and FF Carlin was met by Firefighters Brush and McDonagh, who assisted him in removing the unconscious victim out of the apartment and down the stairs to waiting FDNY EMS members.

Firefighter Carlin’s actions at this fire undoubtedly saved a civilian’s life. He showed great initiative and bravery as he diligently searched a smoke- and heat-filled apartment for residents without the protection of a hoseline. He acted in the highest traditions of this Department, and for this reason, the John H. Prentice Medal is presented to Firefighter Christopher Carlin, Ladder Company 56. —CB

Henry D. Brookman Medal

Battalion Chief Ryan C. Brito Ladder Company 34

February 23, 2024, 1417 hours, Box 22-1647, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on July 1, 2008. Promoted to battalion chief after this incident, in February 2025. Currently assigned to Division 13. Previously assigned to Ladder Company 34 (captain), Engine Company 16 (lieutenant) and Ladder Companies 1 and 80 (firefighter). Holds a bachelor's degree in emergency management from John Jay College. Recipient of a Pre-Hospital Save (2018), a Unit Citation (2017), a Class B (2015) and Unit of the Month (2007). Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society. Resides in Manhattan.

The phrase "So that others may live" encapsulates the core principle of self-sacrifice and the willingness to put oneself in harm's way for the well-being of others. Every FDNY member who responded on the first-alarm assignment to Manhattan Box 1647 on February 23, 2024, lived up to that motto. Several of these members had direct hands-on impacts that provided others a second chance at life. Captain Ryan Brito of Hook and Ladder Company 34—who has since been promoted to battalion chief—was one of those members.

As the second-due ladder company at a six-story, non-fireproof multiple dwelling, the members of Ladder 34 were responsible for searching and operating on the floor directly above the fire—the most seriously exposed fire area. On that afternoon, a lithium-ion battery fire engulfed the entrance to a third-floor apartment, causing heavy fire and smoke to enter and extend up the adjacent open stairwell. These flue-like conditions trapped numerous civilians on every floor above the fire, causing several to jump in an attempt to escape the flames and smoke. Others were left clinging from windowsills on the top floor, requiring immediate rescue by FDNY members.

Arriving at a chaotic scene takes monumental strength, courage and focus to complete all the basic firefighting responsibilities, in addition to addressing life-threatening situations. Initially pinned down at the second-floor half-landing,

Captain Brito and his inside team made an assertive effort to pass the fire apartment—which was adjacent to the stairwell—and to make their position on the floor above, the fourth floor.

While Firefighter Juan Gonzalez (L-34, irons) forced the door to the apartment directly above the fire, Captain Brito— on his belly—rapidly searched the blacked-out and heatscorched public hallway, which only moments earlier had been consumed by fire. At the opposite end of the hallway, Captain Brito found an unconscious victim and transmitted a 10-45. Concerned there were additional civilians overcome by the dense lithium-ion battery smoke, Captain Brito continued his search to find a second unconscious victim in the hallway, transmitting the signal once again and requesting assistance.

With no time to wait, Captain Brito packaged the first victim and pulled him back to the stairwell to Squad 41 members. He then returned to the second victim and was aided by FF Gonzalez, who helped him remove the victim down the stairwell to members waiting on the floors below. The duo then ascended the heat-charged stairway yet again to complete their primary task of searching the severely exposed apartment directly above the fire.

At great personal risk, and in punishing heat and heavy smoke conditions, Captain Ryan Brito of Hook and Ladder Company 34 located, rescued and removed two fire victims. For his valiant efforts, Captain Brito is awarded the Henry D. Brookman Medal of valor, in the finest traditions of the FDNY.—SM

The hallway where then-Captain Brito (Ladder Co. 34) found two victims in zero visibility on the fourth floor, the floor above the fire floor. (Photo by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

OChief Ulyses Grant Leadership Medal

Lieutenant Justin H. Kinney

EMS Special Operations

July 4, 2024, 2054 hours, CAD 4509, Corlears Hook Park, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on September 23, 2013. Was detailed to EMS Special Operations at the time of the incident. Currently assigned to Station 50. Previously assigned to Stations 4, 55 and 47. Holds a bachelor's degree in biology from

n July 4, 2024, at around 2054 hours, what began as a joyous Independence Day celebration in Manhattan’s Corlears Hook Park turned into a devastating mass casualty event. Members of EMS Command were operating on CAD 4508 (and associated CADs 4509, 4528 and 4534) when a motor vehicle driven by an intoxicated individual lost control while speeding down Water Street. The car barreled through the intersection at Jackson Street, veered onto the sidewalk, smashed through a fence and plunged 2 feet below grade—straight into a crowd of civilians.

The impact was catastrophic. Many people sustained injuries, with four individuals classified as red tag patients— needing immediate care for a life-threatening condition— trapped beneath the wreckage. Their extrication was both urgent and complex, requiring precision, teamwork and unwavering focus amid the chaos.

As EMS members arrived on the scene, they were met with a volatile environment. The sheer scale of injuries combined with the shock and distress of bystanders created an emotionally charged atmosphere. The threat of civil unrest loomed, with an enraged crowd watching the unfolding rescue efforts. Despite these challenges, the EMS teams worked with remarkable efficiency and professionalism, stabilizing the injured while ensuring their own safety in an unpredictable setting.

One of the key responders, Lieutenant Justin Kinney, played a critical role in the extrication and treatment of two of the most challenging patients. The first patient was trapped under the center of the vehicle, in a confined space made even more difficult by nearby bleachers. Navigating these obstacles, Lt. Kinney provided essential direction to BLS crews while working alongside Rescue and Haz-Tac units. The second patient was wedged between the foundation wall of the fence and the vehicle, necessitating a coordinated effort with Fire and ESU to cut through the fence. Throughout the operation, Lt. Kinney maintained patient contact, ensuring swift treatment and transport. Despite the unstable environ-

ment—including the presence of propane, sparks and heavy cutting tools—Lt. Kinney worked flawlessly, proving instrumental to the success of the operation. The rapid extrication and medical care provided gave victims a fighting chance at survival, a chance that may not have existed without these heroic efforts.

Under effective direction, all responders executed their roles with precision, swiftly extricating the trapped victims, securing the scene and maintaining order in a tense situation.

For his leadership, bravery, composure and commitment to duty under extreme circumstances—exemplified at the highest standards of this Department—Lt. Justin Kinney is being awarded the Chief Ulyses Grant Leadership Medal. —RL

Touro University. Recipient of multiple Pre-Hospital Saves, multiple Unit Citations and Officer of the Quarter (4th of 2022). Resides in East Setauket, New York.

Scene of the mass casualty incident on July 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Dean Moses)

Hispanic Society 23rd St. Fire Memorial Medal of Valor Firefighter Bryan Garcia

Ladder Company 163

August 4, 2024, 0717 hours, Box 75-7816, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on November 11, 2019. Previously did a year rotation in Engine Co. 26. Served in the United States Marine Corps. Member of FDNY grappling/wrestling team. Resides in Bayside, New York.

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Tower Ladder Company 163 received a call for a fire on the first floor of a two-story private dwelling in Queens. En route to the fire, the first arriving company, Engine Company 292, confirmed that there were growing flames on the first floor of the home and multiple people trapped inside. As the second-due truck, members of Tower Ladder 163 knew their objective would be to access the floor above the fire to search for victims.

Once the company arrived on scene, members immediately observed heavy fire venting from a first-floor window on the side of the home. Firefighter Bryan Garcia, who was assigned to the outside vent position, quickly grabbed a 24-foot extension ladder and made his way down the driveway, past the fire.

Once he reached his position behind the burning home, FF Garcia swiftly climbed a 6-foot ladder to ascend a rear setback. He then pulled his 24-foot extension ladder upward and positioned it against a window on the exposure 3-4 corner of the residence. Now operating on the setback, FF Garcia teamed up with a member of Rescue Company 4. They both climbed another ladder to access the adjacent second-floor bedroom where victims were reportedly trapped.

FF Garcia entered the bedroom window to find himself standing on top of a bed positioned below it. He was immediately met with high heat and thick black smoke conditions, which forced him down to the floor and onto his belly. From there, Garcia conducted his search while crawling through the residence with little visibility, relying solely on his remaining senses and training.

FF Garcia located an unconscious child who was lying on the ground nearby, overcome by smoke. Garcia promptly informed Command that he had located a fire victim and quickly scooped the child up into his arms. He then carried the child down a nearby set of stairs after determining that it would be too difficult to exit through the window while carrying the victim. FF Garcia made his way through the home while shielding the young victim’s body from the intense heat of the fire with his bunker coat. Moments later, he exited the front of the residence with the child in his arms and began lifesaving measures until EMS took over.

By bravely searching above the fire without the protection of a hoseline, Firefighter Bryan Garcia demonstrated incredible courage and initiative. His swift and decisive actions in the face of grave danger exemplify the finest traditions upheld by the FDNY, and he is awarded the Hispanic Society/23rd Street Fire Memorial Medal of Valor.—DB

Ladder Co. 163 members who operated at Queens Box 75-7816, August 4, 2024. From left to right: FF Jack Cook, Lt. Matthew DeMatteis, FF Bryan Garcia, FF Oscar Hernandez (E-325) and FF Joseph Mortillaro.

OMichael J. Delehanty Medal

Firefighter Rafael J. Germosen Ladder Company 51

July 20, 2024, 2327 hours, Box 22-3457, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on June 27, 2016. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 38. Recipient of a Service

Rating A (2024), Unit Citation (2022) and three Pre-Hospital Saves (2017). Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society. Resides in the Bronx with wife Maribel and children Mariel, Bella and Katara.

n July 20, 2024, at 2327 hours, Tower Ladder Company 51 responded first due to a reported fire in a private dwelling in the Allerton section of the Bronx. Due to the time of day, the crew working that night knew there was a higher probability that people would be inside the dwelling. Engine 38 arrived and transmitted a 10-75 for fire on the first floor of a two-and-a-half-story, peaked-roof private dwelling.

Upon arrival, Firefighter Rafael Germosen (Ladder 51, roof) grabbed his tools and made his way down the exposure 2 alley, toward the rear of the dwelling. Before he reached the backyard, a neighbor shouted to FF Germosen that someone was still inside the dwelling in the rear of the first floor. Without hesitation, FF Germosen went up the short stoop in the rear, vented the sliding glass door on the first floor, donned his SCBA and entered the dwelling. Once inside, due to the extreme heat and thick smoke, FF Germosen quickly realized that he was conducting his search for the victim right next to the main body of fire.

While he searched the rear bedroom, numerous lithium-ion batteries explod-

ed and discharged, allowing the main body of fire to quickly grow and the conditions in the bedroom to rapidly deteriorate. Without the protection of a charged hoseline, FF Germosen continued his search and located an unconscious victim on the floor next to the bed. He transmitted the signal 10-45 and began removing the lifeless victim back to the sliding door from which he entered. Upon reaching the doorway, he was assisted by Ladder 51’s outside vent, Firefighter Christopher Morvillo. The two firefighters carried the victim to the front of the house, assessed him and began life-saving treatment. Members of Engine Company 66 relieved them, and FF Germosen returned to the fire building to complete primary searches.

As noted by Battalion 15 Commander Kenneth Knapp, “FF Germosen acted in the highest traditions of bravery and exposed himself to great personal risk while rescuing this victim, all the while without the protection of a charged hoseline.” It is for these reasons Firefighter Rafael Germosen is being awarded M.J. Delehanty Medal.—KC

Post-fire scene of the rear bedroom where FF Germosen found an unconscious victim at this lithium-ion battery fire, July 20, 2024. (Photo by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal

Lieutenant Kevin M. Kirrane Ladder Company 154

March 30, 2024, 0256 hours, Box 75-7771, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on May 31, 2005. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 51. Holds a bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Albany. Recipient of three Pre-Hospital Saves (2018, 2020, 2023). Member of the FDNY Emerald Society, FDNY Holy Name Society and FDNY Steuben Association. Brother Captain Jack Kirrane is assigned to Division 7. Resides in West Hempstead, New York, with wife Lisa and children Emma and Avery.

On the morning of March 30, 2024, at 2:56 a.m., Ladder Company 154 responded first due to a call for smoke on the sixth floor of Queens Box 7771. Upon arrival, the inside team of Ladder 154 were met at the entrance to the seven-story, H-type multiple dwelling by an occupant who stated that he smelled smoke on the sixth floor.

Lieutenant Kevin Kirrane and his inside team—Firefighter Ryan Boyle (forcible entry) and Firefighter Radford Arrindell (can)— immediately raced up the stairway to the sixth-floor landing, where they encountered a medium smoke condition. Lieutenant Kirrane determined which apartment the smoke was coming from and called over his radio for a hoseline to be stretched. He then directed FF Boyle to force open the apartment door.

After they donned their facepieces and forced open the door, dense, black smoke and superheated fire gases immediately began to discharge from the apartment into the hallway. Lieutenant Kirrane reminded his members that the engine company had just started to stretch the hoseline and that they would not have the protection of water during their initial search.

The members began their search under high heat and zero visibility. Lieutenant Kirrane could hear the crackling sound of the fire coming from straight ahead inside the apartment. Under intense heat and debilitating conditions, Lieutenant Kirrane and FF Arrindell crawled through cramped and cluttered conditions until they reached the seat of the fire. At this time, Ladder 154's OV, Firefighter Edward Fitzgerald, radioed that he was going to be delayed due to multiple civilians on the fire escape. Lieutenant Kirrane ordered FF Arrindell to

use the water extinguisher to hold back the intensifying fire so that he could crawl past the fire to continue his search.

After making his way into the rear bedroom, Lieutenant Kirrane performed a quick primary search under conditions of high heat and blinding smoke when he located a victim on the floor, barely clinging to life. Lieutenant Kirrane immediately transmitted the location of the victim over his radio and began the arduous task of removing the victim back through the apartment to the hallway. In the hallway, the victim was handed off to FF Arrindell and members of Engine Company 316, who administered life-saving care as they brought the victim down to EMS. Lieutenant Kirrane went back into the fire apartment and ordered FF Boyle, who now had the water extinguisher, to continue knocking down fire so he could pass the fire again to complete his search.

Lieutenant Kirrane represented the finest traditions of the FDNY in his willingness to place himself at unusual personal risk, under extreme fire conditions and without the protection of a hoseline, to save the life of a victim. Lieutenant Kirrane‘s bravery and professionalism is evidenced by his actions, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the firefighting service, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. He is awarded the Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal.—MB

Members from Ladder Co. 154, from left to right: FF Radford Arrindell, Lt. Kevin Kirrane and FF Ryan Boyle.

OWilliam F. Conran Medal

Firefighter Michael J. Gannone Ladder

Company 174

May 4, 2024, 0425 hours, Box 75-3897, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on December 7, 2018. Resides on Staten Island.

n May 4, 2024, at 4:25 a.m., Ladder Company 174 responded to a call for smoke in a multiple dwelling. Upon arrival at Brooklyn Box 3897, members discovered smoke emanating from a first-floor apartment in the B wing of a four-wing, four-story, 100- by 100-foot residential complex.

Firefighter Michael Gannone, the forcible entry firefighter in Ladder 174 that night, made his way into the fire building with the inside team, Lieutenant Paul Gamin and can firefighter Terence Moriarty. As they arrived at the door to the fire apartment, Captain Mascia (Engine Co. 248) relayed to the team that he had received information of someone trapped inside.

Ladder 174 members donned their self-contained breathing apparatus facepieces and entered the punishing environment to search for the main body of fire and victims. Lieutenant Gamin crawled into the apartment and discovered fire immediately to the left, in the living room. FF Gannone communicated to his officer that he was going to pass the

fire in his search for victims. Upon entering a bedroom under high heat and heavy smoke, FF Gannone swept the top of the bed, where he immediately found an unresponsive victim. He removed the victim off the bed and onto the floor, notified his officer of the victim and prepared for removal.

With fire now rolling across the ceiling, Firefighter Gannone began the arduous task of removing the lifeless victim toward the apartment entrance, where FF Moriarty met him to assist in the removal. The firefighters removed the victim to the hallway, where members began life-saving measures and transported her out of the building to EMS.

The actions of Firefighter Gannone at this fire were commendable. His diligent search efforts under punishing conditions led to him locating and removing an unconscious victim suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Under high heat and limited visibility, FF Michael Gannone placed himself at unusual personal risk to save the life of another. For his actions at this fire, he is awarded the William F. Conran Medal.—MB

Members of Ladder Co. 174 who operated at Brooklyn Box 3897 on May 4, 2024: FF Terrance Moriarty, FF Michael Gannone, Lt. Paul Jamin, FF Brian O’Grady, FF Anthony Orlandi and FF Ken Ternlund.

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

Lieutenant Brian P. Currid

Ladder Company 33

February 15, 2024, 0610 hours, Box 22-4767, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on July 14, 1996. Previously assigned to Ladder 26 (firefighter). Holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from University of Brockport. Recipient of four Unit Citations. Brother Battalion Chief Martin Currid is assigned to Battalion 45. Brother Captain Michael Currid retired from Ladder Co. 31 in 2021. Uncle Captain Michael Currid retired from Ladder 49. Resides in Warwick, New York, with wife Ellen and children Ciara and Teagan.

The FDNY has been renowned for engaging in aggressive firefighting tactics that have undoubtedly saved the lives of thousands of New Yorkers. While tactics, technology and training continue to evolve, the fundamental approach of an aggressive primary search remains crucial in saving lives.

On the morning of February 15, 2024, Ladder Company 33 was assigned to Box 4767 for a report of a fire in a private dwelling. As Ladder 33 responded, Bronx Fire Dispatch updated that they were receiving multiple calls for fire in that area. As the company traversed the Grand Concourse, they observed a large column of smoke in the vicinity of 176th Street and Topping Avenue.

Engine Company 42 transmitted an urgent to Bronx Dispatch for fire on the second floor of a three-story Brownstone. Ladder 33 arrived first due to an advanced fire venting out of the exposure 1 windows of the second floor and heavy smoke pushing under pressure from the third floor. Lieutenant Brian Currid led Ladder 33’s inside team—Probationary Firefighter Edward Morrison (can) and Firefighter Kevin O’Conner (irons)— up the interior stairs to the second floor, where they were met with high heat and fire from floor to ceiling. The team attempted to begin their primary search but were pushed back by extreme heat and flames. At this time, Engine Company 42 advanced their charged hoseline up the stairs to aggressively extinguish the fire consuming the second-floor hallway

and rooms. In unison, Ladder 33 and Engine 42 moved toward exposure 1 and were confronted with two rooms of fire.

As Engine 42 moved into the room to their immediate right to extinguish fire, Lt. Currid made entry into the adjoining room. In zero visibility with fire rolling over his head, Lt. Currid was forced to the floor. He pushed on in the deteriorating conditions to perform a primary search. Ten feet inside the room he found an unconscious female on a mattress. Lt. Currid immediately transmitted a 10-45 and began the arduous task of removing the lifeless victim.

As Lt. Currid reached the bedroom door, FF Morrison arrived to assist him in removing the unconscious victim into the hallway. Knowing his primary search on the fire floor was not complete, Lt. Currid handed the victim off to FF O’Conner and FF Robert Camaj (outside vent) for further removal. He also notified the incident commander of the need to clear an exit path to the street in order to rapidly remove and treat the victim. Lt. Currid then returned to the front two rooms to complete his primary search.

The survival of this victim was a direct result of the aggressive primary search Lt. Currid performed under extreme fire conditions. He put himself at great personal risk, embodying the highest traditions of the New York City Fire Department. For these actions, Lieutenant Brian Currid of Ladder Company 33 is awarded the Chief John J. McElligott Medal and Firefighters Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award Medal.—FW

Members who operated at Bronx second alarm, February 15, 2024. From left to right: FF Chase Barada (E-75), FF Kevin O’Connor (L-33), Lt. Brian Currid (L-33), FF Keith McBride (L-33), FF Patrick Fiffe (L-33), FF Diocar Vega (E-43), FF Robert Hagan (L-33), FF Edward Morrison (L-33), FF Frank Quesada (L-33), Lt. Jon Ziegler (L-33) and FF Robert Camaj (L-33).

Aftermath of this second-alarm fire.

(Photo by EMT Kimberly Socci)

AThomas F. Dougherty Medal

Firefighter John Hlavacek Rescue Company 4

August 4, 2024, 0717 hours, Box 75-7816, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on July 28, 2002. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 302 and Ladder Co. 155. Holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Nassau Community College. Recipient of three Unit Citations (2020, 2017, 2015). Resides in Kings Park, New York, with wife Bonnie and children Jack, Thomas and Michael.

t 0717 hours on August 4, 2024, Rescue Company 4 was dispatched to Queens Box 7816 for a fire on the first floor of a two-story private dwelling. While responding, dispatchers reported that they were receiving numerous calls and that people were trapped on the second floor.

As the inside team—Captain Patrick Burns, Firefighter Daniel Centonze (can) and Firefighter Giovanni Martinez (irons)—began forcing the front entrance door, Firefighter John Hlavacek (roof) sized up the building and proceeded to the rear. FF Hlavacek immediately transmitted that the building had three stories in the rear and that a civilian was at the top-floor window with smoke showing. After calling for ladders in the rear, FF Hlavacek grabbed an extension ladder from the adjacent residence and climbed onto the rear covered porch. He then lifted the ladder onto the porch roof and positioned it to the second-floor window. He climbed the ladder, cleared the window and removed the victim down the ladder. The resident then informed him that three people were still inside the adjacent bedroom. FF Hlavacek immediately transmitted over the handie-talkie that three civilians were still trapped on the top floor.

dow. FF Hlavacek donned his facepiece and entered the room.

FF Hlavacek crawled in, landing on top of a bed. He quickly searched the mattress before climbing off the bed and into the clutter-filled room. FF Hlavacek found an unconscious, large-framed man face down and covered in blankets, wedged between the bed and furniture. He transmitted the 10-45 and his location and called for assistance. He grabbed his webbing, wrapped it around the man and began to remove him toward the doorway.

With conditions worsening in the entryway, Captain Burns had notified members that fire in the stairwell was being knocked down by the can extinguisher, which delayed searches on the second floor. FF Hlavacek repositioned the rickety homeowner ladder to the adjacent bedroom window and scaled it. FF Centonze had just vented the bedroom window from inside and was in the process of removing a victim. Thick black smoke and high heat were pushing from the win-

Fire was still burning on the floor below, with high heat and thick smoke emanating up the staircase. As he pulled the man over the clutter and out of the bedroom, he was met by Rescue 4’s chauffeur, Firefighter Al Francis. Together, FF Hlavacek and FF Francis took hold of the man and, after hearing the line operating below, began descending the stairs. FF Hlavacek shielded the victim from the fire and high heat while slowly maneuvering him down the severely burnt staircase. He continued down the exterior staircase, where he was met by a CFRD engine company and EMS.

FF John Hlavacek was faced with several challenges at this fire: multiple trapped people on the second floor, a cluttered apartment causing a difficult removal, and a heavy fire that was not yet extinguished. His brave, selfless actions resulted in a man being rescued from certain demise, for which he is being awarded the Thomas F. Dougherty Medal.—PB

FF Hlavacek pulled a ladder onto the rear porch and positioned it at the window of the second-floor bedroom where three unconscious victims were found.

Rescue 4 members who operated at Queens Box 75-7816, from left to right: Captain Patrick Burns, FF Al Francis, FF John Hlavacek, FF Daniel Centonze, FF Giovanni Martinez and FF Patrick Dolce.

Bella Stiefel Medal

Firefighter Kevin C. Routledge Ladder Company 18

November 14, 2024, 1956 hours, Box 77-0245, Manhattan

On the evening of November 14, 2024, at approximately 1956 hours, Tower Ladder Company 18 received a phone alarm reporting a fire in an apartment on the 11th floor at Box 0245. Engine Company 15, Tower Ladder Company 18, and Battalion 4 responded to the 11-story, fireproof multiple dwelling, a structure that is predominantly inhabited by elderly and handicapped residents.

Upon arrival, Tower Ladder 18 was met by the building superintendent in the lobby. He reported observing significant smoke on the 11th-floor public hallway. The elevators were quickly recalled and placed into fire service. Tower Ladder 18’s inside team—Lieutenant Jordan Salvador, Firefighter Kevin “Rutty” Routledge (forcible entry/irons) and Firefighter Dominic Torre (can)—exited the elevator on the ninth floor, two floors below the anticipated fire floor. Unexpectedly, they encountered a medium smoke condition in the public hallway.

The members quickly identified the fire apartment due to visible smoke under pressure escaping from around the door jamb, coupled with significant heat radiating into the hallway. A 10-77 was promptly transmitted to Battalion 4, while Firefighters Routledge and Torre began the challenging task of forcing entry through a tough metal door with multiple locks engaged.

As TL-18 breached the apartment's threshold, the firefighters were immediately confronted with zero visibility, intense heat and thick, black smoke. While awaiting the hoseline, Firefighter Torre utilized the water extinguisher from a strategic position near the entrance, simultaneously maintaining door control and serving as a beacon while his fellow inside team began

their primary search. Because the FDNY Critical Information Dispatch System (CIDS) stated that the building was occupied by elderly and handicapped residents throughout, FF Routledge recognized the critical time factor. He also knew there was a high probability of an incapacitated occupant and immediately conducted a right-hand search.

Firefighter Routledge's search began behind the apartment door and led him past the fire, through a hallway and bathroom and into a bedroom area severely compromised by a medium clutter condition. Probing through the clutter, FF Routledge discovered an unconscious victim lying on a bed. He instantly transmitted a 10-45 and began the arduous task of victim removal.

Firefighter Routledge, facing deteriorating conditions, used his body to protect the victim while removing her through the heat and smoke. He then proceeded to move the victim down a flight of stairs, prioritizing immediate life-sustaining medical treatment. As the victim was removed, Engine Company 15 made an aggressive interior attack to extinguish the fire. Upon hearing the 10-45 transmission, Firefighter Frank Milazzo (TL18, outside vent), who was staged on the seventh floor, moved his elevator to the eighth floor. Together, they transported the victim to the lobby, where she was placed under the care of EMS.

Firefighter Kevin Routledge’s actions that night demonstrated exceptional courage and resolve under some of the most challenging conditions. FF Routledge’s unwavering determination, quick thinking and commitment to saving lives were instrumental in the success of this operation. He is awarded the Bella Stiefel Medal.—BPJ

Box 0245, November 14, 2024, from left to right, top: FF Casey Chan, E-15 (nozzle); FF Frank Milazzo, TL-18 (OV); FF Dom Torre, TL-18 (can); Lt. Santino DeGregorio, E-15; Lt. Jordan Salvador, TL-18; FF Kevin Routledge, TL-18 (irons); FF Anthony Olivares, E-9 (roof); FF Kevin Alore, TL-18 (LCC); and FF Santino Barone, E-15 (control). Kneeling from left: FF Roycott Myers, E-15 (ECC) and FF Nick Parsons, E-15 (backup).

From left to right: FF Dom Torre (can), FF Kevin Routledge (irons) and Lt. Jordan Salvador.

Appointed to the FDNY on June 12, 2017. Previously assigned to Engine Company 15. Member of the FDNY Phoenix Society. Resides in Manhattan with wife Asli.

Tracy Allen-Lee Medal

October 6, 2024, 0925 hours, CAD 1648, Bronx

Paramedic Amanda J. Czaja

Station 14

WAppointed to the FDNY on September 12, 2013. Previously assigned to Station 10. Holds a bachelor's degree in music industry from Northeastern University and a master's degree in media studies from The New School. Recipient of a Meritorious Act (2017). Resides in Woodside, New York.

Appointed to the FDNY on October 15, 2018. Previously assigned to Station 10 and Station 16. Holds a bachelor's degree in fire science from New Jersey City University. Recipient of Excellent Duty with Merits (2021), six Pre-Hospital Saves (2020 [3], 2022, 2023, 2024), two Unit of the Month awards (2022, 2023) and COVID-19 Pandemic Ribbon (2023). Resides in Brooklyn with wife Brigit.

hen EMTs, paramedics and firefighters begin their tour each day, they never know what challenges they may face. There are evolutions and sce narios that can be trained and practiced, and then there are those that require quick thinking based on unforeseen circumstances. Regardless, the mission to protect the citizens and visitors of the City of New York holds no bounds.

On October 6, 2024, Paramedics Amanda Czaja and Philip Dacey of Station 43 were clearing up from a medical call in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. As they completed paperwork in their ambulance, a frantic civilian flagged them down. The civilian stated that there was a woman being viciously attacked by a large dog down the block. Without hesitation, both paramedics left the safety of their ambulance to investigate.

At the scene, they witnessed a woman who was pinned in a corner, actively being mauled by a vicious dog and screaming for help. Paramedic Czaja swiftly moved toward the attacking dog and grabbed its collar. Although successful in removing the dog off of the victim, Paramedic

Paramedic Philip D. Dacey

Station 14

Czaja was bitten numerous times, suffering deep lacerations. While this occurred, Paramedic Dacey shielded bystanders from the still-loose dog. The dog then lunged at Paramedic Dacey and bit him numerous times, causing serious puncture wounds.

Although injured, Paramedics Czaja and Dacey knew they had to control the dog, which was still trying to attack the original victim and bystanders. Both paramedics shielded the victim and diverted the dog away from the brutally injured woman. With the dog now distracted and its back turned, Paramedic Dacey was able to restrain and pin it to the ground. Paramedic Dacey kept the dog secured until NYPD arrived, while Paramedic Czaja began to care for the attacked patient. Without hesitation, Paramedic Czaja and Dacey jumped into action to save the life of a fellow New Yorker. Through numerous serious dog bites, they worked together to keep the safety and well-being of the patient and bystanders their No. 1 priority. For their dedication and service, Paramedic Amanda Czaja and Paramedic Philip Dacey are awarded the Tracy Allen-Lee Medal.—FW

Paramedics Philip Dacey (left) and Amanda Czaja (right) at Station 14 in the Bronx.

Vincent J. Kane Medal

Firefighter Marc J. Douglas Ladder Company 45

February 12, 2024, 1414 hours, Box 22-1647, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on May 13, 2019. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 15 (for one year detail). Recipient of a Unit Citation (2021) and two Pre-Hospital Saves (2022). Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society. Resides in Yonkers, New York, with fiancée Kayla.

When Ladder Company 45 was dispatched to a twoalarm fire in Manhattan on February 23, 2024, they knew that the members already on scene were dealing with challenging conditions and numerous victims. Immediately upon arrival, Lieutenant Paul Hoekzema reported into the command post for Ladder 45’s assignment. They were ordered to the top floor of the six-story multiple dwelling due to the heavy smoke condition, which was fueled by a lithium-ion battery fire and the third-floor fire apartment door being left open.

Ladder 45 faced the arduous task of climbing up the interior stairs, where multiple patients were being removed and a second handline was being stretched. Despite the difficult conditions and heavy smoke, they quickly reached the top floor. Realizing the number of apartments and severity of the conditions, Lt. Hoekzema split the company into two for a quicker primary search of the top floor. Firefighter Marc Douglas, assigned to the can position, and Firefighter Nicholas Morisano, outside vent, were directed to search the apartment across the hall, which was in the same line as the fire apartment.

Firefighters Douglas and Morisano forced the apartment door and found zero visibility inside. FF Douglas began a right-hand search, entering the kitchen and then a bedroom that had multiple mattresses on the floor. After searching the bedroom, he proceeded to a rear bedroom, navigating

through heavy clutter. He finally felt a bed, where he located an unconscious male victim. He immediately transmitted a 10-45 and began to remove the victim to the hallway. FF Morisano, who had searched the large living room and bathroom, met him in the hallway to assist with the removal process. Lt. Hoekzema heard the 10-45 over the radio and made his way into the apartment to assist in clearing furniture to accelerate the removal of the victim.

Once outside the apartment, Firefighter Douglas and Firefighter Morisano worked seamlessly together to start their difficult removal to the street. On the way down the stairs, they navigated over multiple hoselines strewn across the stairs and numerous members operating in the stairwell and hallways.

Once the victim was turned over to EMS, they immediately ascended the stairs back to the top floor, joining the other members of Ladder 45 to continue searches, which proved negative.

Despite working in zero visibility, overcrowded stairs, chaotic conditions and high CO levels, Firefighter Douglas persisted in his mission, performing a primary search for victims. His dedication to duty and his discipline to conduct a primary search of the top-floor apartments, despite the turmoil unfolding around him, enabled him to rescue a person and save their life. For his extreme bravery, Firefighter Marc Douglas is awarded the Vincent J. Kane Medal.—CB

Left: Smoke-damaged stairway leading from the fifth floor to the sixth floor. Right: Firefighter Douglas searched in zero visibility and heavy clutter to find a victim in the rear bedroom on the sixth floor. (Photos by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

In the cold early morning hours of January 13, 2024, the Bronx communications of fice transmitted a phone alarm reporting a fire in an apartment on the 19th floor of a sprawling 20-story housing complex at Bronx Box 2139.

Ladder Company 17 arrived first due, and as the inside team of Lieutenant Michael Rogdakis, Firefighter Ysnaldo Perez (irons, detailed from Engine Company 60) and Firefighter Krys Freebes (can, detailed from Engine Company 71) made their way to the lobby, they were met by a tenant who confirmed the floor and location of fire apartment, add ing that there was an occupant still inside.

Pulaski Association Medal

Firefighter Ysnaldo Perez

Engine Company 60 (assigned); Ladder 17 (detailed)

January 13, 2024, 0559 hours, Box 77-2139, Bronx

The team put the elevator into service mode and took it to the 17th floor, then climbed the stairs to the fire floor. Upon arrival on the 19th floor, they were met with an odor of smoke in the public hallway. As they went farther toward the end of the long hallway, they could see smoke emanating from a locked apartment door and knew they had a fire. Lt. Rogdakis transmitted the 10-77, and FF Perez and FF Freebes began forcing entry into the apartment.

Once the door was forced, the inside team donned their facepieces and crawled into the apartment, where they were instantly met with high heat and zero visibility due to heavy black smoke filling the apartment. Lt. Rogdakis and FF Freebes initiated a right-hand search as Firefighter Perez began to search left. An intensifying fire in the living room, adjacent to the apartment entrance, began to consume the apartment. As conditions rapidly deteriorated, the intensifying heat and heavy black smoke pushed the members to the floor.

FF Perez crawled beyond the growing fire and proceeded down a narrow hallway toward a rear bedroom. With a rapidly extending fire growing behind him, he quickly entered the rear bedroom to perform a search and found an unconscious victim lying on the floor at the foot of the bed. FF Perez called for help and began immediately removing the victim from the bedroom and down the hallway, toward the apartment door. He met up with Lt. Rodgakis in the living room, and they continued to pull the victim out of the superheated apartment and into the relative safety of the hallway. Once the unconscious civilian was transferred to the CFR engine, Firefighter Perez and Lt. Rodgakis went back into the fire apartment and continued to perform the rest of their duties.

Firefighter Ysnaldo Perez put himself in significant danger at this incident. He crawled past a rapidly intensifying fire with zero visibility and without the protection of a hoseline. His bravery resulted in a life saved. His actions represent this Department's great tradition of courage and selfless service, for which he receives the Pulaski Association Medal.—RAW

Appointed to the FDNY on December 12, 2016. Served in the National Guard for eight years. Member of the FDNY Hispanic Society. Resides in Brooklyn with wife Kianette and child Lorenzo.

Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal

Firefighter Joseph E. Pansini

Ladder Company 127

February 8, 2024, 1043 hours, Box 75-4914, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on March 7, 2004. Attended Wilson Technologies automotive and HVAC school. Recipient of multiple Unit Citations (2005, 2010, 2013 and 2019). Resides in Northport, New York, with wife Patricia and children Emily and Joseph.

On February 8, 2024, at around 10:43 a.m., Engine Company 298 and Ladder Company 127 responded first due to Alarm Box 4914 for a report of a fire in the rear of a private dwelling. The engine and ladder companies responded from different directions as they came from a previous call. A column of smoke could be seen from a few blocks away. Ladder 127 arrived with Engine Company 303 and Battalion 50, who transmitted the 10-75. The companies knew they had work.

At the front door, Ladder 127’s inside team—Captain Frank Macchia and Firefighters Manni Mojica and William Moore—masked up and entered the house to begin their search. Firefighter Paul Ray (outside vent) made his way to the rear, where he gave reports of heavy fire venting from the windows on the exposure 3/4 corner of a rear setback. Meanwhile, Ladder 127’s chauffeur, Firefighter Joseph Pansini, set up the tower ladder and accessed the second floor from the bucket.

While FF Pansini performed a search under medium smoke condition, he heard the OV’s transmissions and made his way to the rear setback via the interior of the private dwelling. At the bottom of the stairs, he was met with high heat and zero visibility. The fire had extended from the setback and was now extending into the kitchen. While the fire rolled overhead, FF Pansini crawled through the kitchen, making a search of the area. Due to the unique layout of the home, Engine 298 stretched their line through the front door, out a rear door and into a separate side door, then into the setback.

The situation began to rapidly deteriorate. FF Pansini felt the heat through his bunker gear and still pressed on through a maze of dining room furniture. His efforts were not in vain: He found an unconscious male tucked away in the corner of the room. FF Pansini transmitted the 10-45 code, which alerted Battalion 50 and all units to the presence of a victim. He then grabbed the limp victim and began the removal. Engine 298 began to apply water on the fire, and FF Pansini met with Captain Macchia, who assisted in the removal. Through their teamwork, the two members were able to safely remove the victim to the exposure 2 alley.

Outside, FF Pansini began life-saving measures on the victim. While he was working on the unconscious man, Engine Company 305 arrived with EMS supplies and took over patient care.

FF Pansini acted alone, with no regard for his personal safety and in the greatest tradition of the FDNY and Ladder

127. Without the quick thinking, aggressive and selfless actions made by FF Pansini, the victim would not have survived. It is for these reasons that Firefighter Joseph E. Pansini is awarded the Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal.—JD

Members of Ladder Co. 127 on February 8, 2024, Box 4914, Queens (left to right): FF Paul Ray, Captain Frank Macchia, FF William Moore, FF Ryan Hall, FF Joseph Pansini and FF Manni Mojica.

Ladder 127’s FF Joseph Pansini (chauffeur) positioned the bucket at the exposure 1 window, made entry and found a victim in the rear setback.

OColumbia Association Medal

Firefighter Duane L. Davis Rescue Company 3

February 23, 2024, 1414 hours, Box 22-1647, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on May 4, 2003. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 58 and Ladder Co. 13. Holds an associate degree in fire protection technology from Rockland Community College. Recipient of a Service Rating B (2010) and Unit Citation (2011). Resides in Stony Point, New York, with wife Julie and children Cole and Dalton.

n February 23, 2024, Rescue Company 3 was assigned to Manhattan Box 1647 for a fire in a multiple dwelling. As the company responded, it was clear through radio reports that numerous people were trapped, with some hanging out windows on the upper floors. As the members of Rescue 3 approached the front of the fire building, they encountered a chaotic scene with numerous civilians screaming that a person had just jumped from an upper floor, and the Chief reporting that multiple roof rope rescues were in progress. Lieutenant Michael “Mickey” Conboy of Rescue 3 split up his company, sending one team to assist with roof operations and the other to assist with searches on the upper floors.

Rescue 3 Firefighter Duane Davis made his way up the tight wraparound interior stairs of the six-story, O-shaped tenement building, passing members removing two unconscious victims. As FF Davis reached the third floor—the fire floor—it was clear that the door to the fire apartment had been left open. Heavy fire—started by a lithium-ion battery explosion—had been blowing out into the public hallway and up into the only open interior stairwell, creating a heavy smoke and high heat condition on all the upper floors. As Engine Company 69 began to push in on the fire, FF Davis kept moving up to the floors above, an extremely dangerous position for both civilians and firefighters. Via his thermal imaging camera (TIC), FF Davis could hear and see members already operating on the fourth floor, so he continued up to the fifth floor, where he did not hear firefighters operating. He encountered high heat and zero visibility and was forced to his hands and knees. FF Davis quickly scanned the hallway with his TIC, notified his officer and began searching the fifth floor.

He found and forced the door to the apartment in line above the fire apartment and conducted a primary search, which was negative. He continued to the adjacent apartment—which was unlocked—and, still in zero visibility, began his search. He crawled on his hands and knees down the long interior hallway, searching two bedrooms and a bathroom before arriving in the kitchen, where he located an unconscious adult victim.

FF Davis immediately transmitted a 10-45, then quickly began the arduous task of removing this victim down the tight interior stairwell. Once he reached the second floor, he handed this victim off to other firefighters. Firefighter Davis then proceeded back to the fifth floor to complete his searches, which proved negative.

Division 6’s Deputy Chief James Donlevy said, “Firefighter Davis performed an effective search under difficult conditions; he located the victim and effected his removal. If not for his efforts, the victim would not be alive today.” Firefighter Duane Davis’s heroic actions are an affirmation of why people around the globe refer to FDNY firefighters as “the Bravest,” and he is awarded the Columbia Association Medal.—FW

Above: Members of Rescue Co. 3 take up from a multiple dwelling fire on New Year’s Day 2025. From left to right: FF Pete Constantine, FF Chris Lane, Lt. Mickey Conboy, FF Jimmy Lowe, FF Duane Davis and FF Matt Murphy.

Left: Kitchen where victim was found. (Photo by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

Susan Wagner Medal

Firefighter Thomas C. Heedles

Ladder Company 148

March 22, 2024, 1743 hours, Box 44-3780, Brooklyn

to the

On the afternoon of March 22, 2024, Ladder Company 148 was assigned second due to a reported fire at Box 3780. Responding units were notified of multiple addresses and reports of people trapped.

Ladder 148 arrived on scene with the first-due engine and ladder company. As members dismounted the apparatus and prepared to operate, numerous civilians gave reports of an elderly woman trapped in the building and a child trapped in the attic. Heavy black smoke was pushing from the front windows and doorway, as well as from the building next door, since fire had already rapidly extended there.

Ladder 148’s inside team—Lieutenant Richard Cannon, Firefighter Thomas Heedles and Firefighter Daniel Watts—made their way up to the front stoop, where members donned their SCBAs and began to make entry. Heavy black smoke was pushing under pressure from the front door, indicating that fire was in an advanced stage.

Ladder 148 entered the first floor to begin an aggressive search without the hoseline in place due to reliable reports that the occupants were unable to get out and were trapped inside. Immediately upon entry, they encountered high heat and zero visibility. Firefighter Heedles began a right-hand search to find the interior stairs in order to access the floors

above the fire. Reports over the handie-talkie radio from members operating outside stated that they had fire on both the first and second floors of both dwellings. The fire was spreading rapidly from the rear toward the front of the building, and the heat was becoming untenable. Still searching without a charged handline in place, FF Heedles came upon an unconscious elderly female lying in a daybed along the wall. With fire rolling across the ceiling above him, FF Heedles quickly transmitted a 10-45 and began to remove her. He picked her up, shielded her from further heat and carried her— unassisted and in brutal heat conditions—the 20 feet back to the front door and out onto the porch. The victim was transferred directly to EMS, FF Heedles then reentered the fire building to search the upper floors for the reported missing child, which proved to be negative.

FF Heedles’ experience and training allowed him to perform this life-saving rescue without hesitation. He performed his duties under great danger and at great personal risk, without a hoseline in place in a rapidly deteriorating fire area. Firefighter Thomas Heedles exemplifies the highest traditions of the Fire Department of the City of New York and for his bravery is being awarded the Susan Wagner Medal.—MD

Appointed

FDNY on May 13, 2019. Recipient of a Class B (2020). Father, Firefighter Dennis Heedles Sr., retired from Ladder Company 76 in 2002 and passed away from a 9/11 WTC-related illness in 2015.

Resides on Staten Island with wife Jeanine and children Thomas Jr. and Matthew.

Ladder 148’s inside team—Lt. Cannon and Firefighters Watts and Heedles—make entry into the three-story private dwelling as heavy smoke pushes from the front door and windows. (Photos courtesy of Scott Berliner)

Upon Ladder Co. 148’s arrival, fire had extended to the building next door.

OSteuben Association Medal

Captain Kurtis Niemczyk

Battalion 58 (assigned); Ladder Company 159 (detailed)

January 23, 2024, 2113 hours, Box 75-3137, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on July 1, 2008. Promoted to captain after this incident, in January 2025. Currently assigned to Division 13. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 142, Engine Co. 285 and Ladder Co. 20 as a firefighter. Holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from SUNY Oswego. Recipient of the Police Honor Legion Medal (2019), two Class A and one Unit Citation. Member of the FDNY Columbia Association and FDNY Pulaski Association. Resides in Long Beach, New York, with wife Kristen and children Wesley, Kelly and Nixon.

n the evening of January 23, 2024, Tower Ladder Company 159 received a call for smoke inside a seven-story multiple dwelling in Brooklyn. Upon arrival, the company’s officer, Lieutenant Kurtis Niemczyk—who has since been promoted to captain—was made aware of a growing smoke condition in the A wing’s second floor that was quickly filling the building’s hallway. Unsure of where the smoke was coming from, Lt. Niemczyk began feeling the apartment doors for heat and used his thermal imaging camera to successfully locate the fire apartment. Meanwhile, a radio transmission alerted Lt. Niemczyk to a civilian in danger who was hanging out of the apartment’s second-floor window as flames closed in.

Lt. Niemczyk knew time was of the essence. Once his team—Firefighters Thomas Kelly (can) and Brian Zwolinski (irons)—forced the apartment door, the officer began crawling through the fire apartment without the protection of a hoseline. In doing so, Lt. Niemczyk battled his way through growing flames, high heat and deteriorating conditions. Finally, after following the victim’s cries for help, he found the victim badly burned and precariously hanging out of the window by their pants after becoming entangled in a window safety guard.

By this point, the fire was growing rapidly and had cut off access to the building’s interior stairwell. Lt. Niemczyk knew he

could no longer bring the victim to safety by exiting the apartment the same way he entered. Instead, members outside quickly worked to set up a ladder rescue as Lt. Niemczyk draped his body over the victim to shield them from the blistering heat.

Portable ladders were placed by the open window, but before firefighters could rescue the victim, they had to free him from the window guard. As this was happening, Lt Niemczyk continued to shield the victim with his own body, even as he felt the intense heat of the fire starting to penetrate the thermal layers of his bunker coat.

The fire was now venting out of the window and over their heads, so Lt. Niemczyk directed his can firefighter to use the water extinguisher to control the flames surrounding them. Moments later, the victim was successfully disentangled and removed via the portable ladder.

Although the rescue was complete, fire conditions had further deteriorated inside the burning apartment. Undeterred, Lt Niemczyk swiftly crawled back toward the apartment door to direct Engine 323 to the main area of fire for final extinguishment.

While extraordinary teamwork was displayed by all members on scene, Lieutenant Kurtis Niemczyk's quick thinking and strong leadership skills directly resulted in saving the life of an injured civilian. He did so while operating under perilous conditions and placing himself at great personal risk, preventing what likely could have been a tragic outcome. For this tremendous display of effort and bravery, he is awarded the Steuben Association Medal.—DB

Ladder Co. 159 operates at another incident at Brooklyn Box 3238 on December 5, 2024.

(Photo courtesy of Scott Berliner)

Chief James Scullion Medal

EMT Ethan Y. Lu

Station

13

EMay 30, 2024, 0627 hours, CAD 0871, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on October 26, 2020. Currently assigned to Division 6 Resource Coordination Center (RCC). Previously assigned to Station 13. Member of the FDNY Phoenix Society. Resides in the Bronx with wife Yingyi.

ach day, FDNY EMTs and paramedics respond to thousands of calls for New Yorkers suffering medical, trauma and physiological emergencies. Each call possesses its own unique challenges, and oftentimes FDNY EMS members must adapt and overcome by utilizing superlative communication skills and out-of-the-box thinking.

On May 30, 2024, Station 13 EMTs Ethan Lu and John Perez (now a firefighter assigned to Engine Co. 53) were dispatched to aid a person experiencing a mental health crisis. As they arrived, they noticed a man standing on a building’s awning, approximately 20 feet off the ground. The man was threatening to jump and was visibly shaken and in distress.

EMT Perez began to communicate with the distressed man in Spanish, as he did not speak English. EMT Perez then asked if he could move closer to him so they could speak more clearly with each other. With the assistance of EMT Lu, EMT Perez scaled a wrought-iron fence and positioned himself on top of an air conditioning unit within 5 feet of the man. At the same time, EMT Lu updated dispatch of the situation and requested additional resources.

Appointed to the FDNY on September 13, 2021. Was promoted to firefighter after this incident in December 2024. Currently assigned to Engine Co. 53. Previously assigned to Station 13 (EMT at the time of the incident).

Recipient of a Pre-Hospital Save (2024), Unit of the Month (September 2022) and Certificate of Recognition (COVID-19). Member of Firefighters for Christ - FDNY and the FDNY Hispanic Society. Resides in New Rochelle, New York, with partner Lily and son Ethan.

Firefighter

John M. Perez

Station 13

EMT Perez engaged the man in conversation, talking about sports and his family, in an attempt to calm him down and de-escalate the situation. Also complicating things was the fence below EMT Perez and the man, which could seriously injure them both if they were to fall. On the ground, EMT Lu kept bystanders away from the front of the building in case this happened. Shortly thereafter, NYPD ESU arrived and, with EMT Perez’s translation, was able to convince the man to climb down. Once the patient was on the ground, EMTs Perez and Lu continued to care for the patient and transport him to a local area hospital for further treatment.

FDNY EMTs bring not only their medical expertise to calls, but also a deep sense of empathy while caring for victims. This high-pressure moment of an individual experiencing a crisis ended positively due to the effective communication, high level of compassion and quick thinking displayed by EMTs Lu and Perez. For their efforts, EMT Ethan Lu and Firefighter John Perez are awarded the Chief James Scullion Medal.—FW

Station 13’s EMT Ethan Lu (left) and EMT John Perez (right, now a firefighter) while on 13D3, September 13, 2023.

On July 17, 2024, at 0315 hours, Ladder Company 41 received an alarm for Bronx Box 3077, reporting fire on the third floor of a five-story multiple dwelling. The reported address was in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx. Ladder 41 arrived first due and was met with heavy fire showing from third-floor windows on the “4 side” of the building.

Knowing time was of the essence, Ladder 41’s inside team— Captain Paul DeLeo, Firefighter James Soutar on the irons and Firefighter Jeancarlos Arias (detailed from E-72) on the can—began to rapidly ascend the one interior stair to the fire floor. The inside team was met with a heavy smoke condition on the third floor. When Ladder 41 arrived on the fire floor.

Upon entering the fire apartment, Captain DeLeo and FF Soutar encountered high heat and zero visibility conditions. At this point, Captain DeLeo began his search for the seat of the fire. FF Soutar went opposite the captain, conducting a vigorous left-hand search. Without regard for his own safety, FF Soutar passed the rapidly extending fire in the living room without the protection of

Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal

Firefighter James A. Soutar III Ladder Company 41

a charged hoseline in place. He made a push to the rear of the apartment to search the bedroom.

FF Soutar discovered a victim in the hallway outside the bedroom and immediately notified Captain DeLeo, who transmitted the 10-45. FF Soutar immediately began the arduous task of removing the victim past the fire and out of the apartment. Once in the hallway, the victim was passed off to members who removed her down to street level.

FF Soutar then returned to the fire apartment to continue his search, knowing he still had to get to the rear bedroom. Passing the fire once again, FF Soutar made his way to the rear bedroom, where he discovered a second victim in the bed. FF Soutar notified Captain DeLeo of the second victim. Together, FF Soutar and Captain DeLeo removed the second victim past the still-extending fire, without the protection of a charged hoseline in place, to the street.

Without FF Soutar’s courage and fortitude, the victims would not have survived this fire. In keeping with the best traditions of the FDNY and for exhibiting selfless bravery, Firefighter James Soutar is awarded the Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal.—SI

courtesy of Joseph John Ramos)

Appointed to the FDNY on July 29, 2013. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 90. Recipient of the Dr. Albert A. Cinelli Medal and World Trade Center Memorial Medal (2022). Resides in Campbell Hall, New York, with wife Nancy and children James and Ella.

Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal

Lieutenant Patrick W. Donaghy

Ladder Company 36 (assigned), Ladder Company 33 (detailed)

June 20, 2024, 0420 hours, Box 75-3195, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on February 4, 2001. Retired from Ladder Company 36 in January 2025. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 10 and Engine Co. 58 as a firefighter and Engine Co. 95 and Ladder Co. 36 as a lieutenant. Holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from John Jay College. Recipient of two PreHospital Saves and two Unit Citations. Member of FDNY Emerald Society, FDNY Holy Name Society, FDNY Pulaski Association and FDNY Steuben Association. Resides in Nanuet, New York, with wife Andria and daughter Lydia.

On June 20, 2024, Lieutenant Patrick Donaghy of Ladder Company 36 was working a 6x9 tour in Ladder Company 33. At 0420 hours, Ladder 33 was dispatched first due to a report of smoke on the sixth floor of a multiple dwelling. The building was a six-story, 150- by 150foot, non-fireproof apartment building. Upon Ladder 33’s arrival, Lt. Donaghy and his inside team were making their way up to the sixth floor, when their chauffeur, Firefighter Bobby Hagan, reported smoke coming from the sixth-floor windows, with occupants on the rear fire escape. On the sixth floor, Lt. Donaghy observed smoke in the hallway and coming from around the door of an apartment. Lt. Donaghy directed his inside team to “force the door,” and upon entry, they were met with a heavy smoke condition. Lt. Donaghy transmitted a 10-75 to Battalion 19.

As the hoseline was stretched, Lt. Donaghy and the inside team donned their facepieces and crawled into the burning apartment. The main body of fire had consumed the couch and furnishings in the den area, just inside the door, and was beginning to roll across the ceiling. Lt Donaghy ordered Probationary Firefighter Joseph Donovan (can) to use the extinguisher to contain the fire to that area. At this time, the members heard yelling coming from the rear of the apartment. With zero visibility due to the heavy smoke condition, Lt. Donaghy crawled past the fire along the left wall, moving toward the voice. He directed Firefighter Kevin O’Connor (irons) to begin a right-hand search along the opposite wall. At this point, the fire in the den could not be controlled, and it extended into the kitchen.

As Lt. Donaghy made his way into the first bedroom, he was notified by FF O’Conner that he had found two conscious, ambulatory victims who were trapped in the second bedroom. FF O’Conner and the civilians sheltered in place until Engine Company 75 extinguished the fire. Lt. Donaghy entered only a short distance into the first bedroom when he found an unconscious woman lying on the floor, halfway under the bed. He immediately transmitted a 10-45 to Battalion 19, then removed the unconscious woman past the fire and into the hallway with assistance from FF Donovan. Lt. Donaghy did a quick assessment of the victim, whose face was covered with soot, and discovered that she was not breathing. Members of the second-due engine came forward and began life-saving treatment, removing her to EMS crews at street level. Lt. Donaghy and his inside team re-

turned to the fire apartment to complete the primary search. The two victims sheltering in place were removed safely after the main body of fire was extinguished.

Lt. Donaghy’s actions were within the highest tradition of the FDNY. He operated in a severe environment without the protection of a hoseline to effect the rescue of an unconscious woman. For his actions and bravery, Lieutenant Patrick Donaghy is awarded the Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal.—AP

Members of Ladder 33, left to right: FF Bobby Hagan (LCC), FF Joseph Donovan (can), Lt. Patrick Donaghy, FF Kevin O’Connor (irons), FF Ed Morrison (roof) and Apostolos Apostolakis (OV, not pictured).

IWilliam and Gertrude Friedberg Medal

Firefighter Marc A. Sylvers Squad Company 252

December 17, 2024, 0118 hours, Box 75-1742, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on March 25, 2007. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 305, Ladder Co. 151 and Ladder Co. 126. Recipient of two Unit Citations and two Pre-Hospital Saves. Resides in Freeport, New York, with wife Monique.

n the early morning hours of December 17, 2024, Squad Company 252 responded to a phone alarm for a fire at Box 1742, with reports of civilians trapped on the second floor. Upon their arrival, which was just behind the first-due units, the members of Squad 252 were confronted with a three-story mixed occupancy with heavy fire issuing from the commercial occupancy on the first floor. Battalion 44 ordered Lieutenant Matthew Meagher (Sq-252) to split his unit and assist with searches for the reported trapped civilians.

Firefighter Marc Sylvers (hook) and Firefighter William Gill (irons) were tasked to perform the primary search of the second floor, directly over the main body of fire. Upon reaching the front door of the interior stairs, FF Sylvers was met with an extreme smoke condition, rendering zero visibility. Using only his sense of feel, FF Sylver rapidly climbed the interior stairs. On the second floor, he found the apartment door slightly ajar, which led to the area directly above the main body of fire. As FF Sylvers entered the apartment, he began feeling heat through his gear. Relying on his experience, he knew he would have to make an aggressive search. He crawled on his stomach, where he found a living room and began a left-hand search. The search proved negative, so he crawled deeper into the apartment. As conditions continued to deteriorate, FF Sylvers found a bedroom door—and just

inside the bedroom, an unconscious victim lying face down on the floor.

FF Sylvers transmitted a 10-45 and called for FF Gill’s assistance due to the victim’s size. Meanwhile, FF Sylvers rolled the victim on his back and spun his body, preparing the victim for removal toward the exit. He used his voice to help FF Gill locate him, and the two firefighters then retraced their path to the interior stairs, removing the victim out of the apartment, down the interior stairs and to the street.

FF Sylvers assessed the victim and began life-saving interventions on the street. He was assisted by Engine Company 290’s chauffeur, and together they worked on the victim until he gasped for air. The victim’s care was transferred to EMS upon their arrival, and he was transported to the hospital for further care.

FF Sylvers performed this rescue directly over a heavy body of fire, in zero visibility, with high heat and a handline not yet in position. He displayed great skill, bravery and determination to remove the unconscious victim from deep within the apartment to the street and perform life-saving interventions. For Firefighter Marc Sylvers’ actions at Brooklyn Box 75-1742, he is awarded the William and Gertrude Friedberg Medal.—RLL

Squad Co. 252, from left to right: Lt. Matthew Meagher, FF Mark McGinty, FF Marc Sylvers, FF Keith Mignone, FF Jamah Figaro and FF William Gill.

American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930

Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal

Firefighter Robert Velazquez Ladder Company 170

October 3, 2024, 2337 hours, Box 2199, Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on May 13, 2019. Served in the United States Marine Corps. Recipient of a Unit Citation. Resides on Staten Island with wife Elizabeth and children Ryder, Kendall, Eva and Felicity.

On October 3, 2024, at 2337 hours, Engine Company 257, Tower Ladder Company 170 and Battalion 58 responded to the Canarsie Pier in Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, for a water rescue. Upon arrival, Tower Ladder 170 immediately identified a reliable witness who indicated that the last location where they saw the victim prior to submerging was in a general area alongside the Canarsie Pier.

The search was unsuccessful due to limited visibility in addition to the submerged victim being located under a pier. Tower Ladder 170 anticipated that the victim, who had been exposed to cold water, would have reduced motor skills and limited manual dexterity. As a result, “reach and throw” water rescue methods would not be appropriate.

Consequently, under the leadership of Ladder 170’s Lieutenant Clifford Zeilman, the decision was made for Firefighter Robert Velazquez and Firefighter Andrew Spadaro to enter the water using the "Go" method. Simultaneously, members from Ladder 170 deployed a 20-foot straight ladder and secured it against the pier. This ladder would serve as the access point to the treacherous water below the Canarsie Pier.

Firefighter Robert Velazquez, designated primary water rescuer, and Firefighter Andrew Spadaro, the secondary rescuer, were properly tethered with a 200-foot kernmantle rope connected to their personal flotation devices. Firefighters Velazquez and Spadaro quickly descended the 20-foot straight ladder while holding the rescue torpedo. Upon entering the water, FF Velazquez encountered complete darkness and minimal clearance between the water's surface and the pier's underside, rendering visibility nonexistent.

Simultaneously, the victim was being pulled farther beneath the pier by the tide. FF Velazquez, guided by the flashlight’s beam and the victim's faint cries for help, swam toward the victim. During the approach, FF Velazquez's tether line became tangled on an unseen, unknown object beneath the pier. After multiple failed attempts to free the line and understanding the urgency of the situation, FF Velazquez made the critical decision to pull his PFD’s quick-release mechanism and disconnect himself from the tether.

This decisive action, though extremely dangerous, was deemed necessary to reach the victim before it was too late. Upon reaching the victim, FF Velazquez discovered the victim was weighed down with approximately 60 pounds of rocks tied around his waist and body. The added weight made the already challenging, zero-visibility swim back to the ladder even more grueling. Once at the ladder, FF Velazquez and FF Spadaro worked in tandem to load and secure the victim into a Stokes basket. Ladder 170 members had established a 2:1 high point to hoist the victim approximately 15 feet over the pier’s railing.

Using a flashlight, FF Spadaro identified the victim floating approximately 20 feet under the pier.

FF Velazquez's actions demonstrated exceptional bravery, skill and initiative. He operated below the Canarsie Pier in complete darkness, untethered and against a strong tide, and rescued a victim who was significantly weighed down. In the face of uncertainty and danger, FF Velazquez’s bravery became someone’s lifeline. His decision to disconnect the tether, placing himself at extreme personal risk, was crucial to the victim's survival. Without these decisive actions, the victim would have perished. For his effort and determination, Firefighter Robert Velazquez is being awarded the American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930/Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal.—BPJ

Members of Ladder Co. 170, from left to right: Captain Cliff Zeilman, FF Robert Velazquez, FF Leslie Wilson, FF Reginald Leveille and Lt. Tom Edwards.

TArthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal

Firefighter Kevin T. Purdy Ladder Company 46

November 26, 2024, 0825 hours, Box 22-1802, Manhattan

he duties of the roof position demand that an experienced, observant and determined member—capable of decisive action—be assigned. On November 27, 2024, Firefighter Kevin Purdy of Ladder Company 46 was assigned this important position. At 0828 hours, Ladder 46 responded second due to a fire located on the first floor in the C wing of a six-story, E-shaped, non-fireproof multiple dwelling.

The building’s unique construction characteristics and open interior doorways throughout allowed heavy toxic smoke and high heat to fill the entire C wing on every floor above the fire. FF Purdy ascended the A stairwell and coordinated the thorough, methodical and efficient completion of the roof duties with the first-due roof firefighter from Ladder Company 36.

Through radio transmissions reporting heavy fire and smoke conditions, and panicked occupants fleeing the building due to smoke on the floors above the fire, as well as the personal observation of heavy smoke billowing from the ventilated roof bulkhead five floors above the fire, FF Purdy astutely recognized the critical need for an immediate topfloor search. After communicating his intentions and without hesitation, FF Purdy descended the A stairwell to the top floor, where he began a primary search.

Upon reaching the smoke doors that separated the B and C wings of the top floor, FF Purdy encountered an extreme heat and zero-visibility condition. After donning his SCBA, he entered the abyss of the smoke-filled hallway without the protection of a hoseline. Blindly crawling with only his sense of touch, FF Purdy found an unconscious victim. He tied a girth hitch around the victim with his personal webbing and pulled the victim back to the relative safety of the top floor’s A stairwell.

After radioing the 10-45 code, FF Purdy summoned all his strength and unwavering determination to individually carry the victim down six flights of stairs to the building lobby. Upon reaching the lobby, the victim started to regain spontaneous respirations and was handed off to members of FDNY EMS for definitive care.

In performing the search, rescue, removal and ultimate revival of the victim, FF Purdy demonstrated bravery, initiative, skill, selflessness and strength. His experience, keen observational skills and determination allowed the victim to make a full recovery. For his courage and professionalism, Firefighter Kevin Purdy of Ladder Company 46 is awarded the Arthur J.

Laufer Memorial Medal of valor, reflecting the highest traditions of both the FDNY and the roof firefighter position.

Members from Tower Ladder Co. 46 post operations on November 26, 2024. From left to right: Lt. Marcin Kalski, FF Joshua Delarosa, FF Kevin Purdy, FF Sean McArdle, FF Killian Kane and FF Dennis Almodovar.

Appointed to the FDNY on January 14, 2013. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 22, Ladder Co. 13 and Engine Co. 81. Uncle Firefighter Richard Jahoda retired from Ladder Co. 58 in 2013. Great-uncle chief marine engineer retired from Marine 1 in 1994. Resides in Ossining, New York, with wife Alicia and children Millie and Wyatt.

Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal

Lieutenant Michael P. McPartland Ladder Company 157

September 20, 2024, 0340 hours, Box 7-5-3937, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on June 11, 2006. Previously assigned to Ladder Company 44. Holds a bachelor's degree in business from Manhattan College. Recipient of a Class A (2024) and two Unit Citations (2021, 2022). Member of the FDNY’s Emerald Society, Holy Name Society, Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Color Guard and Bravest football team. Father, Deputy Chief Michael McPartland, retired from Division 1 in 2022; brother Lieutenant Joseph McPartland is assigned to Division 13. Resides in Oceanside, New York, with wife Jennifer and child Michael.

On September 20, 2024, at 3:40 a.m., Engine Company 255 and Ladder Company 157 were dispatched to Brooklyn Box 3937 for a fire. While en route, dispatch notified the responding units that there were multiple calls for persons trapped on the second floor.

Upon arrival, the two companies were met with billowing smoke that filled the street, fire emanating from the second-floor windows and occupants who had escaped the flames and were screaming, “They’re upstairs! They’re upstairs!”

The inside team of Ladder 157 made light work in forcing their way through the entrance of the three-story private dwelling, only to be met with a heavy clutter condition consisting of boxes, furniture and miscellaneous items. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Michael MacPartland, Firefighters Andrew Lind and James Devane battled their way through to the stairs, where they donned their facepieces and headed to the second floor. Meanwhile, Engine 255 began their stretch of the initial hoseline.

On the second floor, the team was met by a new challenge of high heat that forced them to the floor. Lt. MacPartland led the search through zero visibility, with fire overhead and without the protection of the hoseline. Irons Firefighter Devane assisted his lieutenant with the search while can Firefighter Lind headed down the hallway and attempted to contain the fire to its source.

Lt. MacPartland entered the rear bedroom, where the obstacles did not let up. He maneuvered around more box-

es, furniture and clothes. He continued his search around the oversized bed and then went farther into the room until he came to an area between a dresser and desk. There, Lt. MacPartland found a woman face down, unconscious and partially covered in debris.

The lieutenant, feeling the oppressive heat and knowing the woman was mere moments from death’s door, managed to quickly maneuver the victim’s limp body through the bedroom and to the stairs. Here, Lt. MacPartland was assisted by FF Devane, who had just guided Engine 255 to the fire. Lt. MacPartland and FF Devane took the victim down the stairs to safety.

Lt. MacPartland returned to the fire floor, then headed to the third-floor attic, where FF Lind had discovered a second victim. At the bottom of the third-floor stairs, Lt. MacPartland assisted FF Lind in removing that victim from the deadly environment, then led his inside team to the attic, where fire had aggressively extended. Now, low on air and with vibra-alerts sounding, Lt. MacPartland directed his inside team for their final search. After they found the fire, Lt. MacPartland called for a line. Engine 255 then effectively repositioned and extinguished the flames.

Lieutenant Michael MacPartland exhibited grit and composure in the highest traditions of the Department. His outstanding knowledge and leadership were evident. He placed himself at unusual personal risk, saving lives in the process. For this, he is awarded the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal.—JD

OCompany Officers Association Medal

Lieutenant Raed M. Khan

Ladder Company 129

January 11, 2024, 1152 hours, Box 75-9421, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on June 29, 2015. Promoted to lieutenant in January 2025; currently assigned to Battalion 57. Previously assigned to Ladder 129. Holds a bachelor's degree in business from Brooklyn College. Recipient of a Unit Citation (2017). Resides in Hollis, New York, with wife Shaheen and children

and Izaan Khan.

n January 11, 2024, Ladder Company 129 responded first due to a report of a multiple dwelling fire near Queens Box 9421. When Ladder 129 arrived at the intersection, there were no apparent signs of a fire. Members noticed that workers on scaffolding were pointing to the fire building. At that time, a civilian ran from around the corner and pointed up at the building, stating the apartment number of the fire. Engine Company 273 then repositioned their apparatus to Cherry Avenue while Ladder 129 members proceeded on foot around the corner and headed up to the reported fire apartment.

Upon entering the fire floor, Ladder 129’s inside team—Captain Paul Agruso, then-Firefighter Raed Khan (forcible entry, who has since been promoted to lieutenant) and Firefighter Dominick Nuzzi (can)—were met with a smoke condition in the hallway. After confirming that the door to the fire apartment was locked, FF Khan began forcing the door. As he began to gap the door, Ladder 129 members noticed smoke pushing under pressure. After a brief struggle overcoming multiple locks and an angle iron, the team forced the door and were met with heavy smoke and a high-heat condition. Captain Agruso notified Battalion 52 to transmit the 10-75 and called Lieutenant Shaun Scheurer of Engine 273 to start a line.

In zero visibility, Captain Agruso found fire in the living room and searched the area while directing his inside team

to search the remaining areas of the apartment. Firefighter

James Finnell, Ladder 129’s chauffeur, then requested permission to VEIS (vent, enter, isolate and search) the apartment. Unable to contain the growing fire, Captain Agruso denied the request to await a charged hoseline.

Meanwhile, FF Khan searched the first bedroom, then moved into the hallway to make his way to the second bedroom. In the moderately cluttered hallway, he started clearing items and felt what he initially thought was a bag of clothing. Upon further inspection, he discovered an unconscious victim; he transmitted the 10-45 and proceeded to remove the victim from the now untenable hallway.

With conditions rapidly deteriorating, FF Khan attempted to take hold of the victim, which was challenging due to the victim’s injuries. Using all his strength, FF Khan repositioned the victim and secured his grip on the unresponsive man. He was able to remove the victim, shielding him through the fire, into the public hallway and to the stairs. He handed the victim to awaiting members, who performed life-saving treatment once outside the building.

Firefighter Khan displayed courage and determination under zero visibility, in high heat and without the protection of a handline. For his actions, which are in the highest traditions of the FDNY and Ladder 129, FF Khan is being honored today with the Company Officers Association Medal.—NG

Members of Ladder Co. 129 at Queens Box 9421, January 11, 2024. From left to right: Captain Paul Agruso, FF James Finnell, FF Raed Khan, FF Dominic Nuzzi, FF Steven White and FF Christopher Kocovic (detailed from E-48). (Photo by FirstOnScenePhotos)

Maaira

Edith B. Goldman Medal

Firefighter Joseph A. Tenteromano

Company 172

June 25, 2024, 0808 hours, Box 75-2917, Brooklyn Ladder

On the morning of June 22, 2024, Ladder Company 172 responded first due to a fire in a private dwelling at Brooklyn Box 2917. While en route, the dispatcher notified responding units that they were receiving numerous calls. Upon arrival, heavy black smoke was seen issuing from a first-floor window of a two-story, semi-attached private dwelling, prompting Engine Company 330 to transmit a 10-75.

While members of Engine 330 stretched a handline, members of Ladder 172’s inside team—Lieutenant Vincent Cavalieri, Firefighter Michael Cusimano (irons) and Probationary Firefighter Joseph Tenteromano (can)—made their way into the building and were informed by a neighbor that an elderly female resided on the first floor. Finding the front door locked, the team immediately began to force entry into the residence.

After gaining access, the team was met with heavy smoke and zero visibility. Knowing the dangers that faced the elderly resident, the members chose to enter without the protection of a hoseline. They were immediately confronted with high heat that forced them to the floor as they attempted to locate the fire.

Approximately 15 feet into the apartment, Lt. Cavalieri used the thermal imaging camera to confirm that the fire was in a room off the hallway. Due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, and to ensure that water was put on the fire quickly, Lt. Cavalieri returned to the entrance to notify Engine 330 of the fire's exact location. FF Cusimano informed FF Tentero-

mano that he was going to conduct a right-hand search.

Knowing that time was of the essence and a civilian’s life was on the line, FF Tenteromano took the initiative to begin a left-hand search. He passed the fire room and continued deeper into the apartment under extreme conditions, still without the protection of a hoseline.

In zero visibility, through feeling alone, he recognized he had made it to the kitchen and called out his location to keep in verbal contact with the rest of Ladder 172. After crawling approximately 20 feet, FF Tenteromano located the lifeless body of the elderly resident. Realizing her only chance for survival was immediate removal, he requested assistance from the other members of Ladder 172. Meanwhile, he took the initiative to secure his nylon webbing around the victim to begin her removal. Lt. Cavalieri transmitted the location of the 10-45 and the need for a CFR engine. FF Tenteromano pulled the victim back through the heavy smoke and heat, toward the front door of the apartment, while Engine 330 moved in to knock down the fire. FF Cusimano assisted FF Tenteromano in bringing the victim to the street, where Engine Company 250 immediately began life-saving medical care before transferring her to EMS. Ladder 172 reentered the fire building to continue their searches and fire operations.

For his initiative and unwavering bravery, Probationary Firefighter Joseph Tenteromano is awarded the Edith B. Goldman Medal.—NLG

Appointed to the FDNY on November 6, 2023. Holds a bachelor's degree in management from Empire State University. Served in the U.S. Air Force and currently serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Member of FDNY Columbia Association. Father, Firefighter Michael Tenteromano, retired from Engine Co. 165 in 2018. Resides on Staten Island.

Members of Ladder Co. 172 after operating at Brooklyn Box 75-2917, June 25, 2024. From left to right: FF Michael Cusimano, Lt. Vincent Cavalieri, FF Joseph Tenteromano, FF Kyle McLoughlin, FF Dennis Hepworth and FF Chris Leigh.

OLieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal

EMT Jeremy J. Quinones Public Safety Answering Center 1

December 15, 2024,

1203 hours - CAD 2087; 1946 hours - CAD 4086; 2320 hours - CAD 4952

n December 15, 2024, Assignment Receiving Dispatcher EMT Jeremy Quinones played a critical role in saving the lives of three young children by responding to three separate pediatric medical emergency calls in a single shift. His ability to remain calm under pressure and communicate life-saving instructions with clarity was significant in each case. Through his precise guidance, he ensured that family members could administer crucial first-aid measures, ultimately preserving the lives of three children.

The first emergency occurred just one minute into his shift. EMT Quinones answered a distressed call from a panicked father whose infant son had turned blue. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he swiftly provided the father with clear and firm instructions, guiding him step by step on how to open the child’s airway and perform CPR. His ability to stay composed and give precise directions allowed the parents to take immediate action, significantly improving the child’s chances of survival before emergency responders arrived on the scene.

Later in his shift another call came in, this time concerning a baby who was also turning blue. Once again, EMT Quinones

relied on his extensive training and experience to instruct the caregiver on how to properly position the baby to open the airway. This seemingly simple yet vital technique enabled the baby to resume normal breathing, with the color returning to his face before the ambulance reached the location. Without EMT Quinones’ quick thinking and expert guidance, the situation could have escalated into a fatal emergency.

As his shift progressed, EMT Quinones received a final emergency call from a frantic grandmother. Her newborn grandson was choking and struggling to breathe. Understanding the fear and panic in her voice, he immediately worked to calm her while providing crucial instructions on how to clear the baby’s airway. His soothing yet authoritative demeanor helped her focus on the necessary steps to assist the infant. Several NYPD officers then arrived at the scene and continued performing chest thrusts until the baby finally began breathing again.

Dispatchers are often unseen heroes in emergency response teams, and EMT Quinones' work on this shift is a testament to the vital role they play in saving lives. Had it not been for EMT Quinones' calm, decisive guidance, three children under the age of two may not have survived that day. His ability to provide life-saving instructions under intense pressure highlights his exceptional skills as a dispatcher and his dedication to his duty. Through his extraordinary efforts, EMT Quinones ensured that three families did not have to endure the unimaginable loss of a child. His ability to think quickly, communicate effectively and provide reassurance in high-stress situations made all the difference. EMT Jeremy Quinones' performance on December 15, 2024, serves as an inspiring example of how skilled emergency dispatchers can profoundly impact the lives of those they serve, and for this, he is awarded the Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal.—GA

Appointed to the FDNY on May 22, 2022. Previously assigned to Station 10 in Harlem. Resides on Staten Island.

EMT Quinones on the job as an assignment recieving dispatcher at PSAC 1.

Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal

Firefighter Bryan Anderson Engine Company 247

February 11, 2024, 2036 hours, Box 22-2691, Brooklyn

On February 11, 2024, Engine Company 247 was dispatched to a three-story multiple dwelling for fire on the first floor. Upon arrival, the company encountered heavy flames issuing out of the rear windows on the exposure 4 side. After transmitting the 1075, Lieutenant Louis Esposito encountered a young boy crying that his father was trapped inside. With no ladder company yet on scene, Lt. Esposito entered the building to initiate a search.

Knowing that their officer was inside the fire apartment in immediate need of an operating hoseline, Firefighter Bryan Anderson (nozzle), Firefighter Joseph Provitera (backup) and Firefighter Benny Chen (door) quickly stretched a line to the door and began masking up. FF Anderson called for water, and as the nozzle team bled the line, Ladder Company 148 arrived, masked up and entered the fire building to begin their search.

As Engine 247 advanced into the fire building, they were immediately confronted with thick black smoke and tremendous heat in the hallway. FF Anderson got down low as they approached the apartment door and could see fire ahead. Suddenly, the surrounding environment reached ignition temperature, and a flashover occurred. FF Anderson was blown back by the intense heat and flame now consuming the apartment and hallway.

Knowing Lt. Esposito and Ladder 148’s inside team were engulfed in fire, FF Anderson immediately opened the line. Ladder 148’s officer pressed his emergency alert button (EAB) and issued a mayday, yelling, "Open the line! Open the line!" A moment later, Lt. Esposito transmitted, "We're burning! We're

burning!" and for members of Engine 247 to "hit it." Recognizing that the situation was dire, FF Anderson pushed his way forward with the handline through punishing heat, smoke and flame. Ladder 148’s can and irons firefighters urgently withdrew from the fire area, with one member's bunker coat and helmet on fire. FF Anderson directed the hose stream on him to extinguish the flames. He then continued to rapidly and aggressively push into the apartment in an effort to save the lives of the trapped members.

As he endured grueling conditions while pushing the line deeper into the apartment, FF Anderson saw Lt. Esposito crouched just ahead. FF Chen assisted his injured lieutenant and brought him behind the hoseline. They continued to penetrate deeper into the apartment and reached the kitchen, where Ladder 148's officer was found in the prone position, injured, in a room that was fully involved in fire. With the rest of the apartment still on fire, FF Anderson directed the stream back toward the apartment door, clearing the escape path for Ladder 148’s officer. He then directed FF Provitera to assist the officer out of the fire apartment. FF Anderson held his position until the backup firefighter returned, at which time he completed the knockdown of the rest of the apartment.

FF Anderson’s decisive actions in extreme conditions directly resulted in aiding a missing resident (who escaped the fire) and FDNY members, as well as the extinguishment of challenging fire. For his unrelenting commitment and aggressive actions at this life-threatening two-alarm fire, Firefighter Bryan Anderson is being awarded the Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal. —KLE

Appointed to the FDNY on December 11, 2017. Recipient of four Pre-Hospital Saves (2019, 2021 [2], 2023) and a Unit Citation (2024). Resides on Staten Island with wife Kaila and children Jordan, Brody, Myles and Nash.

Members of Engine 247 who operated at Brooklyn Box 2691, February 11, 2024. From left to right: Lt. Louis Esposito, FF Bryan Anderson, FF Joseph Provitera, FF Banny Chen, FM Joseph Conforti (promoted September 2024) and FF Gregory Ruocco (L-18, not pictured).

Fire showing at Brooklyn Box 2691 after the flashover. The fire started in the rear bedroom (rear window). The smaller window in front is where the officers were located. (Photo courtesy of boropark24/Dovid Y. Jaroslawicz)

OPolice Honor Legion Medal

Firefighter Timothy J. Smith

February 4, 2024, 1602 hours, Box 75-0570, Brooklyn Ladder Company 105

Appointed to the FDNY on December 12, 2016. Holds an associate degree in sociology from College of Staten Island. Recipient of a Unit Citation. Father, Deputy Chief David Smith, retired from Division 8 in 2015. Cousin Deputy Chief Josh Smith is assigned to Division 1. Resides on Staten Island with wife Kaitlin and children Kayleigh and Madylin.

n Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 1600 hours, Ladder Company 105 responded first due to a report of fire on the first floor of a six-story fireproof multiple dwelling. Engine Company 226 arrived right before Ladder 105 and transmitted the 10-75 for fire in an apartment on the first floor. Upon arrival, the members of Ladder 105 observed heavy fire and thick black smoke coming from the windows on the exposure 2 side of the building. As they made their way toward the front entrance, people were yelling that there were multiple people trapped inside the fire apartment.

The members of Ladder 105’s inside team—Lieutenant Terrence Sweeney, Firefighters Timothy Smith (irons) and Gary Granberg (can)—knew they had to act quickly. When the team arrived at the door of the fire apartment, Lieutenant Schweickert of Engine Company 226 reported the door was partially opened—revealing thick, acrid smoke—and that something was blocking it from opening more than a few inches.

Lt. Sweeney was able to squeeze past the partially open door and into the apartment. Once inside, Lt. Sweeney was met with high heat conditions, zero visibility and a medium clutter condition. He located an unconscious adult behind the front door. With the aid of FF Granberg, the victim was removed from the fire apartment and handed off to Engine Company 219 members for immediate care. A second unconscious victim was found a few feet away from the entrance by FF Granberg. Lt Sweeney and FF Granberg worked together to remove the second unconscious adult.

With two victims already found and removed near the front entrance, FF Smith realized there might be other unconscious occupants farther into the apartment. Without the protection of a hoseline and encountering high heat, zero visibility and medium clutter conditions throughout the apartment, FF Smith pressed on and performed a right-hand search. FF Smith's search led him into the apartment's kitchen, where he found a third unconscious victim.

FF Smith transmitted a 10-45 and began to pull the unconscious adult toward the front door of the apartment. FF Smith was met in the public hallway by Firefighter Harry Gumb of Squad 1, who assisted him in transferring the victim to members of Engine 219. FF Smith then returned to the fire apartment to complete his primary search. Upon returning to the kitchen, he found a fourth victim, a young child, and immediately transmitted a 10-45. He took hold of the child and moved quickly through medium clutter and zero visibility and out into the hallway. FF Smith realized that the child needed immediate care. He brought the child outside the fire building and began life-saving treatment using a pocket face mask that he carried in his bunker coat. The young child regained a pulse, was transported to the hospital and survived.

Firefighter Timothy Smith’s actions were in the highest traditions of the FDNY and Ladder Company 105, and he is being awarded the Police Honor Legion Medal.—NG

Left: Kitchen where FF Timothy Smith (L-105) found two victims, including a small child, at Brooklyn Box 0570, February 4, 2024. Right: Bedroom where the fire started. (Photo by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal

Lieutenant Scott J. Hamelburg Ladder Company 173

August 25, 2024, Box 2034, 1546 hours, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on June 11, 2006. Promoted to lieutenant after the incident in October 2024. Currently assigned to Battalion 33. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 173, Engine Co. 329, Engine Co. 290 and Ladder 163. Recipient of a Class 3 (2007), the Henry D. Brookman Medal (2007), a Pre-Hospital Save (2014) and a Unit Citation (2017). Member of the FDNY Steuben Association and the PSS Rope Unit. Brother Firefighter Daniel Hamelburg is assigned to Ladder Co. 35. Resides in Long Beach, New York, with wife Jeannine and children Koa and Kailani.

On a late summer afternoon in August, at 3:45 p.m., Ladder Company 173 was dispatched to a “person in the water” response. While traveling southbound on the North Channel Bridge toward the reported location of the bridge’s southeast side, Ladder 173 was flagged down approximately mid-span by a fisherman. The members raced to the side of the bridge, where underneath, two kayakers clung to a rope thrown to them by another fisherman from above. Then-Firefighter Scott Hamelburg, along with Firefighters Brendan Mohan, Jonathan Labriola (L-143, backup rescue swimmer) and Christopher Freitag (E-58, spotter), proceeded to the west side of the bridge and located the two kayaks, one occupied by a man and the other his young son.

Ladder 173 needed to act quickly due to the water conditions and high winds. The father also appeared to be in distress and losing his grip on his son’s boat, which was taking on water.

Rescue boats had yet to arrive, so Ladder 173 was the only response unit on scene. The distance from the bridge to the water was about 50 feet. FF Hamelburg advised Captain Vincent Perdikou that the best access to the victims was to be lowered via rope. With assistance from the team, FF Hamelburg donned his personal flo-

tation device and tied himself up using the bowline on a bight and slippery hitch. He got in position to be lowered by FF Mohan, who donned the Atlas life belt. FF Hamelburg placed a flotation device over his shoulder and was lowered down to the kayakers.

of

Once he reached them, FF Hamelburg secured the flotation device around the child. Using rope from the kayaks, he secured them together to prevent them from separating. FF Hamelburg treaded water and held onto the father’s kayak as they waited for a rescue boat to arrive.

NYPD harbor boat Adam arrived, and FF Hamelburg assisted the child and father in safely boarding the vessel. FF Hamelburg then boarded the boat and continued to assess and treat both victims. Once on land, they were transferred to EMS for further treatment and transportation to the hospital.

In their endorsement of FF Hamelburg, his chiefs noted that FF Hamelburg’s vast maritime experience—gained as both lifeguard and avid surfer—enabled him to successfully carry out the rescue of the father and his young son. The Department is proud to award Firefighter Scott Hamelburg the Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal for his actions, which exemplify the highest traditions of the FDNY.—AP

Members

Ladder Co. 173 who operated at the rescue on the North Channel Bridge, from left to right: Capt. Ian Perdikou, FF Joseph Labarba, FF Scott Hamelburg and FF Brendan Mohan (now Engine 73; was on his one-year rotation with L-173 at the time of the rescue). Not pictured are detailed members FF Jonathan Labriola (L-143) and FF Christopher Freitag (E-58).

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

Lieutenant Richard C. Cannon Ladder Company 148

May 4, 2024, 0303 Hours, Box 8622, Belt Parkway Eastbound at Bay Parkway, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on July 15, 2001. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 11 (2001-2005), Engine Co. 310 (20052011), Ladder Co. 174 (2011-2014) as a firefighter, and Engine Co. 282 (2014-2019) as a lieutenant. Recipient of seven Pre-Hospital Saves, two Service Rating Bs (2008, 2009) and three Unit Citations (2017, 2018, 2022). Member of the FDNY’s Columbia Association, Emerald Society, Holy Name Society and Fire Family Transport Foundation. Cousins Nicholas Bowerman and James Bowerman are assigned to Engine Co. 63 and Ladder Co. 174, respectively. Resides in Breezy Point, New York, with wife Lauren and children William and Samantha.

n the early morning hours of May 4, 2024, eight-year-old William Cannon witnessed firsthand what it means to live a life of service in the FDNY. From the window of the family car, he watched his father—Lieutenant Richard Cannon of Ladder Company 148—save another man’s life. His family has always known that he is willing to help anyone who needs it, anywhere and at any time.

Lt. Cannon was driving eastbound on the Belt Parkway, coming home with his family from a party. Suddenly, two cars sped past them at an extremely high rate of speed, causing the family’s car to sway as the two vehicles rocketed past. Approximately 20 seconds later, Lt. Cannon came upon a dust cloud and smoke. The same two vehicles had been involved in a serious collision. One vehicle, a blue Corvette, was severely damaged and on fire. The second vehicle, a black BMW, had severe front-end damage and was smoking.

Lt. Cannon quickly positioned his family’s car out of danger and called the Brooklyn dispatcher for assistance. Without hesitation, he entered the high-speed roadway with traffic still moving past the collision to get to the victims. Lt. Cannon knew he had to act quickly in this dangerous and dynamic scene.

He went directly to the driver’s-side door, but it was so damaged it could not be opened. Lt. Cannon then moved to the passenger-side door and was able to open

it. He made entry into the car as fire completely engulfed the rear of the vehicle. As he reached over the console and unbuckled the driver’s seatbelt, the rear window began to fail from the heat of the fire. The driver was unconscious, which made moving him over the center console extremely difficult. The first attempt to pull him out of the car resulted in pulling off his sweatshirt. Lt. Cannon’s experience in dealing with high-pressure situations allowed him to quickly reassess and decide that he needed to remove the driver in a series of steps. First, he pulled the victim's upper body over the console and laid him over the passenger seat. Then he pulled the victim's waist and legs over the console. And finally, he pulled the victim completely out of the burning vehicle. Just as Lt. Cannon removed the victim from the car, the rear window failed, and the inside of the car began to burn.

At this point, an off-duty EMT from Maimonides Medical Center arrived and offered to help Lt. Cannon. Together they pulled the victim from the fire, off the highway and onto the grass on the side of the road, then began victim assessment. Lt. Cannon stayed with the victim and helped render care while Engine 253 extinguished the vehicle fires.

Lt. Cannon is a true role model and inspiration to those who work with him and a mentor to those under his leadership. His quick response and actions at the scene of a multicar accident with a person trapped and a rapidly extending car fire saved the driver’s life. This selfless act of heroism is the epitome of what it means to be a member of the Fire Department of the City of New York. For his actions, Lieutenant Richard Cannon is being awarded the Lieutenant James E. Zahn/Lieutenant Peter L. Troiano Memorial Medal.—MD

Photo on left: Lt. Richard Cannon (left) pulls the victim from his burning car, assisted by an off-duty EMT (right) just before the vehicle is completely engulfed in flames. (Photos by Lauren Cannon)

Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal

Fire Marshal David Leibowitz

July 4, 2024, 0433 hours, Box 75-8994, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on May 31, 2005. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 15. Resides in Oceanside, New York, with wife Stacey and children Bradyn and Teegan.

BFI Special Investigations Unit

In the early morning hours of July 4, 2024, FDNY units responded to two separate fires in the South Richmond Hill section of Queens. The first involved a fully engulfed vehicle fire that spread to an adjacent car, causing extensive damage to both. Shortly afterward, a second and more serious fire erupted at a nearby private dwelling. At the time, multiple occupants—including two young children—were asleep inside. While most escaped the intense heat and smoke unharmed, two adults were transported to the hospital after suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation, which required surgery in treatment of their injuries.

The Bureau of Fire Investigation (BFI) promptly deployed members of the Citywide North Command. Supervising Fire Marshal Richard Farci, Fire Marshal Matthew Rocco and Fire Marshal Robert Santandrea responded to conduct a forensic examination of both fire scenes. As preliminary findings began to surface, members of the BFI Special Investigations Unit (SIU) became involved in the case. SIU members Supervising Fire Marshal Philip Meagher and Fire Marshal David Leibowitz were briefed by Fire Marshal Rocco on all details of the investigation. The investigators were directed to conduct further interviews, gather evidence and initiate a comprehensive video canvass of the surrounding area.

Following a detailed review of collected evidence and footage, investigators determined both fires were intentionally set and likely connected. Over the following weeks, FM Rocco and FM Leibowitz undertook an exhaustive video canvass across the neighborhood. Through meticulous analysis, a person of interest was identified in connection with the two

Appointed to the FDNY on December 5, 2004. Previously assigned to Ladder Co. 50. Recipient of a Unit Citation (2024). Member of the FDNY Columbia Association. Father, Fire Marshal Louis Rocco, retired from BFI Bronx Base. Father to Matthew and Abbie. Resides in Mahopac, New York.

Fire Marshal Matthew L. Rocco

BFI Citywide North Command

known fires. During the process, the fire marshals uncovered a third, previously unreported vehicle fire that had occurred around 4:34 a.m. that same morning. Surveillance footage showed the same suspect breaking into a vehicle, stealing items, setting it on fire and fleeing. This development linked the individual to three separate incidents of arson.

Fire Marshals Rocco and Leibowitz continued tracking the suspect on surveillance footage throughout the neighborhood. He was first seen walking to the location of the initial vehicle fire, where he deliberately ignited the car. He then proceeded on foot to the nearby residence, entered the property via the side driveway and remained there for several minutes before fleeing just before the fire was discovered. The suspect was later seen heading to the third fire location, where he again broke into a vehicle and set it ablaze. Afterward, surveillance captured him walking back to his known residence.

With the arsonist positively identified, SFM Meagher organized an arrest plan. Following the successful apprehension of this violent felony offender, Fire Marshals Rocco and Leibowitz worked closely with the Queens District Attorney’s Office to support a series of charges, including multiple counts of arson and reckless endangerment.

This complex investigation and successful prosecution were the result of dedicated, skilled work by these members. Their tireless efforts exemplify the highest traditions of the Bureau of Fire Investigation and the FDNY. In recognition of their outstanding commitment and exceptional investigative performance, Fire Marshal Matthew Rocco and Fire Marshal David Leibowitz are awarded the Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal.—MJK

The fire originated in the bath/storage room and spread to the basement living room, where several residents slept. (Photo by FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation)

In the fire service, there is nothing more adrenaline-inducing than responding to a reported fire, hearing the dispatcher announce, “we are receiving multiple calls” or that “there are reports of people trapped.” These statements can heighten the stress of any firefighter regardless of their experience level. Now, imagine it’s the first fire of your career.

Probationary Firefighter Thomas A. Wylie Medal

Firefighter Thomas J. Canzoneri

Ladder Company 134

April 28, 2024, 0736 hours, Box 75-1137, Queens

On the morning of April 24, 2024, at 7:36 a.m., Ladder Company 134 was dispatched to Far Rockaway for a reported fire. With an off-duty member on scene reporting a working fire and a large column of smoke rising above the rooftops, it was obvious that they were going to work. The 1075 was transmitted by Ladder 134 for a fire on the third floor of the two-family private dwelling.

Probationary Firefighter Thomas Canzoneri (forcible entry) exited the apparatus and quickly entered the fire building with his officer, Lieutenant Michael Pisciotta, and Firefighter Patrick Goldberg (can). Upon entering, they encountered occupants fleeing from the structure, and the off-duty member stated that a civilian was trapped in the front bedroom on the third floor. Proceeding with a greater sense of urgency, they made their way to the fire floor and were met with high heat and fire at the landing. The door to the fire room had burned away, and there was no way to confine the expanding fire from the rest of the third floor.

At this time, Ladder 134’s chauffeur, Firefighter Benjamin Schiavi, transmitted that a civilian had appeared at the front window on the third floor, gasping for air. There was no time to wait for the handline—the inside team had to make their move. They donned their SCBAs and proceeded to make their orderly search for victims. Lieutenant Pisciotta and FF Canzoneri made a push down the

hallway through the scorching heat, in zero visibility, to reach the front bedroom. They quickly entered and closed the door behind them. FF Canzoneri conducted a rapid search of the bedroom and discovered a disoriented male victim at floor level.

Returning to the compromised hallway to remove the victim was not an option now that the fire had grown. The front window was their best option. The inside team verbally communicated with FF Schiavi (LCC) to position the aerial ladder for victim removal. FF Schiavi ascended the ladder and assisted FF Canzoneri in removing the installed child gates. Together, they carefully assisted the victim onto the ladder and descended to street level, where immediate medical care was provided by EMS.

Performing well under extreme conditions requires excellent training, dedication and the desire to perform your job at the highest level. With only two months in the firehouse, that morning FF Canzoneri displayed the precision and skill of someone with years of experience and saved another man’s life. For his efforts, Firefighter Thomas Canzoneri is awarded the Probationary Firefighter Thomas A. Wylie Medal.—JC

FF Canzoneri and FF Schiavi work to pass the victim through the window of the fire apartment and down the aerial ladder.

Appointed to the FDNY on November 6, 2023. Holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from SUNY University at Albany. Father, Firefighter Robert Canzoneri, retired from Ladder Co. 173 in 2008. Resides in Smithtown, New York, with fiancée Samantha.

Members of Ladder Co. 134 at Box 75-1137, Queens, from left to right: FF Keith McDonnell, Lt. Michael Pisciotta, FF Benjamin Schiavi, FF Thomas Canzoneri, FF Patrick Goldberg and FF Peter Abbondondolo.

Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal

Captain George

M. Polito Ladder Company 169

July 2, 2024, 0358 hours, Box 75-3619, Brooklyn

On the morning of July 2, 2024, at 0358 hours, Ladder Company 169 received an alarm for Box 3619 in Brooklyn, reporting fire in a four-story, 100- by 100-foot multiple dwelling. En route to the box, the Brooklyn Communications Office communicated to responding units that they were receiving reports of a person trapped in the cellar.

Upon arrival Ladder 169, led by Captain George Polito, was met with smoke issuing from the cellar windows on the exposure 4 side of the fire building. Residents also informed Captain Polito that there was a person trapped in the cellar. Ladder 169’s inside team proceeded quickly to the cellar entrance on exposure 4. Captain Polito then ordered Firefighter Kirally Hajnoczi (irons) and Firefighter Nicholas Battaglia (can) to force the door to gain access. After forcing the door, the members were met with a heavy smoke condition and limited visibility. Captain Polito began a right-hand search, during which he realized they were dealing with serious clutter conditions where members could easily get turned around. The cellar was made up of a series of large, cluttered areas used for personal storage, maintenance supplies and tools, which caused members to become entangled and hampered their search.

At this point, the team also encountered high heat and zero visibility. After searching about 25 feet in, they found the fire in the center of the B wing. Captain Polito discovered three e-bikes burning in an uncompartmented area of the basement. He ordered FF Battaglia to remain by the burning bikes in order to alert Engine Company 246 of the location of the fire. While

FF Hajnoczi searched left, Captain Polito continued to the right, past the uncontrolled fire and into the rear of the cellar.

As Captain Polito pushed farther into the cluttered cellar, he found a door that led to living quarters and another large, uncompartmented area. He pushed deeper—another 30 feet—and heard a victim calling for help. Captain Polito discovered the victim in a bathroom, gasping for air; he transmitted the 10-45 and gave his location. Removal would be challenging, as they were now about 100 feet into the cellar with little visibility. The windows had been sealed with cinder blocks, leaving no way for ventilation or exit in the area.

Captain Polito used his tool to make a noise beacon, directing FF Battaglia and FF Hajnoczi to his location.

With assistance from his inside team, Captain Polito was able to guide the victim through the mazelike conditions of the burning cellar and remove the victim to the street, where he was treated and transported to the hospital by EMS. The effort and teamwork displayed at this fire undoubtedly saved a man’s life. For his initiative, bravery and resolve to pass an extending fire within a challenging cellar environment to search for human life, Captain George Polito is awarded the Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal Medal.—SI

Members at Brooklyn Box 75-3619 on July 2, 2024. From left to right: FF Nicholas Battaglia (L169), FF Joseph Roggenkamp (L-169), Captain George Polito (L-169), FF Kiraly Hajnoczi (L-169), FF Thomas Wilkenson (E-246), FF Nicholas Parikas (E-246), Lt. John Militano (E-246), FF Will Whelan (E-246), FF Greg Beehler (L-169) and FF Dan Palmieri (L-169).

Appointed to the FDNY on July 5, 1992. Previously assigned to Engine Co. 253, Engine Co. 255, Ladder Co. 157 and Engine Co. 321. Member of the FDNY Columbia Association. Father, Firefighter George Polito, retired from Engine 310 in 1977 and is now deceased. He resides in Brooklyn with his wife, Alison, and has four children: Amanda, Emily, Brooke and Jake.

EMT

Giovanni V. Gotay

Station

18

FJack Pintchik Medal

December 4, 2024, 0137 hours, CAD 2552, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on January 29, 2024. Brother EMT Valentino Gotay retired in 2023 from the Queens Tactical Response Group. Resides in Coram, New York.

DNY EMTs bravely respond to 1.6 million medical emergencies each year. They never know what kind of call they’re walking into or what circumstances will unfold when they arrive on scene.

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Station 18’s EMT Giovanni Gotay and EMT Maxwell Senger were working in the Bronx when they received a call for an emotionally disturbed individual. NYPD officers were on scene and made an attempt to handcuff the individual, who became violent following this attempt. One of the officers attempted to discharge a taser to subdue the individual, but the individual grabbed the taser and violently pulled it out of the officer’s hand.

EMT Gotay and EMT Senger knew this was a dangerous situation for themselves, the officers and the patient, and they knew they had to step in to help. Both EMTs attempted to take the taser back from the patient, putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of the other people on scene. The patient began to assault them, punching and hitting them both in the head before EMTs Gotay and Senger were able

Appointed to the FDNY on September 30, 2019. Previously assigned to the Bronx Tactical Response Group. Holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Westchester Community College. Recipient of a Unit of the Month and Pre-Hospital Save. Resides in Carmel, New York, with wife Erin.

18

to recover the taser and return it to the officer, who then deployed it.

For putting their safety at risk while ensuring the safety of others, EMT Giovanni Gotay and EMT Maxwell Senger are presented the Jack Pintchik Medal.—CB

EMT Giovanni Gotay (left) and EMT Maxwell Senger (right) placed themselves in harm's way to aid NYPD officers with an emotionally disturbed patient in the Bronx.

Captain Alison Russo North Star Medal

Lieutenant Kathleen E. Wood

Station 26

October 6, 2024, 0853 hours, CAD 1621

Appointed to the FDNY on September 23, 2013. Previously assigned to Station 39, Station 44, Station 59, Station 31, Station 47 and Station 26. Attended Nassau Community College. Is a paramedic and Haz-Tac technician. Recipient of two Unit Citations (2015, 2016), multiple Pre-Hospital Saves and Officer of the Quarter (2024 Q3). Father, Firefighter Michael A. Wood Sr., retired in 2022 from Squad Co. 288. Resides in Freeport, New York.

On October 6, 2024, Lieutenant Kath leen Wood responded to a 10-13 call—request for immediate police assistance—transmitted for another FDNY EMS officer who was being assaulted. Upon arrival at the scene, Lt. Wood and Lieutenant Alexandru Mihailescu met the injured officer, who was emerging from the apartment dazed, mottled and with visible strangulation marks on his neck. The officer’s condition indicated that he had been assaulted with extreme violence.

Lt. Wood quickly assessed the situation, learn ing that the crews of 17X2 and 19C2 were still inside the apartment trying to subdue the assailant, who was reportedly under the influence and noncompliant with behavioral medications. There was also a report of a firearm present in the apartment. Understanding the immediate danger posed to the members, Lt. Wood rushed inside the apartment to find the four members struggling with an irate individual. She immediately realized that the struggling assailant could not be safely contained with the available personnel and that there was a risk of the firearm being accessed.

With her members running high on adrenaline and unable to hear commands, Lt. Wood came directly into their space. Demonstrating exceptional courage, she physically removed some of the EMS

members from the apartment and issued clear, concise orders for the remaining personnel to retreat to safety. She simultaneously engaged the assailant’s girlfriend, seeking to deescalate the situation and prevent further violence. Lt. Wood’s actions were critical in preventing the escalation of the threat and ensuring the safety of her team. She successfully removed all EMS personnel from the apartment and led them to the street level, securing them from further harm.

Lt. Wood’s actions were nothing short of heroic. By swiftly removing her team from imminent danger, she demonstrated a profound sense of duty and selflessness. Her decisive leadership ensured that no further harm came to the personnel on scene. Upon the arrival of NYPD ESU, Lt. Wood led the way back inside, where they assisted the officers in sedating the assailant. Two knives and a handgun were recovered from the assailant, further highlighting the gravity of the threat.

Lt. Wood's ability to think critically under extreme pressure, her effective communication and her physical intervention were instrumental in saving lives and maintaining the safety and integrity of the operation. For these reasons, Lieutenant Kathleen E. Wood is the 2025 recipient of the Captain Alison Russo North Star Medal.—NP

Lt. Kathleen Wood (right) responded to a 10-13 call where FDNY EMS crews, including Lt. Justin O’Grady (left), requested police assistance. (Photo by Captain Kyra King)

PDr. Sheldon Jacobson Award

Paramedic Franklin Kupferberg Station 4

Appointed to the FDNY on March 18, 1985. Previously assigned to Stations 8, 10, 14 and 16. Holds a bachelor's degree in English from Columbia University. Recipient of a Meritorious Act. Resides in Manhattan.

aramedic Franklin Kupferberg was selected for his exceptional and enduring service to the people of New York City. With more than four de cades of experience, Paramedic Kupfer berg has built a career defined by clinical excellence, mentorship, compassion and quiet leadership.

Paramedic Kupferberg graduated from Columbia University in 1980 and initially worked as a paralegal. Drawn to public service, he trained as an EMT just three years later and began his journey in emergency medical services with a private am bulance company. In 1982, Frank completed his paramedic training at the St. Vincent’s School of Nurs ing in Manhattan and quickly established himself as a dedicated and capable pre-hospital care provider.

He began his public EMS service at Bellevue Hospital under the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) in 1985. During his career, he served in Harlem and Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, and Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan. In 2004, he transferred to EMS Station 4 and has remained there as his current assignment.

Paramedic Kupferberg’s clinical knowledge, situational awareness and calm demeanor have made him a respected leader and valued partner to all at the station. He has always brought professionalism and heart to every patient and family member he has encountered. Beyond his field duties, Paramedic Kupferberg is known as a mentor who leads with patience and humility. He gives new paramedics the space to learn and grow, always offering guidance without overshadowing their development. Many members across the Department credit Frank with shaping their skills by offering both encouragement and high standards.

Frank grew up in a family committed to service. His father worked in computer technology for four decades, finishing his career at Police Plaza and retiring at the remarkable age of 80. That same tenacity and dedication is evident in

Frank’s own career, as he is the most senior paramedic still working in the field.

Paramedic Kupferberg’s legacy is one of unwavering service, deep compassion and intellectual generosity. He is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Sheldon Jacobson Award, given to a paramedic who demonstrates innovation, mentorship and a dedication to saving lives. Dr. Jacobson was the father of New York City paramedicine, which began more than 50 years ago in 1974 with Jacobi Medical Center’s first class. Dr. Jacobson was the founder, mentor and instructor of that class and laid the foundation for all that followed. Much like Dr. Jacobson, Paramedic Franklin Kupferberg represents the very best of what it means to serve this city. It is with great pride that we honor him for his outstanding length of service and lasting contributions to the FDNY Emergency Medical Services with the Dr. Sheldon Jacobson Award—An Extraordinary Medal.—PM/AK

Lieutenant James Curran New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal

Engine Company 295

Lieutenant Eric P. Schaming

Firefighter Ibrahim M. Mangane

Firefighter Angel M. Cotto Jr., L-152

Firefighter Richard P. Kenney Jr., E-299

Firefighter John Kuper, L-130

June 9, 2024, 1428 hours, Box 75-4637, Queens

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 2:28 p.m., Engine Company 295 and Ladder Company 144 responded to a reported fire in a private dwelling in the Whitestone section of Queens. While responding, they observed a large column of black smoke rising in the distance. The members knew this area was geographically isolated from other companies and that assistance could be delayed. This house was also close to the East River, and members knew from announcements at roll call that wind could be a factor. Upon arrival, Lieutenant Eric Schaming (E-295) transmitted a 10-75 for fire in a large, two-story detached private dwelling.

As Lt. Schaming sized up the house, he noticed there was heavy fire throughout and indications that this was, indeed, a wind-impacted fire. Looking down the alley, he also noticed that the rear siding, fencing and decking, as well as multiple small structures in the rear, were engulfed in flames. Lt. Schaming radioed his chauffeur, Firefighter Richard Kenney, to let the Queens dispatcher know they had a wind-impacted fire with possible exposure problems. Lt. Schaming ordered his nozzle firefighter, Probationary Firefighter Ibrahim Mangane, to stretch a 1 ¾-inch hoseline and instructed the chauffeur to charge the line with booster water.

push into the building. They quickly knocked down fire in the foyer and dining room—both had 25-foot ceilings—which allowed Ladder 144 to begin their search of the first floor.

Now on hydrant water, Engine 295 made a push to the rear. Battling flames and heat, they extinguished fire in the kitchen and living room. With fire threatening exposure 4, FF Kenney operated the deck pipe, which provided a water curtain. In the rear of the house, the nozzle team was met with a heavy volume of fire, fueled by exterior decking and siding, coming through the windows on the first floor. After knocking down all visible fire in the interior on the first floor and most of the fire in the rear, they knew they had the only handline in the building and proceeded to the second floor. After a punishing push up the stairs, Engine 295 then extinguished all visible fire on the second floor, enabling Ladder 144 to continue to search for the reported missing person, who was later found safely outside.

Engine 295's forward thinking and aggressive actions extinguished two floors of heavy fire in daunting, wind-impacted conditions. Under Lt. Schaming’s leadership, they kept the fire to the original fire building, persevered and worked as a cohesive unit, which is notable with three detailed members and two probationary firefighters that day. In keeping with the finest traditions of the New York City Fire Department, Engine Company 295 is awarded the Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal.—RLL

A frantic woman approached the companies, saying that her husband was missing and possibly trapped inside the house. As members began the fire attack at the front, they were met with extreme, blistering heat and flames from floor to ceiling, hindering Ladder 144's ability to perform their searches. At that moment, the nozzle team—FF Mangane, Probationary Firefighter Angel Cotto (backup) and Firefighter John Kuper (control)—made an aggressive

Members of Engine Company 295 on June 9, 2024, at Box 75-4637, from left to right: Lt. Eric P. Schaming, FF Angel M. Cotto Jr. (det. L-152), FF Ibrahim M. Mangane and FF John Kuper (det. L-130). Missing: FF Richard P. Kenney Jr. (det. E-299).

Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal

On February 19, 2024, Squad Company 288 was assigned as the second-due engine for a reported fire in a two-story, 20- by 50-foot, wood-frame, semi-attached private dwelling. Upon arrival, Squad 288 assumed their second-due engine duties in front of the fire building when they heard screams coming from occupants who were trapped on the front porch roof.

Firefighter Anthony Rivas (door) saw Ladder Company 140’s chauffeur removing one victim down a portable ladder. FF Rivas noticed that the ladder fell to the ground in the alley after removal and that additional victims were still trapped on the porch roof. He lifted the portable ladder, ascended it and was immediately hit with high heat and smoke from both the open front door and the second-floor windows. Two panicked and disoriented kids were moving farther down the porch, where they were trying to jump. Without hesitation, he secured a young boy and brought him to the ground. He climbed the ladder once again to search for and remove a girl still trapped on the roof by the spreading fire. Firefighter Dane Martin (chauffeur) grabbed another portable ladder and positioned it for any other trapped victims or members.

Meanwhile, Firefighters Lawrence Richards (nozzle), Patrick Conway (backup) and John McCoy (control) helped advance the first hoseline. Due to a large and advancing fire condition on multiple floors, a second hoseline was stretched and operating, but a third hoseline was needed after fire was discovered in exposure 4. With no other engine companies yet on scene, Lieutenant Joshua Wiener instructed FF Rivas to stretch the third line from Engine Company 292 and personally reported his

Squad Company 288

Lieutenant Joshua L. Wiener, Rescue Bn

Firefighter Patrick J. Conway

Firefighter Dane R. Martin

Firefighter John H. McCoy

Firefighter Lawrence Richard, L-125

Firefighter Anthony Rivas

February 19, 2024, 1152 hours, Box 33-4209, Queens

plan to Command. Lt. Wiener split the company to keep assisting with the advance of the first line and to stretch and operate the third line into exposure 4. FF Martin ran to the backstep of Engine 292 and acted as the control member because no other members were available to estimate and connect the hoseline.

FF Rivas and Lt. Wiener brought the hoseline to the first floor of exposure 4 and knocked down the extending fire. They then advanced the line to the second floor, where they encountered a large volume of fire at the top of the stairs. After initially attacking the fire, Squad 288 was ordered to back out and remain on the first floor so an exterior hoseline could operate and extinguish the fire on the exterior of the building. While standing fast, Lt. Wiener and FF Rivas were rejoined by firefighters Richards, Conway and McCoy. Squad 288’s hoseline was advanced to the second floor once again, where the members operated until all visible fire was knocked down. Low on air and exhausted, Squad 288 members were relieved by Engine Company 294.

For their actions at this fast-moving fire, with multiple trapped people requiring rescue, Squad Company 288 is awarded the Thomas R. Elsasser Medal.—AP

Operations at third alarm, Queens Box 4209, February 19, 2024. (Photo courtesy of

Members of Squad Co. 288 from left to right: FF Dane Martin, FF Lawrence Richard, FF Patrick Conway, FF Anthony Rivas, Lt. Joshua Weiner and FF John McCoy.

World Trade Center Memorial Medal

Ladder Company 18

Captain Bryan M. Scimeme, D-1

Firefighter (now Lt.) Kevin C. Alore Jr.

Firefighter Michael L. Morano,

Firefighter Justin C. Rodriguez

Firefighter Dominic J. Torre

Firefighter Nicholas P. Willoughby

July 4, 2024, 2054 hours, Box 0247, Corlears Hook Park, Manhattan

On July 4, 2024, at 2052 hours, Ladder Company 18 was dispatched for an auto extrication at Box 0247, near Water Street at Jackson Street in Manhattan. En route, dispatch relayed that multiple calls had reported that a pickup truck had plowed into a crowd of people, including children, during a Fourth of July celebration.

Upon arrival at Corlears Hook Park, Ladder 18 was met by frantic bystanders pointing toward the baseball field, pleading for help. Captain Bryan Scimeme’s size-up revealed a large, gray pickup truck wedged between the baseball field fence and metal bleachers. The vehicle had jumped a curb, crashed through a 30-foot Parks Department fence and struck a large gathering of people.

The scene was chaotic, with scattered shoes, scooters and debris surrounding the truck. Bystanders screamed that people were trapped underneath. Because of the truck's position, a full 360-degree survey was not possible. Captain Scimeme’s initial report to Battalion 4 confirmed three victims pinned beneath the vehicle, with additional injuries throughout the area. Multiple ambulances were urgently requested.

One victim was located under the truck, just behind the driver’s side door. Two additional victims were under the front of the truck, trapped under each front wheel. Ladder 18 immediately began extrication efforts under challenging conditions: low visibility, increasing crowds and limited access to lifting points. Firefighter Nicholas Willoughby (roof) maneuvered

between the truck and bleachers to reach the front axle and position the airbags. Firefighter Rodriguez (OV) controlled the airbags, carefully lifting the vehicle and enabling Firefighter Michael Morano (can) to free one of the victims from beneath the front left tire and, with assistance from Firefighter Dominic Torre (irons), carry them to EMS. With the front left side raised, Firefighter Kevin Alore (LCC) positioned a floor jack under the opposite side of the axle, allowing enough clearance to free the victim trapped under the right front tire.

As that victim was removed, Ladder 18 discovered a fourth victim trapped under the right side of the truck. Access was extremely limited, with the only safe access to the victim through the baseball fence from the field side. Information was relayed to Squad 18, who began cutting through the fence, while Firefighters Torre and Willoughby stabilized the vehicle with cribbing as NYPD ESU lifted the rear. Once the vehicle was secured, Firefighter Morano was able to access and remove the victim located behind the driver’s-side door, then bring them to EMS. Firefighters Alore and Rodriguez then moved to the ballfield side of the fence and assisted Squad 18 in removing the final patient using floor jacks for additional clearance.

Throughout the operation, the members of Ladder 18 displayed exceptional professionalism, teamwork and composure under extreme pressure. Despite the complexity and urgency of the rescue, they executed their duties flawlessly. Notably, three of the firefighters were probationary members, yet they performed with remarkable skill and determination.

In total, seven patients were transported from the scene with three in traumatic arrest. The heroic efforts of Ladder 18 undoubtedly made a difference that night. For their extraordinary bravery and dedication, the members of Ladder Company 18 are awarded the World Trade Center Memorial Medal.—JR

Ladder Co. 18 members extricated four victims who were trapped beneath a large pickup truck after it barreled into a Fourth of July celebration. (Photo courtesy of Dean Moses)

Members of Ladder 18 who operated at Manhattan Box 0247, July 4, 2024, from left to right: FF Justin Rodriguez, FF Nicholas Willoughby, FF Kevin Alore Jr. (now lieutenant, promoted in April 2025), FF Michael Morano, FF Dominic Torre and Captain Bryan Scimeme (now assigned to Engine Co. 15).

SERVICE RATING A

FF Raed M. Khan, L-129

FF Ysnaldo Perez, E-60

Lt. Brian P. Currid, L-33

Lt. Terrence M. Sweeney, L-105

FF Timothy J. Smith, L-105

FF Bryan Anderson, E-247

FF Marc J. Douglas, L-45

FF Duane L. Davis, R-3

FF Thomas C. Heedles, L-148

Lt. Kevin M. Kirrane, L-154

Lt. Kurtis Niemczyk, B-58

FF Thomas J. Canzoneri, L-134

Lt. Richard C. Cannon, L-148

FF Michael J. Gannone, L-174

Lt. Patrick W. Donaghy, L-36

FF Joseph A. Tenteromano, L-172

Capt. George M. Polito, L-169

FF Joseph E. Pansini, L-127

FF Rafael J. Germosen, L-51

FF James A. Soutar III, L-41

FF John Hlavacek, R-4

FF Bryan Garcia, L-163

FF Scott J. Hamelburg, L-173

Lt. Michael P. McPartland, L-157

FF Andrew T. Lind, L-157

Lt. William R. Prange, L-59

FF Robert Valazquez, L-170

FF Kevin C. Routledge, L-18

FF Kevin T. Purdy, L-46

FF Marc A. Sylvers, Sq-252

Lt. Thomas Donoghue, E-84

FF Thomas E. Morrison, Sq-41

FF Jose A. Garcia, L-47

SERVICE RATING B

FF Marc Randazzo, M-9

FF Anthony Rivas, Sq-288

FF Gregory J. Gentile, L-169

FF Gary R. Granberg, L-105

FF Juan G. Gonzalez, L-34

FF Matthew J. Murphy, R-3

FF Juan G. Gonzalez, L-34

FF Steven Goscicki, L-6

Lt. William J. Sessler, L-87

FF Osmar Martinez, L-43

FF Patrick S. Zarzycki, L-43

FF Adam Kirchmann, Sq-41

FF Rostantin W. Kruczowy, L-51

FF Dennis P. Keating, L-37

FF Joseph W. Pendergast, L-113

FF Alex P. Lasserre, L-54

FF Daniel J. Rodriguez, L-30

FF Jose E. Cristales, L-104

FF Charles E. Denman, L-124

FF Kelvin Ollivierre, L-124

Capt. Michael Urso, L-114

Lt. Andrew J. Winges, E-264

Capt. Jose M. Grullon, L-53

FF Louis J. Maietta, E-53

FF Carlos A. Flores, E-97

FF Ayanna J. Findlator, L-173

Lt. Paul J. Hoekzema, L-45

FF Nicholas P. Morisano, L-45

FF Kievon Y. Harper, R-5

FF Roland C. Rodriguez, L-5

FF Adam P. Bauer, L-103

Lt. Scott M. Doody, L-44

Marine Company 9

January 6, 2024, Box 0936

Engine Company 275

January 8, 2024, Box 4826

Engine Company 303

January 8, 2024, Box 4826

Ladder Company 133

January 8, 2024, Box 4826

Engine Company 75

January 16, 2024, Box 3161

Ladder Company 33

January 16, 2024, Box 3161

Ladder Company 56

January 16, 2024, Box 3161

Ladder Company 14

January 26, 2024, Box 1461

Ladder Company 136

February 7, 2024, Box 8240

Engine Company 305

February 8, 2024, Box 4914

Engine Company 247

February 11, 2024, Box 2691

Engine Company 42

February 15, 2024, Box 4767

Engine Company 69

February 23, 2024, Box 1647

Engine Company 59

February 23, 2024, Box 1647

UNIT CITATIONS

Squad Company 288

March 8, 2024, Box 4209

Ladder Company 144

March 13, 2024, Box 4317

Ladder Company 37

March 16, 2024, Box 7381

Ladder Company 43

March 18, 2024, Box 1276

Ladder Company 158

April 16, 2024, Box 5958

Ladder Company 51

May 6, 2024, Box 3458

Engine Company 151

May 8, 2024, Box 4835

Hazmat Company 1

May 9, 2024, Box 0829

Engine Company 302

May 20, 2024, Box 8922

Ladder Company 155

May 20, 2024, Box 8922

Engine Company 295

June 9, 2024, Box 4637

Engine Company 70

June 24, 2024, Box 4564

Ladder Company 53

June 24, 2024, Box 4564

Engine Company 330

June 27, 2024, Box 2976

Ladder Company 18

July 4, 2024, Box 0247

Squad Company 18

July 4, 2024, Box 0247

Ladder Company 29

July 5, 2024, Box 2104

Engine Company 62

July 17, 2024, Box 3466

Ladder Company 114

July 23, 2024, Box 1449

Engine Company 326

August 3, 2024, Box 5289

Engine Company 275

August 3, 2024, Box 5289

Engine Company 292

August 4, 2024, Box 7816

Squad Company 18

November 12, 2024, Box 0457

Engine Company 42

November 18, 2024, Box 2901

Engine Company 260

December 18, 2024, Box 7222

Engine Company 317

December 24, 2024, Box 5620

CFR-D PRE-HOSPITAL SAVE COMMENDATIONS

January 2024

Engine Co. 5, January 19

Engine Co. 48, January 26

Engine Co. 68, January 24

Engine Co. 81, January 1

Engine Co. 159, January 25

Engine Co. 214, January 15

Engine Co. 221, January 5

Engine Co. 234, January 26

Engine Co. 245, January 27

Engine Co. 257, January 27

Engine Co. 274, January 29

Engine Co. 306, January 4

Engine Co. 318, January 6

February 2024

Engine Co. 50, February 5

Engine Co. 68, February 7

Engine Co. 83, February 26

Engine Co. 95, February 6

Engine Co. 225, February 18

Engine Co. 257, February 19

Engine Co. 262, February 26

Engine Co. 263, February 20

Engine Co. 263, February 20

Engine Co. 276, February 20

Engine Co. 298, February 28

Engine Co. 301, February 4

Engine Co. 302, February 4

Engine Co. 303, February 19

Squad Co. 8, February 6

March 2024

Engine Co. 9, March 2

Engine Co. 52, March 30

Engine Co. 228, March 24

Engine Co. 243, March 16

Engine Co. 281, March 4

Engine Co. 290, March 22

Engine Co. 294, March 12

Engine Co. 318, March 7

Engine Co. 323, March 17

Engine Co. 330, March 16

Engine Co. 331, March 18

Squad Co. 270, March 29

April 2024

Engine Co. 46, April 17

Engine Co. 48, April 12

Engine Co. 53, April 16

Engine Co. 59, April 11

Engine Co. 243, April 9

Engine Co. 260, April 16

Engine Co. 260, April 21

Engine Co. 290, April 17

Engine Co. 298, April 23

Engine Co. 302, April 1

Engine Co. 309, April 30

Engine Co. 310, April 1

Squad Co. 252, April 29

May 2024

Engine Co. 9, May 10

Engine Co. 48, May 17

Engine Co. 158, May 9

Engine Co. 202, May 20

Engine Co. 225, May 11

Engine Co. 236, May 26

Engine Co. 246, May 20

Engine Co. 260, May 7

Engine Co. 277, May 15

Engine Co. 302, May 18

Engine Co. 309, May 27

June 2024

Engine Co. 47, June 25

Engine Co. 62, June 7

Engine Co. 93, June 13

Engine Co. 155, June 12

Engine Co. 236, June 7

Engine Co. 299, June 27

Engine Co. 324, June 19

July 2024

Engine Co. 34, July 31

Engine Co. 62, July 10

Engine Co. 63, July 16

Engine Co. 93, July 28

Engine Co. 217, July 24

Engine Co. 243, July 17

Engine Co. 246, July 12

Engine Co. 253, July 14

Engine Co. 257, July 18

August 2024

Engine Co. 21, August 27

Engine Co. 207, August 1

Engine Co. 219, August 28

Engine Co. 284, August 24

Engine Co. 287, August 10

Engine Co. 302, August 13

Engine Co. 304, August 9

September 2024

Engine Co. 59, September 30

Engine Co. 62, September 13

Engine Co. 73, September 5

Engine Co. 263, September 7

Engine Co. 317, September 6

Engine Co. 329, September 12

Squad Co. 288, September 12

October 2024

Engine Co. 226, October 11

Engine Co. 257, October 31

Engine Co. 276, October 1

Engine Co. 282, October 24

Squad Co. 18, October 4

November 2024

Engine Co. 201, November 16

Engine Co. 242, November 22

Engine Co. 248, November 15

Engine Co. 299, November 16

December 2024

Engine Co. 275, December 29

Engine Co. 303, December 15

SERVICE RATING A

July 4, 2024, FM Matthew L. Rocco, CWN

July 4, 2024, FM David Leibowitz, SIU

Brooklyn Domestic Violence Arson

April 19, 2024, Box 0708

Brooklyn Molotov Arson Task Force

June 17, 2024, Box 0783

SERVICE RATING B

April 19, 2024, FM Eric H. Lambrechts, CWS

June 20, 2024, FM Bryan D. Fealy, CWN

June 22, 2024, FM Kevin J. Goodwin, CWS

UNIT CITATIONS

Manhattan Vehicle Serial Arson

July 11, 2024, Box 0149

Bronx Commercial/Revenge Arson

September 19, 2024, Box 3019

Queens Serial Arson

October 19, 2024, Box 6996

EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL CARE AWARD (ECCA)

EMT Emmanuel Alvarez-Lozada

Captain Daniel Burgos

Lieutenant Giovanni Caballero

Lieutenant Brian Cotiaux

Paramedic Corinne Fairlie

EMT Madelyn Fernandez

Firefighter Christopher Forrester

EMT David Gehart

Paramedic Shewain George

Lieutenant Luke Hardcastle

EMT James Hardy

EMT William Herbst

Paramedic Shoshana Holzberg-Pill

Paramedic Robert Hyde

Lieutenant Ramon Jimenez

Paramedic Nicholas Magro

Paramedic Aldo Martinez Jr.

Lieutenant Brian Mcintyre

Firefighter Joseph Meagher

Paramedic Jovany Melo

Paramedic Michael Montemorano Sr.

Lieutenant Justin Ogrady

Paramedic James Oneill

Paramedic Lawrence Paredes

EMT Alonzo Perkinson

Lieutenant John Quiles

Paramedic Kira Ray

Lieutenant Shlomo Raymon

Paramedic Vincent Rebolledo

Paramedic Eric Reilly

Paramedic Andrew Reiner

EMT Christian Ridge

Paramedic Alexa Riggio

Paramedic Jennifer Rivera

Paramedic Nicole Rosales

Firefighter Rio Santos

Paramedic James Smith

Paramedic Hugh Smith II

Lieutenant Christopher Taylor

Paramedic Jessica Vega

Firefighter Duran Velasquez

Fire Captain James Welch

Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler

EMT Michael Abbriano (1)

PAR Alex Acevedo (2)

EMT Israel Acosta III (1)

EMT Jeslin Acuria Rodriguez (1)

ELT Brandon Adams (2)

EMT Jerilyn Afanador (1)

PAR Julianne Agosta (1)

ELT Hasnie Ahmetaj (1)

EMT James Aiuto (4)

PAR Youssef Al Hammami (1)

PAR Angie Alburquerque (1)

ELT Ashley Alejo (1)

EMT Christopher Alfonso (1)

EMT Pierce Allen (1)

EMT Erica Allston (1)

EMT Mark Almogazi (1)

PAR Michelle Alvarado (1)

EMT Jack Alzheimer (1)

EMT Kenneth Amato (1)

EMT Marissa Amaya (1)

EMT Darrol Anderson (1)

EMT Edward Anderson (1)

EMT Matthew Anderson (1)

EMT Dominic Angelella (1)

ELT Blair Araujo (2)

PAR Victoria Ardis (1)

EMT Zachary Arias (1)

PAR Jonathan Armijos Torres (1)

EMT Nicole Arocho (2)

EMT Mohammad Assad (1)

PAR Thomas Augugliaro (1)

ELT Gilberto Aviles (1)

PAR Marcus Bacchus (3)

EMT Freddie Badillo (1)

EMT Nyeela Bailey (1)

PAR Lancia Bailey-Hooper (1)

PAR Pancho Bajana (4)

PAR Nicole Baker (1)

EMT Thomas Baldrian (1)

EMT Craig Balkhuysen (1)

PAR Cedric Banton (1)

PAR Xiaotian Bao (1)

PAR Matthew Barbella (1)

EMT Jeffrey Barone (1)

EMT Lorenzo Barron (1)

PAR Alexander Bases (2)

ELT Ohnesto Batalla (1)

EMT Lance Beaubian (2)

PAR Christopher Belle (1)

EMT Ryan Bello (1)

PAR Yehezkel Ben Yaakov (6)

EMT Santiago Bendana Jr. (2)

EMT Brandon Benitez (1)

ELT Jose Benitez (1)

EMT Frederick Benjamin (2)

ELT Joshua Benjamin Bernstein (2)

EMT Jeff Benoit (2)

EMT Brandon Bentley (1)

EMT Francesco Berardi (1)

EMT Jesse Bernheimer (1)

2024 PRE-HOSPITAL SAVE AWARDS

Number in parentheses indicates number of saves.

ELT Jennifer Bernstein (1)

EMT Jerrell Bethea (1)

EMT Andrey Bezborodov (3)

ELT Peter Bilardello (3)

PAR Jonathan Billian (2)

PAR Robert Boardman (2)

PAR Elizabeth Bonilla (1)

ELT Yan Borukhov (1)

EMT Saverio Bosco Jr. (1)

EMT Ioannis Bouratoglou (1)

EMT Karl Bowen-Allen (1)

PAR Ashley Bowlin (1)

ELT Kevin Bratholt (2)

ELT Joel Brathwaite (1)

PAR Charles Braun (1)

EMT Jaden Breyette (1)

ELT Artur Bronshteyn (2)

ELT Bruce Brown (1)

EMT Daniel Browne (1)

ELT Bree Brown-Rosa (1)

EMT Ashley Bruhert (2)

PAR Kelvin Bruno (1)

EMT James Brussell (1)

PAR Lauren Bryan (2)

PAR Teodulo Buhat (1)

PAR Vincent Bui (1)

EMT Andres Buitrago (1)

PAR Keil Burey (1)

ELT Daniel Burgos (2)

EMT Peter Burgos (2)

LT Thomas Burns (2)

EMT Sergey Buryanenko (1)

PAR Alexis Buttermark (1)

PAR Alex Byrd (3)

ELT Joseph Caba (1)

ELT Giovanni Caballero (1)

EMT John Cabezas (2)

EMT Jordan Caceres (2)

EMT Arnaldo Cacho (1)

ELT Steven Caggiano (2)

PAR Christopher Caldwell (1)

EMT Michael Calisto (2)

EMT David Calix (2)

PAR Linda Callery (2)

ELT Kirby Cameron (3)

EMT Christopher Campiglia (1)

ELT Teri Ann Cancetty Melas (1)

ELT Gene Canel (4)

EMT Jasiah Canelo (2)

EMT Jonathan Cano Gomez (1)

EMT Tyrone Capers (1)

PAR Alberto Caraballo (1)

EMT Armando Cardenio Jr. (2)

EMT Nicole Carlson (1)

EMT Sergio Cascio (2)

EMT Ticquan Casey (2)

EMT Johnny Casquete Salazar (2)

ELT Diana Cassa (1)

EMT Joseph Castelli (1)

PAR Ruben Castillo (1)

PAR Priscilla Castro (1)

PAR Cesar Cevallos (1)

PAR Christopher Chalmers (3)

PAR David Chambers (3)

EMT Anthony Champion (1)

PAR Chin-Shan Chan (1)

ELT Eric Chanin (1)

PAR Eric Chanin (1)

ELT Christopher Chaplin (1)

EMT Andreas Charalambous (1)

ELT Pierre Charboneau (3)

EMT Desjean Charles (1)

PAR Jerry Chatelain (4)

PAR Jonathan Chavez (1)

EMT Luis Chavez (1)

EMT Nicholas Checchia (1)

ELT Dennis Chen (1)

PAR Rong Liang Chen (2)

ELT Zhen Huan Chen (2)

EMT Kevin Chew (1)

ELT Jeffrey Chin (1)

ELT Nazbi Chowdhury (1)

EMT Frank Ciccone (1)

EMT Maciej Cichosz (1)

PAR Amela Cirikovic (1)

PAR Nikko Cocciolillo (1)

EMT Matthew Colavito (1)

EMT Joseph Collins (1)

PAR Johanny Colon (1)

PAR Gerard Colvert (2)

EMT Joanna Connors (1)

EMT Richard Consolazio (1)

EMT Kevin Cook (1)

EMT Ryan Corbett (1)

ELT Zuleyka Cordero Lozada (1)

PAR Zuleyka Cordero Lozada (1)

PAR Amanda Cornwall (1)

PAR Adrian Corona (1)

ELT Gary Cortes (1)

PAR Jenna Cosa (1)

EMT Miles Costa (1)

EMT Shane Costello (2)

PAR John Costigan (1)

ELT Brian Cotiaux (1)

EMT Sandra Cotton (2)

PAR Ali Coutard (1)

PAR Jillian Cox (1)

PAR Kenneth Craig (1)

EMT Canaan Crayton (1)

PAR Mario Crespo (1)

PAR Dina Crespo Bruno (4)

EMT Ruben Crews (1)

PAR Christopher Crutchfield (2)

EMT Joseph Cruz (1)

ELT Stephanie Cruz (2)

PAR Kaity Cubias (1)

EMT Meghan Cullen (1)

EMT John Culmine (1)

PAR Giovanni Cummings (1)

PAR Owen Cunningham (2)

EMT Justin Cuomo (1)

ELT Michael Curatolo (1)

EMT Gregory Curiel (2)

EMT Michael Curtis (1)

ELT Timothy Cusack (2)

PAR Loribeth Cusumano (1)

PAR Philip Dacey (1)

PAR Shizam Dalbarry (1)

PAR Christopher Daley (1)

EMT Peter Daly (1)

ELT Sencia Datilus (1)

EMT Gioacchino Davi (1)

ELT Calin David (2)

PAR Kerry David (1)

EMT Theodore David (1)

PAR Jorge Davila (1)

PAR Michael Davis (1)

PAR Dakota Dawkins (1)

ELT Gonzalo De Jesus (1)

EMT Eliza De Leon Escobar (1)

EMT Patrick Deery (1)

PAR Dominick Defranco (7)

EMT Trevor Degnan (1)

EMT Walter Dehaan (1)

ELT Jesus Deinnocentiis (1)

PAR Ryan Dejesus (3)

ELT David Deleon (1)

PAR Jose Deleon Pichardo (2)

EMT Joseph Demodna (1)

ELT Christopher Demott (2)

EMT Brandon Demulder (1)

ELT Michael Dennehy (1)

EMT Anthony Devita III (1)

PAR James Diaz (1)

PAR Jeffrey Diaz (2)

PAR Natalie Diaz (2)

EMT Ramon Diaz (1)

PAR Rocky Diaz (2)

PAR Leilany Diaz Martinez (1)

EMT Dillon Digenova (1)

PAR Alacea Diggs (1)

EMT Thomas Dilorenzo (1)

EMT Tyler Dilorenzo (2)

PAR Trinh Dinh (1)

EMT Brendan Donnelly (1)

ELT Thomas Donofrio (4)

PAR Frederick Dorner (1)

ELT Anselmo Dos Santos (1)

EMT Drew Douglas (1)

PAR Naytasha Doyle (1)

EMT Douglas Drumgo II (1)

ELT Ian D'Souza (1)

PAR Tholeme Dumay (1)

ELT Robert Dupree (1)

PAR Jason Dwyer (1)

EMT Vincent Eckardt (1)

PAR Kristopher Eckert (3)

EMT John Egan (1)

EMT Luca Eisen (1)

PAR Jamaal El Shabazz (2)

PAR Neal Eles (1)

PAR Doraun Ellis (1)

EMT Jasmine Emile (1)

EMT Sean Engel (1)

EMT Matthew Englund (1)

EMT Ameen Ennab (1)

PAR Vincent Ercolano (1)

PAR Matthew Faeth (1)

PAR Corinne Fairlie (1)

EMT Mustafa Farah (1)

PAR Ian Farrington (1)

EMT James Fasano (1)

EMT Andy Feliciano (1)

EMT Julian Feliciano (1)

EMT Anthony Ferrara (1)

ELT Thomas Ferrara (2)

ELT Alvin Figueroa (2)

ELT Jerry Figueroa (1)

EMT John Findeisen (1)

PAR Claire Fitzgerald (2)

EMT Ryan Flatley (1)

EMT Robert Fleming Jr. (1)

EMT Jean Fleuristil (2)

ELT Miguel Flores (1)

PAR Paul Floridia (1)

EMT Christopher Florio (1)

PAR Michael Fox (1)

PAR Michael Frail (1)

PAR Dante Francisco (2)

ELT Helen Franco (1)

EMT Alex Fuentes (1)

ELT Japhet Gaengan (1)

EMT James Gallagher (2)

EMT Vito Gallicchio (1)

ELT Anthony Gallo (1)

EMT Caterin Garcia (1)

EMT Henry Garcia (1)

ELT Jessy Garcia (1)

EMT Kimberlin Garcia Garcia (1)

EMT Jonathan Gargiso (3)

PAR Kelcee Garneau (1)

EMT Patrick Garrett (1)

EMT Ian Garvin (1)

ELT Juan Gavilanes (2)

PAR Schuyler Gazzo (1)

EMT David Gehart (1)

EMT Thomas Geis (2)

ELT Bruce Geiser (1)

EMT Anthony Gentiluomo (2)

ELT Edward Gerber (1)

PAR James Geronimo (1)

EMT Robert Giacoia (1)

EMT Christopher Giasi (1)

EMT Daniel Gilder (1)

EMT Thomas Gintoli (1)

ELT Michael Ginty (2)

PAR Joshua Gluck (1)

EMT Oswaldo Goatache Segur (1)

EMT Dursuncan Gokkaya (2)

EMT Jack Golden (1)

PAR Shirah Goldstock (1)

2024 PRE-HOSPITAL SAVE AWARDS

ELT Alexander Gomez (1)

ELT Yonh Gomez (3)

EMT Alexander Gonzales (1)

EMT Kandis Gonzales (1)

PAR Alexis Gonzalez (1)

ELT Andre Gonzalez (2)

ELT Edwin Gonzalez (1)

PAR Jason Gonzalez (1)

PAR Julisa Gonzalez (3)

EMT Kenneth Gonzalez (1)

EMT Nicholas Gonzalez (1)

ELT Joshua Goset (2)

ELT Valerie Gosling-Martinez (1)

EMT Anhya Grant (1)

PAR Erin Greaney (2)

EMT Jermaine Gregg (1)

PAR Michael Gregor (2)

EMT Steven Grizzaffi (1)

PAR Barry Gruenbaum (1)

EMT Elias Guardado (1)

PAR Nicholas Guinta (1)

ELT Magdalena Guirand (1)

EMT Thomas Gustin (1)

EMT Christopher Gutierrez (2)

PAR Cecil Guy (1)

PAR Joshua Haber (1)

PAR Lana Hagai (1)

PAR Sharona Hagler (1)

EMT Konstantinos Halkias (1)

EMT Cassidy Hallahan (2)

EMT Geron Hamilton (2)

EMT Daniel Hanlon (1)

EMT Jordan Hannah (1)

ELT Luke Hardcastle (1)

EMT James Hardy (1)

ELT Mark Harricharan (1)

EMT Jeba Hassan (1)

ELT James Hayter (3)

EMT Michael Healey (1)

EMT Evan Heegan (2)

PAR Christian Hehn (2)

EMT Seamus Henning Finneran (1)

ELT Amanda Henry (1)

EMT William Herbst (1)

EMT David Hernandez (1)

PAR David Hernandez (1)

PAR Dawil Hernandez (1)

ELT John Hernandez (1)

EMT Samuel Hernandez (1)

PAR Eridania Hichez (2)

PAR Austin Higley (1)

ELT Madelyn Higueros (1)

ELT Luke Hill (3)

EMT Komla Hlomawou (2)

ELT Andrew Hodges (1)

PAR Andrew Hodges (1)

EMT Karl Hoerlein (1)

EMT Karsten Holldorf (2)

PAR Shoshana Holzberg-Pill (2)

PAR Ivan Hom (1)

EMT Derek Hong (2)

EMT Chase Hudson (1)

PAR Tahirah Hulse (1)

EMT Celina Hussain (1)

PAR Robert Hyde (1)

EMT Thomas Ilishaev Kurs (1)

EMT Sean Immel (1)

ELT Eric Ingram (2)

PAR Christopher Jacobs (1)

PAR David Jean-Baptiste (1)

PAR Sade Jeannot Monchik (1)

PAR Darren Jefferson (2)

PAR Jonathan Jimenez (1)

PAR Joshua Jimenez (1)

PAR Casey Johnson (1)

EMT Jon Johnson (1)

ELT Andre Jones (2)

EMT Breyon Jones (1)

EMT Matthew Jordan (1)

PAR Joel Joseph (1)

PAR Eduardo Juarez Garcia (1)

ELT Philip Jugenheimer (1)

PAR Winsley Julien (1)

ELT Ravivarman Kailayanathan (1)

PAR Jessica Kaldor (1)

EMT Michael Kavanagh Jr. (1)

EMT Rosemary Kearins (1)

EMT Daniel Kenny (1)

EMT Joseph Kessler (1)

ELT Omran Khan (1)

PAR Shuvveir Khan (1)

ELT David Kher (2)

ELT Pavel Khriyenko (1)

PAR Courtney Kiernan (1)

PAR Ki Hyun Kim (1)

PAR Jannell King (1)

EMT Hillary King Banque (1)

ELT Justin Kinney (1)

PAR Andrey Kirichenko (3)

PAR Sergiy Kiseliuk (2)

ELT Moshe Klein (3)

PAR Jonathan Kleisner (2)

PAR Robert Koemm (2)

EMT Stephen Koester (1)

PAR Darren Kondas (1)

PAR Daviti Korinteli (2)

EMT Nicholas Koskinas (1)

PAR Ewa Koszowska (1)

EMT James Krauss (1)

PAR Marc Krokowski (3)

ELT George Kroustallis (2)

EMT Andrei Kudrashov (3)

PAR Franklin Kupferberg (1)

ELT Josephine Kwok (2)

EMT Shem La Fleur (1)

EMT Craig Ladka (1)

PAR Marlene Lantigua (1)

PAR Nicholas Larocca (2)

EMT Frank Latino (1)

EMT Ricky Laureano (1)

EMT Jayson Laurore (1)

ELT Crystal Lawrence (1)

EMT Darline Lawrence (1)

ELT Kenneth Lebow (1)

EMT Kieran Lennon (1)

PAR Jessica Leon (2)

ELT Monica Lewis (1)

PAR Quedar Lewis (1)

ELT Justin Lim (2)

EMT Tat Lim (1)

PAR Jesse Lipton (1)

EMT Jacob Lisboa (1)

PAR Anthony Loaiza (1)

EMT Brian Lobaton (1)

ELT Kyle Logiudice (1)

PAR Darren Lolk (2)

EMT Erik Lomonaco (1)

ELT John Lopez (1)

EMT Christopher Love (2)

EMT Robert Lubinski (4)

EMT Matthew Lyde (1)

PAR Agnieszka Lynch (5)

EMT Matthew Mackay (1)

PAR Juan Madera (1)

PAR Nelson Madrigal (2)

PAR Nicholas Magro (2)

EMT Sean Mahoney (1)

ELT Valeri Makarets (1)

PAR Miguel Maldonado (3)

PAR Orlando Malinay (1)

EMT Joseph Maloku (1)

PAR Michael Mancino (1)

ELT Neil Mancuso (3)

EMT John Mangan (2)

EMT Nicholas Maniscalco (1)

PAR Anthony Marascia (7)

ELT Robertson Marc (1)

ELT John Marino (2)

ELT Thomas Marsden (1)

EMT Tristan Martin Jr. (1)

EMT Daniel Martinez (1)

EMT Francisco Martinez (1)

ELT Marisel Martinez (1)

EMT Pedro Martinez Veras (2)

EMT Peter Massimillo (3)

EMT Jeffrey Mathews Jr. (1)

PAR Eric Matonis (1)

PAR Peter Matura (1)

PAR Frank Maynard (1)

ELT Christopher Mazziotti (1)

ELT David McCarthy (1)

EMT Neville Mccauley Jr. (1)

EMT Rejeanne Mcclymont (1)

EMT Justine McCormack (1)

PAR Angela Mccray (1)

PAR Christopher McDaniels (1)

PAR Sophia McDonnell (1)

ELT James McGee (1)

EMT Matthew McGill (1)

PAR Brian McIntyre (1)

EMT Kevin Mckeon (1)

ELT Tyrone Mclune (1)

EMT Vincenzo Mezzacappa (1)

EMT Anthony Miceli (2)

Deputy Chief Terrance Middleton (1)

ELT Alexandru Mihailescu (2)

EMT William Millan (2)

PAR Paige Miller (2)

PAR Cilla Miller Richards (1)

EMT John Miloslau (1)

EMT Patrick Minihane (1)

PAR Malathia Mobley (1)

PAR Steven Moise Jr. (1)

EMT David Mojica (1)

EMT Elias Mondezie (1)

EMT Christian Monteavaro (1)

PAR Michael Montemorano Sr. (1)

ELT Mario Montoya Sr. (1)

PAR Joseph Mora (1)

PAR Giovanie Morales (1)

PAR Jonathan Morel (2)

ELT Melanie Moreno (1)

EMT Andrew Morris (1)

ELT Brian Morrissey (1)

PAR Mourtaz Mourtazaliev (4)

EMT Aiden Mullens (1)

ELT Steven Myhand (3)

PAR Samerah Nagi (1)

EMT Jamilah Nance (1)

EMT Vincenzo Natale (1)

EMT Elijah Negron (1)

PAR Andrew Nellen (1)

PAR Christina Newman (1)

EMT Connor Nicholson (1)

PAR Jessica Nieves (1)

EMT Christopher Nigro (1)

ELT Vladimir Nikulin (2)

PAR Nariman Niyazov (2)

PAR Stephen Northmore (1)

PAR Alexander Nunez (1)

ELT Eric Nunez (1)

EMT Ricardo Nunez (2)

ELT Marat Nurilov (3)

PAR Mark Obrien (1)

EMT Patrick O'Brien (1)

EMT Joseph Occhiuto (2)

EMT James O'Donohue (1)

ELT Kevin Oh (1)

PAR Kevin Ohara (1)

PAR Brandon Ojeda (1)

EMT Michael Olsen (1)

ELT Meleki Oneal (1)

PAR James Oneill (2)

EMT Frantz Oriol (1)

ELT Christopher Orlik (4)

ELT Daniel Ornstein (2)

EMT Andrew Orourke (1)

EMT Justin Ortiz (1)

PAR Michael Ortiz (1)

EMT Victoria Ortiz (1)

EMT Richard Ortiz Jr. (1)

ELT Niall Oshaughnessy (3)

PAR Leonardo Ospino (2)

2024 PRE-HOSPITAL SAVE AWARDS

EMT Gregory Ostrove (2)

ELT Ricardo Otero (1)

PAR Edva Pace (1)

EMT Miguel Pacheco (1)

PAR Kieran Padgett (1)

ELT Lennon Parasram (1)

EMT Jeremy Parrino (1)

ELT Gregory Partch Jr. (3)

EMT Matthew Pascale (1)

EMT Anthony Pasqualone (2)

PAR Kayla Pasquarello (1)

ELT Angela Patanio (1)

EMT Rashaun Patterson (2)

EMT Christopher Paul (1)

EMT Ashlee Paulino (3)

PAR Michael Paulino (1)

PAR Siul Paulino (2)

PAR Robert Pav (1)

EMT Kevin Pearson (2)

ELT Amaury Pena (1)

EMT Anthony Peralta (1)

PAR Gisneiry Peralta (2)

PAR Alexandre Pereira (1)

EMT Matthew Pereira (1)

EMT Gilbert Perez (1)

EMT Madelyn Perez (1)

PAR Rachel Perez (1)

EMT Michael Perez Barreras (1)

EMT Alonzo Perkinson (2)

ELT Andre Persaud (1)

PAR Nathan Persaud (1)

PAR Rameshwar Persaud (1)

PAR Julian Peterson (1)

EMT O'Brien Peyton (1)

ELT Christopher Pierce (3)

PAR Kreisha Pierre (1)

ELT Latasha Pierre (1)

PAR Jose Pineda (1)

PAR James Pione (2)

EMT Salvatore Pisano (1)

EMT Melissa Plasencia (1)

PAR Diego Poblete Espinoz (2)

EMT Alcibiades Polanco (1)

ELT Vadim Polishchuk (2)

EMT Devon Pollard (2)

EMT Alejandro Ponce (1)

PAR Yan Hao Poon (1)

EMT Sebastian Porras (1)

ELT Michael Potasso (1)

EMT Mariah Prasenski-Oricchio (1)

PAR Lauren Prescott (1)

PAR Alessandra Prestigiacomo (1)

EMT Angelique Price (1)

EMT Nicholas Primiano (2)

PAR Kaylan Prosper (2)

PAR Martha Pulgarin Arias (1)

EMT Daniel Qamar (3)

ELT John Quiles (2)

EMT Brendan Quinn (2)

PAR Kelly Quirke (1)

EMT Kyle Rafferty (1)

EMT Tanvir Rafid (1)

ELT Jairo Ramos (3)

ELT Veronica Ramos (4)

ELT Vijay Rampersad (1)

PAR Nigel Ramsook (1)

PAR Shaeumos Rand (1)

PAR Asraf Rashid (2)

PAR Darius Ratliff (2)

ECP James Rawcliffe (2)

ELT Shlomo Raymon (1)

EMT Drew Reems (1)

PAR Andrew Reiner (1)

EMT Samuele Rella (1)

EMT Dennis Reyes (1)

PAR Edward Reynolds (1)

PAR Christopher Reynoso (1)

PAR Alvin Rhaburn Jr. (2)

EMT Nicholas Riccardelli (1)

ELT Rocco Riccardi (5)

EMT Devon Ricciardi (1)

EMT Nicholas Riggio (1)

PAR Nicholas Rinaldi (2)

EMT Juan Rios (1)

EMT Cristian Rivas (1)

ELT Diane Rivas (1)

EMT Alexis Rivera (1)

PAR David Rivera (2)

ELT Jonathan Rivera (1)

PAR Justin Rivera (2)

PAR Richard Rivera (2)

PAR Earl Roberts (1)

EMT Julia Rodgers (1)

EMT Antonio Rodriguez (1)

PAR Cristino Rodriguez (1)

ELT Jeanine Rodriguez (7)

ELT Juan Rodriguez (1)

EMT Nicholas Rodriguez (1)

PAR William Rodriguez (1)

PAR Yesenia Rodriguez (2)

EMT Carlos Rodriguez Jr. (1)

PAR Michael Rojas (2)

PAR Luis Rojas Gonzalez (1)

EMT Manuel Rojas Santana (1)

PAR Angel Roldos Jr. (1)

PAR Daniel Rollero (1)

EMT Richard Romanek (1)

EMT Jayson Romano (1)

ELT Anastasiya Romashchenko (1)

PAR Edgar Romero (1)

EMT Jeremy Rondon (1)

EMT Joel Rosado (1)

PAR Nicole Rosales (1)

EMT Jailene Rosario (1)

EMT Matthew Rose (1)

PAR Ryan Rose (1)

ELT Andrew Rosenthal (1)

EMT Michael Rotolo (1)

PAR Jonathan Ruiz (1)

EMT Carlos Ruiz Jr. (1)

EMT Sean Rumbler (1)

EMT Anthony Russo (1)

EMT Salvatore Russo (1)

EMT Michael Russo Jr. (1)

ELT Corey Ruth (2)

ECP Brendan Ryan (2)

PAR Anna Sadowska (1)

PAR Kevin Saint-Dic (1)

PAR Jonathan Sala (1)

PAR Paul Saladis III (2)

EMT Jonathan Saldivar (1)

PAR Alexa Sambrato (1)

EMT Anthony Sanchez (1)

PAR Ricardo Sanchez (2)

ELT Ryan Sanchez (1)

EMT Ricky Sanders (1)

PAR Mario Santiago (1)

PAR Veronica Santiago (1)

ELT Nicolas Santini (1)

EMT Miguel Santos (1)

EMT Justin Sarapaivanit (1)

PAR Anthony Scala (1)

EMT Frank Scala III (1)

ELT Hervin Scott (1)

ELT Joao Seabra (1)

EMT Odonai Seaforth (2)

EMT Christian Seftner (1)

EMT Christian Segarra (1)

PAR Hakim Sehad (4)

EMT Maxwell Senger (1)

EMT Matthew Serras (1)

PAR Thomas Seyford (1)

ELT Chunghing Sham (3)

ELT Stephen Sham (1)

ELT Ajay Sharma (2)

ELT Kimberly Sharpe (3)

EMT Andrew Sheppard (1)

PAR Daniel Sieger (4)

EMT Frank Sikorski (1)

ECP Suchingh Singh (1)

EMT Mamadou Sissoko (1)

EMT C'iarra Smalls (1)

EMT Danielle Smith (1)

PAR Hugh Smith II (3)

PAR Lucey Snyder (1)

PAR Arnaldo Soler (2)

EMT Sandra Sookhai-Castro (1)

EMT Ayden Soto (1)

EMT Jennifer Soto (1)

EMT Taylor Soto (1)

EMT Miguel Soto Jr. (1)

EMT Robert Soto Jr. (1)

ELT Jason Spandorf (2)

EMT Salvatore Sportiello (1)

EMT Joell Springer (2)

PAR Kellan Squire (1)

ELT Soraya Squire (1)

PAR Laura Squitire (1)

EMT Elijah Starks (1)

EMT Garrett Stein (1)

ELT Gerald Stepanyk (1)

EMT Cecilia Stevens (1)

EMT Gerry Stevens Jr. (1)

ELT Cindy Stewart (6)

EMT Doriano Stewart (1)

EMT Kemar Stewartson (1)

PAR Thomas Strong (1)

PAR Maggie Studsrud (1)

EMT Marso Sully (1)

EMT Xia Sun (1)

PAR Wojciech Szczech (1)

PAR Gallant Tam (2)

ELT Yiru Tan (3)

EMT Francesco Tarasi (2)

EMT Mitchell Tarnapolsky (2)

ELT Christopher Taylor (3)

EMT Carlos Tellez-Flores (1)

ELT Anthony Terranova (4)

EMT Danavon Thomas (1)

ELT Elwood Thomas (1)

EMT Jallin Thomas (1)

PAR Shakaina Thomas (1)

ELT Bo-Ann Thorpe (1)

EMT Dean Timmons (1)

EMT William Timony (1)

PAR Vanessa Tineo (1)

PAR Lucas Tinnirello (1)

PAR Erin Toner (1)

2024 PRE-HOSPITAL SAVE AWARDS

EMT Diana Toro (2)

ELT Alberto Torres (1)

ELT Camalia Torres (1)

PAR Christopher Torres (1)

PAR George Torres (1)

PAR Madeline Torres (1)

PAR Joseph Torrillo Jr. (1)

PAR Anthony Tortorici (1)

PAR Anaxenia Toyloy (1)

PAR Michael Travers (1)

ELT John Travis (1)

EMT George Tsaava (1)

PAR Mahaujah Turner (1)

PAR Dana Twomey (1)

PAR Vitaly Usherenko (1)

PAR Amanda Uster (1)

ELT Peter Vaccaro (1)

PAR Laurenann Valdez (4)

PAR Robert Vales (1)

PAR Ian Valle (1)

PAR Kenneth Valle (1)

EMT Austin Vargo (1)

EMT Francisco Vasquez (1)

PAR Anthony Vass (2)

PAR Kevin Vazquez (1)

PAR Jessica Vega (1)

PAR Christine Velez (1)

PAR Esteban Velez (1)

2024 First Quarter

Station 16, 1

Faisel Abed

Michael P. Fregonese

Brandon A. Rodriguez

Alexander Gomez

January 2024

Station 3, 03B3

Santiago Bendana

Jessie Owens

Brian Fernandez

Michael Gennaro

February 2024

Station 18, 18H3

Mark Estick

Ivan Santiago

John Glidden

Matthew Lobaton

March 2024

Station 10, 12R3

Deborah Holzberg-Pill

Nicholas Magro

April 2024

Station 31, 31H2

William Cadet

Mohammed Assad

Jeremiah Belcher

Henry Castillo

PAR Jahayra Veliz (2)

PAR William Ventura Cortes (1)

EMT Keniesha Venzen (1)

PAR Kimberly Verspoor (2)

PAR Kaylie Vines (2)

EMT Joseph Virgilio Jr. (1)

ELT John Vives (1)

EMT Eric Walker Jr. (1)

EMT Conor Walsh (1)

ELT Robert Walsh (1)

EMT Jade Walters (1)

PAR Xin Wang (1)

PAR James Ward (1)

PAR Tahmeek Ware (2)

PAR Marcus Waring (2)

EMT Matthew Warnock (1)

EMT Damani Washington (1)

ELT Andrew Wasniewski (1)

PAR Kira Watkins (1)

EMT Raashid Weekes (1)

PAR Lauren Weeks (2)

EMT Abraham Weinstein (2)

EMT Warren Welch (1)

PAR Kevin Wells (2)

EMT Steven Welsh (1)

PAR Harlan Wernz (1)

ELT Alwain White (1)

EMT Anthony White (2)

OFFICER OF THE QUARTER 2024

2024 Second Quarter Station 58, 2

Robinson Marc

Taisha Robinson

2024 Third Quarter Station 26, 2

Peter Borriello

Bruce Geiser

Christopher Leon

Kathleen Wood

EMS UNIT OF THE MONTH 2024

May 2024

Station 47, 47C2

John Mayrose

Michael Spalletta

Cassidy Hallahan

Matthew Pascale

June 2024

Station 10, 10H3

Bogdan Tiflinsky

Matin M. Moradi

July 2024

Station 4, 04Y2

Kristen Schnibbe

Christopher Hagemann

Alexander Velasquez

Giannella Robalino

August 2024

Station 26, 03A2

Joel Rodriguez-Loria

Teremaine Witter

Brendan Quinn

Joel Rosado

PAR Dieonna Williams (2)

EMT Jerome Williams (1)

ELT Shlomo Winkler (1)

ELT Alexander Witkowski (1)

ELT Donald Wolfe (3)

EMT Dennis Wong (1)

ELT Kam Wong (2)

EMT Brian Woo (1)

PAR Delilah Woods (1)

PAR Jaron Wyche (1)

EMT Nickoya Wynter (1)

EMT Kevin Xian (1)

PAR Weikai Xiang (2)

EMT Alex Xie (1)

PAR Gedion Yagudayev (1)

PAR Oleg Yagudayev (2)

EMT Yui Yeh Vaca (1)

PAR Sung Jun Yoon (2)

PAR Wayne Young Jr. (1)

ELT Paul Yunek (3)

PAR Roman Yusupov (3)

ELT Mohmedidris Zanpawala (2)

EMT Molei Zhang (1)

PAR Ting Ting Zheng (1)

PAR Ewelina Zielinska (1)

PAR Martin Zienkowicz (1)

EMT Andrew Zucker (1)

PAR Marvin Zuniga (4)

September 2024

Station 14, 82C2

Nathaniel Martins

Alex Touitou

Brian Arias

Travis Barrett

October 2024

Station 40, 42C2

Christopher Echevarria

John Culmine

Joseph Occhiuto

November 2024

Station 16, 86M2

John Scanlon

Annmarie Lavelle

Roan Lanigan

Amber Scheib

December 2024

Station 7, 07D3

Kyle Arcuri

Nicole Carlson

McKenzie Freiler

2024 Fourth Quarter Station 4, 2

Teri Ann Cancetty Melas

Gerald Stepanyk

MEDAL AND AWARD DONORS

Chief of Department

Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Medal & NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal

Since 1869, the FDNY has awarded annually a medal for the highest act of bravery by a firefighter or fire officer. In 2020, the James Gordon Bennett Medal was renamed in honor of Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci, Jr., the highest ranking uniformed member of the Department killed on September 11, 2001. Chief Ganci made the supreme sacrifice while leading the rescue efforts in response to the terrorists attacks at the World Trade Center. The Fire Foundation of New York, Inc., Kenneth Bronstein, president, and the NYS Honorary Fire Chief Association Glenn Zarogen, president, funds this award. (Page 13)

NChristopher J. Prescott Medal

amed in honor of EMT Christopher Prescott, the first EMS member to make the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in 1994, the Prescott Medal is the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Bureau of EMS. Endowed by the Uniformed EMTs and Paramedics and Fire Inspectors Union. Also endowed by former First Assistant Fire Commissioner Robert A. Ungar and his wife, Stacy Ungar. (Page 15)

Brooklyn Citizens Medal & FF Louis Valentino Award

In 1896, a committee of Brooklynites endowed this medal “to be given to the most deserving firefighter in the Brooklyn Fire Department, as he/she shall be selected by the Fire Department of the City of New York.” The Fire Foundation of New York, Inc., funds this award, Kenneth Bronstein, president. The recipient also is awarded the Firefighter Louis Valentino Award, a medal endowed since 1998 by Diane Valentino and the Valentino family. (Page 16)

Yadira Arroyo Medal

T he Yadira Arroyo Medal is named for the courageous EMT who died in the line of duty in March of 2017. EMT Arroyo, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY, lost her life after she and her partner were overtaken by a combative patient who then struck her with their ambulance. This medal is awarded in her name to members of EMS who display extraordinary bravery. Awarded for the first time in 2022. Endowed by EMS Local 2507. (Page 17)

Hugh Bonner Medal & Honor Legion Medal

N amed in honor of Chief Hugh Bonner, “a stalwart Chief of Department who preferred to rule by example.” The medal first was awarded in 1897. (Page 18)

BC Thomas J. Neary

Bronx/Harlem Firefighter Medal

BC Thomas J. Neary served the FDNY from 1963 to 1994 with high valor, dis-

tinction and honor. BC Neary worked in busy areas of the City, including East New York and Corona, but served the majority of his career in the South Bronx and Harlem. BC Neary was the first firefighter to be awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal on two separate occasions for extraordinary acts of bravery. His sterling career is an example every member of the Department should try to emulate. The BC Thomas J. Neary Medal is endowed in 2024 by Friends and Brothers of Thomas J. Neary "to be awarded annually to a member of the Department whose distinguished service in the line of duty receives recognition of Class III or higher by the Board of Merit of the FDNY." (Page 19)

Emily Trevor

Mary B. Warren Medal

These sisters, in their deed of gift, wrote, “for the purpose of encouraging the members of the force in the exercise ... of heroic endeavor under circumstances of special danger.” Awarded for the first time in 1899. (Page 20)

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 for the endowment of the Crimmins Memorial Medal. Additional award from Honorary Fire Commissioner Dorothy Marks, in memory of Jeffrey S. Childs, great-great-grandson of Thomas Crimmins. (Page 21)

Thomas A. Kenny Memorial Medal

Honorary Deputy Chief William F. Kenny endowed 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 enduring interest.” First awarded in 1918. Funded by the Honorary Fire Officers Association of the FDNY. (Page 22)

Walter Scott Medal

Colonel Walter Scott, a successful New York merchant, was intensely interested in the City’s protective forces. In 1920, he endowed a medal for valor bearing his name to be awarded annually to a member of the FDNY. The Fire Foundation of New York, Inc., funds this award, Kenneth Bronstein, president. (Page 23)

John H. Prentice Medal

T his medal is endowed by Mrs. Marion Prentice Brookman in memory of her father. The medal is for “an act of intelligent bravery.” First awarded in 1921. (Page 24)

Henry D. Brookman Medal

Mrs. Marion Prentice Brookman, in endowing this award, wrote, “to help the authorities in installing into the Department the fact that the service ren-

dered by the firefighters is of a character held in high esteem by the people and to perpetuate the old fealty and admiration held by the late Henry D. Brookman for the FDNY.” First awarded in 1921. (Page 25)

Chief Ulyses Grant Leadership Medal

Named in honor of Chief Ulyses Grant, a 30-year veteran of the Emergency Medical Service, who exemplified respect, leadership, integrity, imagination, compassion and dedication. The recipient of this medal is an EMS officer who has the ability to influence others to accomplish the mission. The medal is awarded to an EMS officer who, in leading members under his/ her command, has performed an outstanding act of heroism and bravery in the line of duty. The award is endowed by Chief of EMS Operations Robert A. McCracken (retired) and EMS Division Chief Robert P. Browne (retired), who believe a man’s experience and wisdom need not die with him, but become his legacy. (Page 26)

Hispanic Society

23rd Street Fire Memorial Medal of Valor

Endowed/funded by the Hispanic Society as “a memorial tribute to the 12 brother firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice at the East 23rd Street fire on October 17, 1966.” The Hispanic Society Memorial Medal first was awarded in 1968. An honorarium in memory of Battalion Chief Anthony Mendez Sr. is given to the medal recipient. (Page 27)

Michael J. Delehanty Medal

The founder and dean of civil service schools bearing his name endowed this medal in 1937, “to be awarded annually to a member of the Department whose distinguished service in the line of duty receives recognition by the Board of Merit of the Fire Department.” (Page 28)

Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal

The Honorable Fiorello H. LaGuardia, while the mayor, frequently “turned out” at large fires. He had a keen interest in the problems of fire prevention and extinguishment. First awarded in 1937. (Page 29)

William F. Conran Medal

H onorary Chief Conran endowed this medal in 1937. His profession of fire protection engineer enabled him to improve the efficiency of firefighting appliances. Sponsored in memory of Honorary Battalion Chief Paul Sanner. (Page 30)

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

N amed in honor of the late Chief and Fire Commissioner Chief McElligott. He joined the Department in 1905 and retired in 1941 after a long and fruitful career. This medal was endowed by William F. Conran and first awarded

in 1937. Recipient also is awarded the Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award, a medallion endowed by the Fitzpatrick and Frisby Foundation, in memory of these two firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice. The UFA funds this award. Recipient is awarded cash, donated by the Brian F. Mulheren family in memory of his father, Joseph A. Mulheren, a friend of the FDNY. (Page 31)

Thomas F. Dougherty Medal

Chief Dougherty served with the Department from 1888 to 1933 with distinction and honor. In addition to inventing the nozzle that bears his name, he was a colorful member of the Fire College faculty, where he specialized in teaching the technique and efficacy of ventilation. First awarded in 1937. (Page 32)

Bella Stiefel Medal

I n Mrs. Stiefel’s 90 years, she came to admire the bravery displayed by firefighters. Medal was first awarded in 1947. Endowed by Mrs. Stiefel and the Uniformed Firefighters Association. An honorarium is provided by Michael Zorek and Jennifer Zorek-Pressman to also honor their parents, Jane and Warren Zorek. (Page 33)

Tracy Allen-Lee Medal

EMT Allen-Lee is nationally recognized as the first EMS professional in the country to be awarded the Public Safety Officer’s Benefit by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, after dying from a communicable disease sustained in the line of duty. Endowed by the Uniformed EMTs and Paramedics and Fire Inspectors Union. Also endowed by former First Assistant Fire Commissioner Robert A. Ungar and his wife, Stacy Ungar. (Page 34)

Vincent J. Kane Medal

T his medal is named in honor of the late Vincent J. Kane, labor leader and longtime president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. Endowed by the UFA. (Page 35)

Pulaski Association Medal

Endowed by the Pulaski Association of the FDNY in memory of General Casimir Pulaski. At the direction of George Washington, General Pulaski founded the American cavalry during the American Revolution. He died of wounds received leading the charge at the Battle of Savannah. The medal is presented to a member who has upheld the Department’s tradition of bravery, valor and service to the citizens of the City of New York in the way that General Pulaski did for our country. First awarded in 1962. Cash award is donated by Honorary Assistant Chief Gary Urbanowicz. (Page 36)

Commissioner Edward Thompson Medal

T his medal, in honor of Commissioner Edward Thompson, was endowed in 1964 by the late Bertram Brummer and his wife, Susie. It is to be awarded to a member exhibiting outstanding courage and fidelity. By endowing this, a second medal, they illustrate their high regard and affection for the Department. (Page 37)

Columbia Association Medal

Endowed by the Columbia Association since 1966. Medal is awarded in memory of retired Fire Marshal Thomas J. Russo Sr. (Page 38)

Susan Wagner Medal

Endowed by the UFA to honor the memory of Mrs. Susan Wagner, wife of the former mayor of the City of New York, and to perpetuate the high esteem in which she held the firefighters of the City of New York. This medal is awarded to a member of the Department who has performed an outstanding act of valor. First awarded in 1966. The UFA also endows this medal in memory of the late assemblywoman Eileen Dugan, a prime sponsor of the Cancer Bill. (Page 39)

Steuben Association Medal

Endowed by the Steuben Association in honor of General Frederick Wilhelm Von Steuben. First awarded in 1967. Endowed by the Fire Department Steuben Association Charities, Inc. (Page 40)

Chief James Scullion Medal

Recognized as a pioneer in his field, Chief James Scullion was instrumental in bringing both basic and advanced life support services into the modern-day emergency medical system in the City of New York in the early 1970s. His dedication and commitment to excellence are memorialized through this award. Sponsored by the EMS Superior Officers Association. (Page 41)

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 and Firefighters, of whom perform their duties at extreme personal risk”. Dr. Goldenkranz was affiliated with the FDNY since 1913 and was a past president of the New York Firefighters’ Cycle Club, which is an affiliated FDNY organization. The New York Firefighters’ Cycle Club stands committed to supporting the FDNY and fulfilling Dr. Goldenkranz's wishes by sponsoring this medal. (Page 42)

Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal

Endowed in 1977 by the Uniformed Fire Officers Association “for an act of heroism and bravery performed by a fire officer at a fire.” (Page 43)

William and Gertrude Friedberg Medal

T he William & Gertrude Friedberg Medal was first awarded in 1996. Bill was a respected and beloved elementary school principal working with the children of New York City. His wife, Gertrude, was an elementary school teacher. Together they spent well over half a century instilling a love of learning in their students, with the knowledge that early education and instruction were the key to success and fire prevention. The recipient of this award will receive an award presented by their children and grandchildren. (Page 44)

American Legion Fire Dept. Post 930

Mark M. Wohlfeld Memorial Medal

E ndowed by American Legion Post 930, this medal is in memory of Mark M. Wohlfeld, a lifelong member of the Fire Department Post, a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and a retired FDNY firefighter. The history of this intrepid warrior’s exploits is related graphically in the second and third issues of WNYF (1945). After his retirement from the FDNY, he continued to serve his country and his fellow man by working for the Veterans Administration. He died on May 24, 1978, and is interred in Arlington National Cemetery. First awarded in 1979. (Page 45)

Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal

T he Laufer Medal, presented for the first time in 1980, is named in honor and memory of the late Deputy Chief Arthur J. “Artie” Laufer, who continually showed his love for firefighters and his fellow man through his actions. Endowed by the UFA and the family of retired Deputy Director of Dispatch Operations Joseph E. Higgins Jr. (Page 46)

Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal

T his medal, endowed by the members of the Pipes and Drums of the FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band, is awarded to a member of the Department who performs an outstanding act of heroism in keeping with the FDNY’s highest traditions. First awarded in 1981. Recipient is awarded cash, donated by Matthew, Susan and Alana Daly. (Page 47)

Company Officers Association Medal

E ndowed by the Company Officers Association (COA) in memory of company officers in the FDNY who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Medal was awarded for the first time in 1982. It is donated this year by Battalion Chief John Dunne, Battalion 2, a former COA board member. (Page 48)

Edith B. Goldman Medal

Endowed by the many friends of the late Honorary Deputy Chief Barney Goldman to honor the memory of both his wife, Edith, and him and to illustrate the high re-

gard and affection he held for FDNY members. First awarded in 1978. (Page 49)

Lieutenant Kirby McElhearn Medal

Adedicated professional with a passion for communications, Lieutenant McElhearn is remembered for his instrumental involvement in the research and development of the first modern-day Field Communications Unit (FieldComm) for EMS. Sponsored in memory of Honorary Battalion Chief Paul Sanner. (Page 50)

Chief Joseph B. Martin Medal

The Martin Medal is endowed in honor of the legendary Assistant Chief Joseph B. “Smokey Joe” Martin, who served the FDNY with “fidelity and devotion” for 47 years. Awarded for the first time in 1984. $1,000 is donated by the Martin and Canning families in memory of Frances B. Martin (1905-1996), daughter of “Smokey Joe” Martin. $100 is donated in memory of Firefighter Anthony D. Buccieri, Engine 75. $100 is donated in memory of Firefighter Mike Donnelly, Ladder 33, who died in 1983 after a heroic battle with cancer. $100 is donated in memory of Battalion Chief William C. Rinsdale, 19th Battalion, who died in the line of duty in 1971. (Page 51)

Police Honor Legion Medal

The Police Honor Legion Medal is endowed by the New York City Police Department Honor Legion. It was first awarded in 1984. (Page 52)

Firefighter David J. DeFranco Medal

In honor of the memory of FF David J. DeFranco for his dedicated efforts on behalf of the FDNY. This medal, awarded for a water-related rescue, is in memory of David’s father, FF Dan DeFranco. FF Dan DeFranco was assigned to Engine Co. 17 and Ladder Co. 18 on the Lower East Side for more than 33 years during a period of extremely heavy fire duty. FF Dan DeFranco also served on the executive board of the UFA for eight years at the post of sergeant at arms with honor, dedication and devotion to his brother firefighters. (Page 53)

Lieutenant James E. ZahnLieutenant Peter L. Troiano Memorial Medal

The Lieutenant James E. Zahn/Lieutenant Peter L. Troiano Memorial Medal has been established in honor of these two beloved “brothers” who laid down their lives for the people of the City of New York. This medal is awarded to a member of the Department who has performed an act of bravery in the protection of life and/or property while either on or off duty. Endowed by the members of Engine Company 277 and Ladder Company 112. (Page 54)

Deputy Commissioner

Christine R. Godek Medal

Established and endowed by Honorary Fire Commissioner Dorothy W. Marks and the late Honorary First Deputy Commissioner Shelly Rothman in honor of Christine R. Godek, the first female deputy fire commissioner of the FDNY. Presented annually to an outstanding New York City fire marshal for unusual display of initiative, improving techniques, resourcefulness and capability in the investigation of arson. (Page 55)

Probationary Firefighter

Thomas A. Wylie Medal

This medal is endowed by the members of Ladder Company 18 in honor of their fallen brother, Probationary Firefighter Thomas A. Wylie, who gave his life assisting in the rescue of more than 20 civilians at a fire in Chinatown. The medal is awarded to a probationary firefighter who distinguishes himself as Tom did in his brief career. The medal depicts his caricature of a “can man,” the traditional position of a “proby.” (Page 56)

Shelly Rothman Memorial Medal

This medal is dedicated to honoring all firefighters who have performed with valor. Awarded for the first time in 2005. Endowed by the members of the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association, Inc., and the Fire Bell Club of New York, in memory of Shelly Rothman, a longtime member and chairman of the Board of Directors. (Page 57)

Jack Pintchik Medal

Following successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest by EMS paramedics, Jack Pintchik, founder of the Pintchik Home Improvement Stores, honored members of EMS by establishing the first formalized EMS Awards & Recognition ceremony. In his memory, the Pintchik family continues to show their respect and support of EMS professionals through the Jack Pintchik Medal. (Page 58)

Captain Alison Russo North Star Medal

Named in honor of Captain Alison Russo, a 24-year veteran officer and rescue medic who was killed in the line of duty September 29, 2022. This award recognizes an FDNY EMS officer who, in the performance of duty, performs an act of distinguished bravery and stamina under adverse or extreme conditions. This award is endowed by Deputy Chief (ret.) Zachary Goldfarb in memory of Captain Russo, a "North Star" who, through her life of service to the citizens of New York City, exemplified leadership through responsibility, tenacity, resilience, decisiveness, compassion and courage. (Page 59)

CDr. Sheldon Jacobson Award

reated in 2025 to mark 50 years of paramedicine in New York City, the Dr. Sheldon Jacobson Award—An Extraordinary Medal honors the legacy of Dr. Sheldon Jacobson, the visionary who launched NYC's first paramedic program at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx in 1974. Widely recognized as the father of the City's EMS paramedic program, Dr. Jacobson was a trailblazer in emergency medicine—a bold leader, devoted mentor and tireless advocate for advancing pre-hospital care, as well as emergency medicine training and education. Presented annually, the Dr. Sheldon Jacobson Award recognizes a paramedic who demonstrates stellar, advanced life-saving skills and service. (Page 60)

Lieutenant James Curran

New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal

T he New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is an organization committed to the goals of quality burn care and fundraising endeavors. Similarly, the FDNY is engaged in safeguarding and improving the quality of life for City residents. It is this semblance of purpose and collaborative spirit that is deserving of recognition. With this in mind, the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation awards a medal to the most worthy of units in appreciation of “a concentrated, super effort based on teamwork.” Endowed by the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation and Dr. Marc Kramer, honorary assistant chief and consultant to the Medical Division. (Page 61)

Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser

Memorial Medal

E ndowed by the Uniformed Firefighters Association, this medal is named in honor of Firefighter Thomas R. Elsasser, a 20-year veteran of the FDNY, whose firefighting career was cut short in 1990 by his untimely death. Firefighter Elsasser was a major contributor to UFA charity sporting events. (Page 62)

World Trade Center

Memorial Medal

E stablished to honor the bravery and courage of the 343 FDNY members who made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center. This "company of the year" award is endowed by the 9/11 parents and families. (Page 63)

Died on August 10, 2024, as a result of injuries sustained while operating at Brooklyn Box 0281. Appointed to the FDNY on May 5, 2002.