Powerful stories of New York’s Firefighters part 1 of 4 (22 Photos)

On September 15, 2010, 0615 hours, Firefighter Steven Troche responded as a member of Ladder Company 58, responded to a report of a fire at 418 Bronx Park Avenue, Bronx (Box 22-3070). In the building they rescued an unconscious mother and child. This rescue was successful due to the selfless act of bravery of all the members of Ladder 58, but especially that of FF Steven V. Troche. Thanks to FF Troche’s efforts, both victims have recovered from severe life-threatening injuries and are alive and well today. For these reasons, he is presented with the Hugh Bonner Medal and the Honor. Read the full story here

On July 18, 2010, Firefighter Robert Cuccio responded as a member of FDNY Ladder Company 58 to the Waterfalls at Bronx Park at East 180th St and Boston Road. There were reports of a child in the water, a drowning or possibly a missing child. On arrival, the members of Ladder 58 witnessed a commotion in an area about 100 yards into Bronx Park. This particular location is the top of a waterfall, which is fed by the Bronx River. Read the full story here

(Edward Rodriguez) At a time of great danger to their personal safety and wellbeing, these two EMS professionals placed their lives on the line to help a police officer facing certain peril. Had it not been for the bravery and courage displayed by EMTs Kyle Barbaria and Edward Rodriguez, the outcome on the evening of October 28, 2010, almost certainly would have ended in tragedy. In recognition of their actions, the Department presents them with the most prestigious EMS award–the Christopher J. Prescott Medal. Read the full story here

(Kyle Bararia) Read the full story here

On April 11, 2010, Firefighter Antonio Montesino responded as a member of FDNY Squad Company 18 to 283 Grand Street Manhattan (Box 77-0259). Firefighter Montesino’s decisive and aggressive actions, combined with clear and accurate communications, were instrumental in the removal of the two victims. He operated alone in an advanced fire environment without a charged hose-line, putting himself in danger. Had it not been for Firefighter Montesino’s training, coupled with his courage and determination, the victims surely would have perished. Read the full story here

On February 5, 2010, at 1818 hours, the Brooklyn communications office received a telephone alarm, reporting a fire in a multiple dwelling. While companies were en route, the dispatcher reported receiving multiple calls and reports of occupants trapped in an apartment.  After arriving on-scene, the team members made their way toward the rear of the apartment, where the fire fully involved one of the two bedrooms and was extending into the living room, making it impossible for the trapped children to escape. Read the full story here

Ladder 12 received a phone alarm for a structural fire at 214 West 21st Street, on August 9, 2010, at 2303 hours. En route, Ladder 12 was informed by the dispatchers that they were receiving multiple calls from the location, a six story, non-fireproof building with 30 apartments. Firefighter Manzetti made entry into the structure made a rescue without the protection of a charged hose line. Read the full story here

On August 20, 2010, Lieutenant Edward J. Gonzalez responded as a member of FDNY Ladder Company 161 to 2686 Colby Court, Brooklyn, (Box 22-3545). Lieutenant Edward J. Gonzalez’s heroism on that day, at the risk of his own life, resulted one life being saved. Read the full story here

On August 30, 2010, at 4:27 AM, Firefighter Dodenhoff responded as a member of FDNY Rescue Company 2 to a report of a fire at 175 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn (Box 22-0963). FF Dodenhoff effected the rescue of two civilians by employing initiative, rapid decision-making and implementation of long-practiced skills, all while facing personal danger. FF Charles Dodenhoff is worthy of recognition by the Fire Department and is awarded the Brooklyn Citizens Medal. Read the full story here

On February 16, 2010, Firefighter Robert Diaz responded as a member of FDNY Ladder Company 166 to 2970 West 24th Street, Brooklyn (Box 75-3541). Firefighter Robert Diaz’s heroism on that day, at the risk of his own life, resulted one life being saved, and for this Firefighter Diaz was awarded the Thomas E. Crimmens Medal. Read the full story here

On November 1, 2010, Firefighter William Roesch, Jr. responded as a member of FDNY Ladder Company 168 to 1738 79th Street, Brooklyn (Box 75-2840). On entry, Firefighter Roesch was met with a high heat and smoke condition. The badly burned victim was in a prone position, wedged between several storage boxes. The victim could not be dragged, so the rescuer was forced to lift her up and carry her the short distance over the debris until the heat became unbearable. Read the full story here

Words are inadequate to describe Firefighter Peter Demontreux’s heroic actions. He put his life on the line for another human being. His courage and professionalism are in the best traditions of the fire service and FDNY and always will be remembered by those who witnessed his act of bravery. Read the full story here