FDNY firefighter honored in Washington
A New York City firefighter is among 18 honored with the
Medal of Valor by Vice President Joe Biden.
Eighteen police officers, firefighters and public safety
officers received the nation's highest honor for public safety officers, which
recognizes those who risk their own safety to save or protect others.
FDNY Firefighter Peter Demontreux received the honor for
his efforts responding to a fire on August 30, 2010.
His unit responded to a fire in a 4 story brownstone. On
arrival they encountered heavy fire at the front door and up the stairway to
the third floor preventing entry to the home, but instead of waiting for a
hoseline, Demontreux climbed an aerial ladder to a third floor window.
One
person was waiting there to be rescued, but he told Demontreux that his friend
was still trapped inside the burning apartment.
After assisting the civilian
onto the ladder, Demontreux immediately entered the apartment to conduct a
search. He found the victim deep within the apartment.
In the ensuing minutes,
the entire third floor suddenly exploded into flames setting both rescuer and
victim ablaze.
According to the on-scene Battalion Chief's report, Demontreux,
now on fire, made the split second decision that he would not leave victim
behind.
After reaching the window, he insured the victim was safely on the
aerial ladder before diving out himself. Both men were extinguished by a
hoseline and though badly burned, both survived.
Demontreux's protective
equipment was subsequently tested and found to have been subjected to
temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees.
Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder
presented the medals at an emotional ceremony attended by family members and
fellow officers.
Four of the recipients died in the line of duty. Their
spouses and colleagues accepted the awards on their behalf.
Biden says public safety officers are the spine of the
nation. He says it's sad it takes an extraordinary act for the public to
recognize their sacrifices and courage.
Comments
Post a Comment