Columbia Association Medal

Firefighter Robert R. Morris, Jr.
Ladder Company 123

March 4, 2002, 0202 hours
Box 22-892
1803 Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on July 9, 1995. Now assigned to Rescue 3. Father is Captain Robert R. Morris, Rescue 1. Member of the Emerald Society and Marine Corps Association. Cited for bravery three times previously. Three-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Resides in Pound Ridge with his wife, Margaret, and their four children, Colleen, Katherine, Claire and Thomas.

Another night tour with the black cloud...was the common thought of the members of 123 Truck when FF Robert “Rex” Morris entered quarters for the six-by-nine tour on March 3, 2003. Rex, as he is known by family and friends, happened to catch his share of fire duty while working in Ladder Company 123. Tonight would be no exception. There was another black cloud on FF Morris’ horizon--one that would summon Engine 234 and Ladder 123--and test the mettle of the members working in St. John’s East.

FF Morris operates the saw, while FF Naso holds back the fire. photo courtesy of FF Robert R. Morris, Jr.

After alerting 123 Truck to various emergencies in Crown Heights, things got quiet for the house watch after midnight. Then, at 0202 hours, the computer’s monotone voice announced, Engine…Ladder, and the members of St. John’s East mounted their respective rigs. Both Companies were responding to Brooklyn Box 892, with Ladder 123 due to arrive second-due to Tower Ladder 111.

While en route, fire alarm dispatchers informed those units responding that there was a reported fire on the second floor with children trapped on the third floor. Reports of people trapped--especially children--are the adrenaline-inducing words that especially motivate Firefighters to act selflessly. FF Morris heard those words loud and clear.

As the second-due Truck, the inside team from Ladder 123 would enter, search and vent the floor above the fire. Sizing up the fire building as he carried the irons, FF Morris made a mental note that the structure was a three-story frame. He also observed Engine Company 214 members stretching their attack-line amidst civilians screaming hysterically.

FF Morris and the balance of the inside team entered 1803 Fulton Street. They encountered heavy smoke on the second floor, where their ascent was slowed because of the FDNY members already operating on the landing. Without hesitation, FF Morris popped the spindles from the hallway’s banister, thus providing a way around Ladder 111.

The three members from Ladder 123 proceeded to ascend into the inferno on the third floor. The reported second-floor fire actually was an advanced fire that was roaring throughout the top floor and cockloft of the oddly shaped railroad flat. FF Morris, along with his Officer, Lieutenant Tom Hughes, and Ladder 123’s can man, FF Timmy Smith, entered the apartment’s front door without the protection of a hose-line.

Searching for life...and fire, the forcible entry team found the latter. The flames now had consumed the apartment’s rear door, extended into the public hallway and were rolling over the heads of the inside team. The clock was ticking; FF Morris entered the front bedroom and performed the primary search.

There was plenty of heat and visibility was practically nil. Using his hands to “see,” the Firefighter found what felt like the form of a young child. With the aid of his flashlight, FF Morris confirmed that his search yielded an unconscious child, who started squirming upon her removal.

The bedroom now was barely tenable. “I gotta get out of here now!” was the sentiment running through the Firefighter’s head. FF Morris put the 10-45 over his handie-talkie, removed the unconscious and badly burned body of five-year-old Devina Cotten to the hallway and handed her to members on the stairway. Immediately after he exited the bedroom with the child, fire vented out the front windows with a vengeance.

Although Devina ultimately succumbed to her injuries, FF Morris demonstrated focus, perseverance and valor by entering a room that was moments from lighting up. For acting selflessly and serving as Devina’s only chance at survival, FF Robert “Rex” Morris, Jr., is lauded today and presented with the Columbia Association Medal. —AD