M.J. Delehanty Medal

Firefighter John R. Schulken
Ladder Company 176

December 18, 2002, 0444 hours
Box 75-1649
1986 Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on September 8, 1991. Previously assigned to Engine 233. Father, Richard Schulken, is a retired Captain from Engine 233 and grandfather, Henry Schulken, is a retired FF from Ladder 134. Member of the Emerald Society. Holds a BS degree in Finance from St. John’s University. Resides in Farmingville, Long Island, with his wife, Susan.

It was approximately 4:40 a.m. on a bitter-cold Wednesday morning on December 18, 2002. Mr. Michael Blair, residng on the third floor of 1986 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, suddenly smelled smoke in his apartment and called 911.

The call went out to Ladder Company 176, The Tin House Truck, whose members responded to the above location, a three-story multiple dwelling with apartments on each floor. Ladder 176 arrived first due.

FF John Schulken gets together with members from Ladder 176, who obviously were taught very well by legendary Captain John J. Vigiano (right). photo courtesy of FF John R. Schulken

Entering the building, the inside team of Lieutenant Paul Shannon, FFs Joseph Fischer (can man) and John Schulken (irons man) encountered a very heavy smoke condition in the hallway. Working through zero visibility, the Officer and two Firefighters ascended the stairs to the second floor.

At this point, they were confronted with intense heat as well as blinding smoke, which made it difficult to locate the fire apartment. Despite these obstacles, the Lieutenant and his forcible entry team located the door to the apartment and made their way in, without the benefit of a charged hand-line.

While FF Fischer employed his 21/2-gallon fire extinguisher in an attempt to hold the fire back, FF Schulken pressed into the fire apartment and initiated a search for potential victims. With the fire raging around him, FF Schulken came upon the motionless body of Philbert Winter. The 65-year-old victim was unconscious and on fire.

FF Schulken used his gloved hands to douse the fire on Mr. Winter’s body and then began to remove the victim from the fire area. Once outside the apartment, FF Schulken removed the unconscious victim to a safe location in the hallway where FF Fischer assisted him. They began CPR on the victim, while removing him to an awaiting ambulance in the street.

Suffering from second-degree burns to his face, hands, neck and chest, Mr. Winter was removed to Jacoby Hospital in critical/unstable condition.

If it were not for the heroic and selfless actions of FF Schulken, Mr. Winter certainly would have perished in this fire. For his actions in upholding the long and proud traditions of the New York City Fire Department, FF John R. Schulken is honored and presented with the M.J. Delehanty Medal today. —RMcC