Edith B. Goldman Medal

Firefighter Joseph J. Scaramuzzino
Ladder Company 113

February 8, 2002, 0421 hours
Box 75-1031
484 Crown Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on January 16, 1994. Previously assigned to Engines 210 and 249 and Ladder 119. Resides on Staten Island with his son, Joseph John, Jr.

When people think of security in their home, it is usually crime that is their greatest concern. And, most of their precautions are taken to keep others from breaking into their homes. This concern and the measures taken to prevent crime often overlook the possibility of fire and the problems that the security measures create. The same window bars that keep thieves out can trap the occupants in the fire apartment and make it harder for Firefighters to reach them.

There are many approved kinds of bars that will allow escape, but in the confusion and panic that occur in times of fire and smoke, they can be difficult to open. On February 8, 2002, the window bars in a two-story, semi-attached, private dwelling nearly proved fatal for one Brooklyn family. FF Joseph Scaramuzzino and the members of Ladder 113 were put to the test on that night, when Box 1031 was transmitted at 0421 hours for a fire reported at 484 Crown Street.

Ladder 113 arrived as the first-due Truck at an advanced fire in the private dwelling with reports of children trapped on the second floor. Lieutenant Ralph Tufano of Ladder 113 noticed the bars on the front windows and reported this fact via handie-talkie as he and the inside team rushed into the house. He knew this would delay reaching any victims from the outside and placed that much more pressure on the inside team to reach them. FF Scaramuzzino was assigned the forcible entry (irons) position and FF David Martin had the can. These members knew they had their work cut out for them.

FF Joseph Scaramuzzino and Lieutenant Ralph Tufano after a job well-done at Brooklyn Box 75-1031. photo courtesy of FF Joseph Scaramuzzino

The acrid, black smoke that met them at the door would have completely obscured their visibility had it not been for the light from the flames that were lapping up the interior stairs. With a judicious use of the extinguisher--applying short bursts in the ceiling area--FF Martin was able to stem the flames enough for FF Scaramuzzino and Lieutenant Tufano to make their way up the stairs to search for the trapped children. Despite the intense heat and the danger that the fire could block their escape at any moment, the Firefighter and Lieutenant crawled up and along the second floor.

FF Scaramuzzino heard faint cries to his right and felt his way in the darkness until he came upon 17-year-old Schaeur Friedman, burned and barely conscious. Because there was no line yet in place and FF Scaramuzzino knew the fire could engulf them at any moment, he quickly transmitted a 10-45, grabbed the boy and headed back to the stairs.

The flames that still were lapping at the stairs necessitated shielding the youth with his own body as they made their way down the stairs. The unorthodox position FF Scaramuzzino was in as they exited caused them to fairly tumble down the stairs and resulted in injuries to the Firefighter’s right elbow. This did not sway him, however, from getting the victim out to the front lawn.

An EMS crew took over the victim’s care. He was treated and transported to Kings County Hospital. The victim suffered smoke inhalation and second-degree burns and was admitted to the hospital, along with several other members of his family, who were lucky enough to have been rescued by New York’s Bravest.

The young life of Schaeur Friedman was spared because of FF Scaramuzzino’s courage and tenacity in the face of grave danger. Because of his selfless sacrifice and great perseverance in carrying out this daring rescue, the Fire Department is proud to present the Edith B. Goldman Medal to FF Joseph J. Scaramuzzino. —JT