Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal

Firefighter Stephen E. McNally
Ladder Company 33

June 9, 2002, 0207 hours
Box 75-3181
212 East 182nd Street, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on April 17, 1994. Brother, FF Sean McNally, is assigned to Ladder 45. Holds an Associate’s degree from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Manhattan College. Resides in Suffern with his wife, Rochelle, and their son, Connor.

The Animal House--as Engine 75 and Ladder 33 are affectionately known--was quiet in the wee hours of June 9, 2002. So far, it had been a routine 6x9 tour on this warm June night. The Truck was 10-8 and returning from a car fire where members had operated with Engine 42.

At 0208 hours, the dispatcher ordered Ladder 33, under the command of Captain Thomas R. Kelly, to respond, first due, to a smoke condition at 212 East 182nd Street, Box 3181.

The fire building was a six-story, class 3, multiple dwelling and, at that hour of the night, packed with panicked civilians. As Ladder 33--the first FDNY unit to arrive--came to a stop, excited people were bailing out of the building, yelling that there was a fire on the first floor.

The forcible entry team of Captain Kelly and FFs Stephen E. McNally (irons) and Thomas Clingo (can) immediately located the fire apartment, 1-G. Smoke, under pressure, was pushing from all sides of the door, which had a number of locks, including a chain lock.

FF Stephen E. McNally (the tall one in the center) is joined by members of his company. photo by Matt Daly

As the door was forced, super-heated gases and heavy, black smoke blasted out, prompting the team to drop to the floor. Realizing that the chain lock was an almost positive indication of life inside, the team members began their search without the protection of a charged line and the real possibility that the entire place could “light up” at any moment.

FF McNally moved to the right, while Captain Kelly moved to the left. FF Clingo was positioned at the apartment door as a guide man and to use the water can in an attempt to contain the fire and protect the escape route.

Under extremely high heat conditions, zero visibility and without the protection of a hand-line, FF McNally checked behind the entrance door. He then proceeded past a heavy fire area down a hallway, where he encountered a closed door. Entering a bedroom, he checked behind this door and continued his search.
On the bed, FF McNally found semi-conscious Melissa Bonita. After transmitting a 10-45, he dragged the victim toward the front entrance where he met up with FF Clingo. At this point, Ms. Bonita indicated that her daughter was still in the bedroom.

FF McNally handed the victim to FF Clingo and, without hesitation and at great personal risk, once again passed the fire area and returned to the bedroom. Pressing the search and aware of the possibility of a flashover, he found the unconscious youngster. Transmitting a second 10-45, FF McNally carried the child to the street.

Both victims, who suffered from smoke inhalation and second-degree burns over 15 percent of their bodies, were removed to Jacobi Hospital.

FF McNally displayed outstanding initiative and courage in his actions. This particular apartment had no fire escape and the windows were protected with childguard gates, making entry and egress from the area difficult. Even so, at great personal risk and with complete disregard for his own safety, FF McNally saved the lives of a mother and her daughter. He performed in the highest traditions of the FDNY.

It is with great pride that FDNY presents the Arthur J. Laufer Memorial Medal to FF Stephen McNally today. —GAA