Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award

Firefighter Robert W. Doyle
Ladder Company 174

March 9, 2002, 1752 hours
Box 75-3119
1098 East 51st Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on September 14, 1987. Previously assigned to Engine 235. Brother, Palmer Doyle, and uncle, Robert West, are retired FFs from Engine 254 and Engine 281, respectively. Cousins, FFs Thomas Duffy and Michael Flanagan, are assigned to Ladder 50 and Engine 39, respectively. Member of the Emerald Society. Grand prize recipient of the 2003 Firehouse Magazine Heroism & Community Service Awards. Eight-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Attended the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Resides in Breezy Point, Queens, with his wife, Kathleen, and their children, Kaitlin, Brian, Kelly and Robert.

During the cold and damp early-evening hours of Saturday, March 9, 2002, FF Robert Doyle was off-duty and traveling through the east Flatbush section of Brooklyn, on his way home after completing 24 hours on duty with Ladder Company 174. While stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of East 51st Street and Kings Highway--a large intersection--he noticed a heavy smoke condition off in the distance to his left.

The Firefighter immediately made a U-turn and drove in the wrong direction down a one-way street until he found the source of the smoke. The point of origin was 1098 East 51st Street, a three-story, brick, private dwelling. He exited his vehicle and noticed through the thick smoke that there was heavy fire showing out the second-floor windows. It was difficult to see through the blinding smoke.

FF Doyle takes a moment to contemplate at the World Trade Center. photo courtesy of FF Robert W. Doyle

Suddenly, through the dense, eerie fog of smoke on this deserted block, he heard the piercing cries for help. With a little daughter of his own at home, FF Doyle recognized the cries of a frightened young girl. The wind suddenly shifted and FF Doyle caught a glimpse of 10-year-old Shadea Layne at a third-floor window.

The youngster was above the fire and surrounded by a heavy smoke condition. Without hesitation or the benefit of protective gear, off-duty FF Doyle dashed to the front door, through dense smoke and flames that were pushing through the front window. He tried to force the front door, but it was locked and would take time he didn’t have.

Hearing the screams of the little girl and realizing that she would not survive much longer above this intense fire, FF Doyle quickly re-assessed the situation. He realized his only option was to climb up on an aluminum exterior awning, which was directly outside and above the heavy flames coming from the second-floor windows.

No longer hearing the child’s cries for help, he immediately ascended the awning via its support column. He climbed through the thick smoke while flames scorched his clothing. Once on top of the awning, FF Doyle pulled himself through the third-floor window and began a search for little Shadea.

The Firefighter calmly but quickly searched through the intense heat and smoke. He found the terrified child on the floor in the front bedroom. He quickly carried her back to the front window, where he carefully carried her to the edge of the awning and lowered her to a neighbor waiting below. When Shadea was safely out of harm’s way, FF Doyle also left the awning which, by now, had fire burning through it.

Not content with this dramatic rescue, FF Doyle kicked in the front door and made a thorough search of the fire floor for other potential victims while employing a CO2 fire extinguisher supplied by a neighbor. With the fire raging above his head, FF Doyle crawled to the rear of the second floor while expending the extinguisher on the way. Finding no other victims, he then made his way back to the front door and onto the street.

At this time, he met with responding units, providing them with the location of the fire and information that one victim was removed. FF Doyle then went to Shadea and attended to her injuries pending the arrival of EMS.

It was learned later by Fire Marshals that the 10-year-old girl had been left alone in the house at the time of the fire. She was hospitalized, suffering from severe smoke inhalation and respiratory distress. However, due to the heroic and unselfish efforts of FF Doyle, she made a full recovery. In fact, the youngster enjoys singing and has promised to invite FF Doyle to her first concert. FF Doyle was transported to Kings County Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

FF Robert W. Doyle exhibited initiative and total disregard for his own well-being during this extraordinary act of bravery. The Department is proud to honor him today with the presentation of the Brooklyn Citizens Medal/FF Louis Valentino Award. —RMcC