Walter Scott Medal

Lieutenant Robert C. Carberry, Jr.
Ladder Company 28

June 10, 2002, 0239 hours
Box 75-1591
120 West 140th Street, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on July 11, 1981. Previously assigned to Engine 290 and Ladder 103. Brother, Bill Carberry, is a retired FF from Ladder 134; uncle, Captain Bob McNicholas, is assigned to Ladder 19; and nephew, FF Nicholas Carberry, is assigned to Ladder 43. Member of the Holy Name and Emerald Societies. Cited for bravery on six previous occasions, and is the recipient of the Chief John J. McElligott Medal/Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award in 2001. Attended Fulton Montgomery Community College. Resides in Deer Park, Long Island, with his wife, Joanne, and their daughters, Corinne, 19, and Laura, 17.

Following an evening of various emergencies and incidents, it finally became quiet in the quarters of Ladder Company 28, affectionately known as the Harlem Hilton. At 0239 hours, the silence was shattered by the piercing bee-boo of the tone alarm as the amplified computer-generated voice resounded, Engine...Ladder...Battalion. The house promptly turned out for a report of smoke on the top floor of an apartment building on nearby West 140th Street.

Assigned as the second-due Truck, the members of Ladder 28, commanded by Lieutenant Robert Carberry, reviewed what they knew about the building as they responded to the location. The structure was a five-story, 400- x 200-foot multiple dwelling. They were aware that the building originally was constructed as a public school, featured no fire escapes and had been converted into a senior citizen’s residence for those who were impaired and/or physically handicapped. Potential for trapped occupants and serious injuries was high.

When Ladder Company 30, the first-due Truck, reported smoke in an apartment on the fifth floor, Ladder 28 was directed to search the floor below. It was then that fire was discovered on the fourth floor. A steel door at the front of the apartment had to be forced open and, after some difficulty, Lieutenant Carberry and his forcible entry team (FFs Timothy Sullivan and George Faller) were able to enter the flat.

Lieutenant Carberry (second from left) and members of his family--Captain Bob McNicholas, FF Nicholas Carberry and FF Bill Carberry. photo courtesy of Lieutenant Robert C. Carberry, Jr.

As soon as the members entered the apartment, they were faced with heavy, black smoke and extreme heat. The fire had originated in a room directly to their left and extended into the entryway. The Lieutenant ordered FF Sullivan to use his 21/2-gallon water extinguisher to contain the spread of fire.
Although there was no hose-line to protect him, fearing that someone might be trapped, Lieutenant Carberry dropped to his knees and commenced a search. Crawling underneath the rolling flames, he made his way into the living room. As he painstakingly followed the walls and swept all the areas in front and on either side of him, Lieutenant Carberry finally came to a closed door that led to a bedroom.

Lieutenant Carberry attempted to open the door, but it was partially blocked. He then reached into the room and felt the leg of 58-year-old Lee Smith. The victim was unconscious and trapped behind the door. Summoning his strength, Lieutenant Carberry pushed the door open just enough to enable him to squeeze his way through to the victim.

Now that he had the unconscious man to care for, Lieutenant Carberry dragged the man out of the bedroom and made his way back under fire that was roaring overhead and out to the public hall. Although the hallway was heavily charged with smoke, the Lieutenant persevered and dragged Mr. Smith more than 300 feet to the safety of a stairwell.

Once in the stairwell, Lieutenant Carberry called for a stokes basket and resuscitator. He then administered oxygen, secured Mr. Smith to the stretcher and assisted in removing the victim to the street where he was transported to the hospital.

As he was directing his team and performing his search, Lieutenant Carberry operated in an extremely dangerous environment--the fire apartment could not be accessed by aerial ladders; there was no hose-line protection; visibility was zero; and an extremely high heat condition prevailed. Lieutenant Carberry’s perseverance resulted in the successful rescue of a person who surely would have perished otherwise.

The actions and bravery of Lieutenant Robert C. Carberry are a testimony to the highest traditions of the fire service. Therefore, the FDNY bestows recognition today by awarding him the Walter Scott Medal.—BDG