 Dr.
Albert A. Cinelli Medal
Firefighter Michael P. Duffy
Ladder Company 106
August 15, 2003, 0102 hours, Box 75-0038, 147 Guernsey Street,
Brooklyn
Appointed to the FDNY on July 16, 1989. Member of the
Emerald Society. Cited for bravery on two previous occasions.
Holds a BS degree in Business from St. John’s University.
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Members of Ladder 106 in operation. photo
courtesy of FF Michael P. Duffy |
August 15, 2003, will be remembered as one of the busiest
days in the recent history of the FDNY. On that day, the entire
northeast United States and parts of Canada were thrown into
a massive blackout caused by an electrical failure. Members
of Ladder 106 joined the rest of the FDNY in manning spare
apparatus, remaining on duty and generally preparing for the
unknown.
Midnight came and went; the hot and humid weather did not
abate. Sultry conditions prevailed as FF Michael Duffy, the
truck’s chauffeur, and other members of Ladder Company
106 monitored the Department radio for news of their colleagues
who were burned at an incident earlier that night. As they
listened, their attention was drawn to the tone alarm, which
sent them to a reported building fire. FF Duffy found it strange
that only the truck and a Battalion Chief were directed to
respond. It soon dawned on him that the high volume of work
associated with the blackout had caused a reduction in available
Companies.
FF Duffy maneuvered the apparatus through the darkened streets.
Extra care was necessary because there were no street or traffic
lights and hundreds of people remained out of doors. Before
reaching their destination, heavy black smoke could be seen
pushing from a four-story, non-fireproof multiple dwelling.
Although the fire building was on an extremely narrow roadway,
FF Duffy positioned the truck so the aerial ladder could be
operated past the many trees and electrical wires that lined
the street.
Looking up at the building, FF Duffy saw the brief flicker
of a light in an upper window. He knew from earlier reports
on the Department radio and comments from excited civilians
that people possibly were trapped above the fire. Despite
the fact there was no Engine Company on the scene to provide
the protection of a hose-line, FF Duffy raised the aerial
to a top-floor window and unhesitatingly scrambled up the
ladder.
As he entered an apartment through the window, the jet-black
smoke obscured FF Duffy’s vision. He donned his face
piece, dropped to his hands and knees, pushed his way forward
and commenced a search. After crawling through three rooms,
the Firefighter discovered an elderly couple, huddled together
and gasping for air.
Like her male companion, the woman was disoriented from the
extremely high heat and smoke; so much so that she struggled
against Firefighter Duffy in his efforts to remove her from
danger. The rescuer had no choice but to use force and dragged
the woman to the window, where he lifted her into the arms
of a waiting Ladder Company 104 member.
FF Duffy then made his way back into the apartment to locate
and retrieve the second victim. Because the man was semi-conscious
and could not be lifted, the Firefighter was able to partially
revive him by sharing the air from his mask. Finally, FF Duffy
lifted the gentlemen and carried him to the aerial ladder
where they both descended to the street. Suffering from smoke
inhalation, the two 80-year-old victims were taken to the
hospital.
Throughout the entire operation, FF Duffy operated alone and
without the covering protection of a hose-line. The high heat
and humidity, coupled with the dense smoke, made his rescue
all the more difficult. His courage and bravery are acknowledged
today as the FDNY proudly honors him with the Dr. Albert A.
Cinelli Medal. FF Duffy emphasized that two other people were
saved from certain death at the same incident by other members
of Ladder 106.--BDG
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