 Emerald
Society Medal
Firefighter Thomas G. O’Shea
Ladder Company 59
January 15, 2003, 1220 hours, Box 75-2928, 1571 Undercliff Avenue, Bronx
Appointed to the FDNY on July 11, 1981. Previously assigned to Engines
43 and 64. Father, Captain Gene O’Shea, is retired from Engine 206; uncle,
FF Jack Clancy, is retired from Engine 67; and cousin, FF Mike O’Shea,
is retired from Engine 97. Member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies and
former member of the FDNY Hockey and Soccer Teams. Cited for bravery twice previously.
Attended Suffolk Community College.
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Retired Captain Gene O’Shea, Engine 206, congratulates his son,
FF Thomas G. O’Shea, on his brave act. photo
courtesy of FF Thomas G. O’Shea |
A midday telephone alarm for a fire in a very large and occupied Bronx apartment
house on January 15, 2003, sent Ladder Company 59 barreling through the Morris
Heights neighborhood to 1571 Undercliff Avenue.
On the way, the unit’s Lieutenant, Michael J. McMenemon (covering this
day from Ladder 41), radioed a 10-75 signal for a working fire for the top floor
of a six-story, 250- by 250-foot, 62-flat building. He and his forcible entry
team of FFs Thomas G. O’Shea (whose father is a former Lieutenant in the
Company) with the irons and Vincent D’Amato (detailed from Engine 81)
with the can, proceeded to apartment 616 on the top floor, through a heavily
smoke- and heat-charged hallway, where the fire apartment door had been left
open. The conditions promoted virtually zero visibility and were adversely compounded
by the thermopane windows.
FF O’Shea’s primary search brought him to a small hallway and bedroom
formed by a flimsy partition. The Firefighter operated with the knowledge that
Engine 43 had a long stretch of 12 lengths, which would delay the start of water.
He crawled under heavy fire to find an unconscious victim, Ms. Anna Amezquita,
age 30, weighing about 180 lbs. A 10-45 signal was transmitted for an injured
victim as the Firefighter began to drag her from the fire flat to an adjoining
apartment.
Due to her weight and the 50-foot distance to be traveled, FF D’Amato
helped move the victim. When FF O’Shea found her, she was not breathing
and had no pulse. FF O’Shea used his pocket face mask to give her air
and provided CPR until her breathing and pulse were restored.
Ms. Amezquita was rushed to Jacobi Hospital and placed in the hyperbaric chamber
for treatment of a closed esophagus and smoke-filled lungs. FF O’Shea
also was taken to Jacobi and treated for strains of his right shoulder and lower
back. Ultimately, he was placed on medical leave.
Chief James Keene of Battalion 19 noted officially that Firefighter O’Shea
performed his search under punishing conditions at unusual personal risk. The
Chief added that if it were not for the actions of FF O’Shea, Ms. Amezquita
would surely have perished.
FF O’Shea’s quick thinking, training and 23 years of experience
helped him to react rapidly and effectively. Operating without protection of
a charged hose-line or the benefit of any medical equipment did not hinder the
Firefighter’s abilities to save Ms. Amezquita’s life. His bravery,
quick and aggressive actions and determination helped him overcome this situation.
This is in the highest traditions of the FDNY and today, FF Thomas G. O’Shea
is being recognized with the Emerald Society Medal.--JM
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