Fire Bell Club Medal

Captain Matthew J. Hanson
Ladder Company 34

February 1, 2003, 1611 hours, Box 75-1767, 506 Fort Washington Avenue, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on January 4, 1984. Previously assigned to Ladder Company 17 and Engine Company 75. Member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies. Cited for bravery on two previous occasions. Holds a BA degree in Environmental Sciences and Geography from SUNY-Binghamton.

Captain Matthew J. Hanson (third from right) with members of Ladder 34. photo courtesy of Captain Matthew J. Hanson

As the day tour was drawing to a close on the cool afternoon of February 1, 2003, Captain Matthew Hanson was completing routine paperwork at his Where Harlem Reaches the Heights firehouse. His work was abruptly ended by the strident sound of the tone alarm as the housewatch computer spewed out directions to respond to a structural fire.

Minutes later, as Ladder 34 rolled up in front of a six-story, non-fireproof apartment house, thick, black smoke could be seen billowing out from a window on the ground floor. As the Captain exited his rig, police officers told him that someone was trapped inside the burning apartment.

Captain Hanson immediately sprang into action. Along with his forcible entry team of FFs Sean Mannion and William Meade, he entered the building. As soon as they reached the fire apartment, they were engulfed by inky-black, heavy smoke. Once the team gained entry to the flat, they were met by an advanced fire condition in the living room with fire moving into the hallway.

Knowing that someone was trapped in the inferno, Captain Hanson ordered FF Mannion to control the fire as best he could with his water can. The Captain then put himself in harm’s way by passing through the fire toward a corner bedroom. Once there, he searched and located a 60-year-old, semi-conscious male. As Captain Hanson started to carry the man out of the bedroom, his efforts were thwarted because fire had taken possession of the hallway, blocking his only means of egress.

Conditions in the bedroom were becoming untenable. Fire was consuming the adjacent bathroom, causing the smoke and heat to rise considerably. Additionally, there was no way Captain Hanson could take his charge out the window because it was blocked by iron bars.

As members from Ladders 34 and 45 attempted to remove the window bars, Captain Hanson removed his face piece and shared his air supply with his victim, Manuel Fajaido, as they both waited for the fire to be extinguished. Just as the inferno started encroaching on the bedroom, Engine 67 was able to sufficiently darken down the flames for Captain Hanson to carry Mr. Fajaido from the bedroom, through the hallway and out into the street. Once they reached the street, the victim was turned over to FDNY EMS for treatment and subsequent transport to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

For his demonstrated bravery, heroic actions and upholding the highest traditions of the FDNY and the entire fire service, the Fire Bell Club Medal is proudly awarded to Captain Matthew J. Hanson--BDG

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