Albert S. Johnston Medal

Firefighter William T. Porter
Ladder Company 7

November 5, 2003, 0752 hours
Box 75-628
401 1st Avenue, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on August 11, 1991.

It is with great pride that an FDNY Company accepts a task, completes that task, learns from it and leaves the scene with a better knowledge of how to handle similar situations in the future. Members take that information back to the firehouse and give it to fellow Firefighters so information and lessons learned are shared. Proof of this mindset can be said of a Fire Company that has the motto, We Can Do That. Tower Ladder 7 of Manhattan is such a Company.

In the early morning of November 5, 2003, Ladder Company 7 was returning from a run. As they traveled back to quarters, FF William Porter and the rest of the crew smelled what they thought was smoke in the area. They stopped to begin an investigation adjacent to 401 1st Avenue in Manhattan.

While investigating, they received information that the fire was, indeed, in this particular building and it was reported to be on the 13th floor. After notifying the Manhattan dispatcher, Ladder 7 members proceeded to the 11th floor, entered the stairwell and began to make their way to the 13th floor. Simultaneously, they were receiving information that the occupant was likely to be in the fire apartment. As the first-due units soon would be arriving and knowing that at this time they would be acting alone, Ladder 7 began their push toward the fire apartment.

FF William Porter is honored by the New York Daily News as the Hero of the Month at a ceremony held on February 11, 2004. Assistant Chief Harold Meyers, Manhattan Borough Commander, is on hand to offer his congratulations. photo by Kristian Portella

As Captain Edward Breen (Ladder 7 covering) and inside team, FFs William Porter and Peter Utschig (Engine 16), arrived at the fire apartment door, Captain Breen ordered the team to take the door. Immediately, they were confronted with high heat, smoke and fire at the entrance door.

Without regard for his personal safety and knowing that there was no charged line in place to protect them on the fire floor, FF Porter immediately entered the fire apartment. On entering, he found the apartment to be a Collyers’ mansion-type setting, which is exceptionally dangerous due to limited access, impeded movement and falling debris.

Familiar with this precarious scenario and with fire now rolling over his head, FF Porter began to crawl over a large amount of burning debris. He advanced in about 15 feet to a fully involved living room. Conditions now were rapidly deteriorating and becoming untenable.

FF Porter grabbed the leg of an unconscious and badly burned woman and gave the 10-45 signal. Knowing that he had to get out quickly, the Firefighter dragged the victim back across the debris and through the entrance door to safety.

The remaining members of Ladder 7 also were driven from the apartment and back into the hallway due to the growing fire conditions. Assured that the fire victim was safely removed, receiving medical attention and on her way to the hospital, FF Porter returned to the fire apartment to continue and complete the primary search with the inside team.

Severity of conditions that Ladder 7 encountered was indicated by the fact that the rescued woman received and sustained burns to an estimated 90 percent of her body. If FF Porter had not acted as he did, the victim surely would have perished. He acted in the greatest tradition of this Department. He did it courageously. He performed unselfishly.

Based on FF William Porter’s actions and those of the other members of Ladder 7, there is no doubt that they live up to their motto--whatever the task. For his individual bravery in rescuing Violet Dewart, the New York City Fire Department is proud to recognize FF William T. Porter for saving a life. He is honored with the Albert S. Johnston Medal.--TW

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