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It was a rerun of the classic midnight alarm scenario--a dangerous fire, a trapped victim and an FDNY Firefighter braving the thick smoke and roaring flames to save a life. While en route to a telephone alarm for 2081 Cruger Avenue in the Bronx’s Williamsbridge section just after midnight on October 18, 2003, Ladder 41 members heard a signal 10-75 for a working fire being transmitted while they were only blocks away. On arrival as the first-due Truck at the 100- by 125-foot, six-story, 87-apartment complex, members sighted fleeing tenants and heavy, black smoke pushing from two windows on the third floor. Lieutenant Joseph McHugh and his forcible entry team of FFs Edwin Santiago with the can and Louis Torres with the irons, were forced to the floor by super-heated gases and smoke as they popped the multi-locked door to apartment 3-L. FF Santiago held the fire at bay temporarily with the extinguisher he was manning until the thermopane windows gave way and fire flashed over his head. By the light of the flickering flames, the Firefighter was able to briefly spot a victim on the floor near the living room, adjacent to the now fire-involved bedroom. Crawling on his belly beneath the intense heat and flames, FF Santiago transmitted a 10-45 on his radio for the injured victim as he came upon the prone figure of 56-year-old Margaret Widerman. His first attempt to drag her out failed, as his grip slipped away when burned flesh peeled from her arm. Despite rapidly deteriorating conditions in the flaming flat, FF Santiago’s second attempt succeeded and he dragged her through the badly cluttered apartment to the relative safety of the public hallway. At this point, the Firefighter administered basic first aid and used the purge valve on his mask to force air into her lungs until he was relieved by other Firefighters. Hearing a second 10-45 signal, FF Santiago returned to the fire apartment to continue his primary search. Mrs. Widerman was taken to the Jacobi Hospital burn unit for treatment of burns over 40 percent of her body. FF Santiago displayed great courage, perseverance and tenacity, without regard for his own safety. Without the benefit of a charged hose-line, his aggressive actions under adverse conditions averted a loss of life at this fire. His actions were in the highest traditions of the FDNY and today he is recognized with the Ner Tamid Society/Franklin Delano Roosevelt Medal.--JM |
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Ner
Tamid Society/Franklin Delano Roosevelt Medal
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