 |
 |
As the day tour was drawing to a close, Lieutenant Mark McKay was completing paperwork associated with a fairly routine day. Suddenly, the tone alarm sounded in the Washington Heights firehouse. As the Lieutenant donned his bunker gear and boarded the 75-foot tower ladder apparatus, the Department radio announced that numerous telephone calls were being received reporting a fire with people trapped. Just minutes after leaving quarters, Ladder Company 45--Might of the Heights--pulled up in front of a five-story, non-fireproof, H-shaped, occupied multiple dwelling. Panicky civilians were in the street, waving the responding Firefighters to the building as smoke billowed from windows on the first floor. Lieutenant McKay immediately notified the communications dispatcher that there was a working fire at the location. He and his forcible entry team of FFs Collin Sheil (irons) and John Daly (can) quickly entered the building lobby. Once there, an excited neighbor informed them of a resident who was still in the fire apartment. Knowing that time was critical, Lieutenant McKay entered the apartment without hesitation to commence a search. Although heavy, black smoke obscured his vision, he fought his way through the hostile atmosphere of a 40-foot hallway without the protection of a hose-line. After passing three rooms, the Lieutenant reached the kitchen where fire was vigorously burning out of control. It was then that Lieutenant McKay located Mr. Aduardo Vega, hunkered down in a corner. The victim was an elderly gentleman who weighed close to 300 pounds. Although conscious, he was dazed, in shock and severely burned over 75 percent of his body and, thus, unable to assist the Lieutenant in his removal from the fiery environment. Lieutenant McKay marshaled all of his strength and dragged Mr. Vega from the kitchen. The task of carrying the heavy victim back down the apartment hallway proved too much for Lieutenant McKay and he elicited assistance from FF Sheil to complete his task. Once outside the apartment, Mr. Vega was turned over to members of Engine Company 67, who rendered medical attention prior to his being transported to the Burn Center of New York Hospital. Although Mr. Vega’s injuries ultimately proved fatal, this fact in no way diminishes the efforts of Lieutenant McKay. He entered an extremely dangerous environment to conduct his search and rescue without the covering protection of a hose-line. He exhibited tenacity and courage while placing himself at unusual personal risk. He was quick to credit his Company members, whose help and professionalism facilitated this rescue. With his actions, Lieutenant Mark McKay exemplified the professionalism and tradition of the FDNY. Therefore, for his courage, he is awarded the Third Alarm Association Medal.--BDG |
|||||
Third Alarm Association
Medal
 |
|