 BC
Frank T. Tuttlemondo Medal
Firefighter Nicholas Siedenburg
Ladder Company 131
April 22, 2003, 0059 hours, Box 75-1301, 58 16th Street, Brooklyn
Appointed to the FDNY on October 28, 2001. Attended Rutgers University.
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Members of Ladder Company 131 battle a smoky blaze. photo
courtesy of FF Nicholas Siedenburg |
In the early-morning hours of April 22, 2003, as members of the United States
military continued to fight the war against international
terrorism, FF Nicholas Siedenburg and the members of Ladder
131--Brooklyn’s Happy Hookers--were called once again
to fight another battle in the war that never ends.
At approximately 0100 hours, Engine 279/Ladder 131 received
a telephone alarm for a fire in a four-story, non-fireproof,
multiple dwelling at 58 16th Street in the Gowanus section
of Brooklyn. While responding, Ladder 131 was informed by
Brooklyn Dispatch of additional calls for assistance, as well
as more information about the incident.
Turning onto 16th Street, the members of Ladder 131 saw heavy
smoke pouring from the top-floor windows. FF Siedenburg, with
the irons, immediately entered the building and raced up the
four flights of stairs with Lieutenant James O’Hara
and FF Kevin Martin, Engine 239, with the can. While the members
of Engine 279 were flaking out a hose-line on the top-floor
landing, FF Siedenburg forced the door of apartment 4-R.
Immediately, he was met with heavy fire in the first room
and a thick smoke condition. Because there was a defective
hydrant in front of the building, FF Scott Roland, nozzleman
of Engine 279, cautioned FF Siedenburg, Be careful. We have
no water.
After the members donned their face pieces, FF Martin opened
up with the can to hold back the fire until Engine 279’s
hose-line was charged. FF Siedenburg quickly crawled left,
past the main body of fire and toward the rear of the apartment
to search for victims. FF Siedenburg found the bathroom door
closed. As he pushed the door open, he found a victim in the
bathtub. FF Siedenburg pulled 40-year-old Anita Sweat from
the tub and dragged her past the fire to the apartment door
where Captain David Biesty, Engine 279, assisted in removing
her.
The victim was not breathing when rescued. After she was carried
downstairs, she was transferred to EMS personnel who transported
her to Methodist Hospital.
In his report of the incident, Acting Battalion Chief Joseph
M. Pascale, Battalion 32, stated: His personal bravery in
passing the fire without a charged line in position, coupled
with his own initiative in checking the bathtub, finding the
victim and transmitting the 10-45 to get immediate assistance,
demonstrated his exceptional capability as a Firefighter.
To officially recognize his selfless actions, the New York
City Fire Department is proud to honor Firefighter Nicholas
Siedenburg today with the BC Frank T. Tuttlemondo Medal.--DH
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