Vincent J. Kane Medal

Lieutenant Frank Giacoio, Jr.
Ladder Company 7

March 6, 2003, 1447 hours,
Box 75-0627,
201 East 25th Street, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on November 12, 1989. Previously assigned to Engine 16, Ladder 58, Battalion 11 and Division 3. Member of the Company Officers and Columbia Associations. Cited for bravery twice previously. Attended Iona College.

The people of this City take great pride in knowing that when the alarm is sounded, the New York City Fire Department will respond to a fire or emergency scene in the shortest amount of time possible. The people also have come to know that the FDNY will handle the situation with the safety of all in mind, with the saving of life the top priority. Such was the case with Ladder Company 7 when called to respond to a phone alarm at Box 627, East 25th Street, for a fire. The combination of a great turnout, quick response and personal risk taken by Lieutenant Frank Giacoio saved a 61-year-old woman’s life.

On the afternoon of March 6, 2003, the members of Tower Ladder 7 and Engine 16 were called to respond to a report of fire at 201 East 25th Street, Manhattan, an 18-story high-rise multiple dwelling. On arrival, members proceeded to the third floor, where they encountered a smoke condition. Lieutenant Giacoio then transmitted signal 10-77.

Searching the hallway and finding that apartment 3G was the fire apartment, Lieutenant Giacoio ordered and supervised forcible entry by FFs Alan Squire and William Fanos. Engine 16, with the help of Engine 14, began to hook up to the standpipe on the second floor and stretched four lengths of 21/2-inch line.

Lieutenant Frank Giacoio, Jr. (third from right), with members of Ladder 7.  photo courtesy of Lieutenant Frank Giacoio, Jr.

When the door to the fire apartment was opened, the inside team members were met with extremely heavy smoke and high heat conditions. Fire had fully involved the kitchen area and was extending into the living room. Lieutenant Giacoio ordered FF Squire to remain at the entrance, while FF Fanos operated with the can to limit further extension of the growing fire.

Without the protection of a hose-line, Lieutenant Giacoio proceeded to search the now-involved living room. After this search, he moved on to the bathroom and then into the bedroom, where he found an unconscious woman on the floor. After a quick check, he found that the victim was unresponsive and not breathing. He gave a signal 10-45 code 2 and began the task of removing her back through the apartment past the fire.

Lieutenant Giacoio began to drag the victim out from the bedroom where he was met and assisted by FF Squire. Together, they removed her to an uncontaminated area outside the apartment. Lieutenant Giacoio then proceeded back into the fire apartment to complete his primary search. The victim was rushed to Jacobi Hospital with severe smoke inhalation. She received treatment in the hyperbaric chamber and remained hospitalized for six days.

It is with great Company pride that a call was received, the Company turned out and, within just seven minutes of receiving this call--a life was saved. When a Company’s motto is We Can Do That, actions such as Lieutenant Giacoio’s prove it to be true.

Lieutenant Frank Giacoio conducted his search and rescue without the benefit of a charged hose-line. He passed a heavy body of fire to accomplish his lifesaving task with unusual personal risk. The victim, Ms. Karin McKeon, survived, due to the deliberate and calculated actions of Lieutenant Giacoio.

Because of his brave actions, it is with great pride that the New York City Fire Department recognizes Lieutenant Frank Giacoio, Jr., with the Vincent J. Kane Medal.--TW

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