Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal

Firefighter John V. Kroczynski, Ladder Company 169

May 23, 2004, 0659 hours, Box 75-3144, 2525 Batchelder Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on August 16, 1998. Previously assigned to Engines 65 and 207. Brother, FF Mike Kroczynski, is assigned to Ladder 83. Member of the Emerald Society and the Columbia and Pulaski Associations. Holds a BS degree in Accounting from St. John’s University. Recipient of a unit citation; and a Service Rating A for this incident. Resides on Staten Island with his wife, Stacey, and their daughters, Alexa and Gianna.

A fire in a fireproof multiple dwelling can be extensive, extremely hot and--depending on wind conditions and building air flow patterns--very difficult to extinguish. In the past 20 years, many elements have changed that affect FDNY’s firefighting capabilities. As a Department, members no longer fight fires in residential buildings where the fire load is natural fiber-based. With the onset of the chemical age, properties of the average residential furnishings are--for the most part--petroleum-based. FF John Kroczynski of Ladder Company 169 experienced firsthand that the fire load has increased tremendously, resulting in higher temperatures and faster-spreading fires.

As Brooklyn Box 3144 was transmitted for smoke from the fourth floor, the responding members of Ladder 169 instantly began to talk up an operational plan, recalling the dangers of indiscriminate ventilation, as well as the potential for rapid fire and extensive heavy smoke development on the fire floor and floors above.

Arriving at the location, FF Kroczynski, who was assigned that tour to the outside vent position because of his experience, immediately and with purpose headed toward his assignment to cover the rear and sides of this large-frontage multiple dwelling. Reaching the exposure #4 side of the building, FF Kroczynski observed heavy smoke pushing from the corner apartment in the rear of the fourth floor.

FF Kroczynski summoned Ladder 169’s chauffeur, FF Daniel Gerrity, to a large parking lot on the exposure #4 side of the building, which he calculated would afford him direct access to the windows with the smoke showing. The two Firefighters set up the apparatus for aerial ladder use.

Ascending carefully, FF Kroczynski, through growing flames and issuing smoke, saw a victim lying on a bed. Weighing his options and considering the victim’s certain demise by the consuming fire, FF Kroczynski made a split-second decision.

FF Kroczynski immediately forced the window, exposing himself to searing heat as he made his way into the room toward the bed of Mrs. Jennie Silverman. Now thrust into a fight against an atmosphere that had melted the apartment drapery and burned the paint off the walls, the Firefighter was forced to crawl on his stomach after being driven to the floor by the intense heat.

Once at the bedside, the Firefighter reached up and removed Mrs. Silverman to the apartment floor. He shielded her from the flames with his body and made his way toward the only means of egress--the laddered window. While carefully dragging the victim on the floor, FF Kroczynski fought to get the 78-year-old senior out the window, onto the tip of Ladder 169’s aerial, while fire lurked above. He was guided by FF Gerrity back to the window. He also assisted in getting the victim onto the tip of the aerial ladder. Both Firefighters struggled with the task of removing the unconscious and burned woman safely to the street.

Due to FF John Kroczynski and his selfless act of bravery, 78-year-old Jennie Silverman has recovered from her severe life-threatening injuries and is alive today. For his heroic actions, he is awarded the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal.—PWB