Honor Legion Medal

Lieutenant John M. Spillane, Ladder Company 105

July 9, 2004, 0323 hours, Box 75-582, 185 Nevins Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on July 9, 1995. Previously assigned to Engine 234. Father, Battalion Chief John (Jack) Spillane, is retired from Battalion 23. Member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies. Holds a BA degree in American History from SUNY at Oswego. Recipient of a unit citation; and a Class III rating for this incident. Resides in Staten Island with his wife, Kerry, and their two sons, Brendan and John.

Early-morning fires in multiple dwellings generally are an indication that people are trapped and in need of assistance. Such was the case on July 9, 2004, at 185 Nevins Street, Brooklyn. The building was a 21-story, 100- by 100-foot, Class 1, fireproof multiple dwelling.

At 0323 hours on that date, numerous phone alarms were received at the Brooklyn Fire Communications Office for a fire with people trapped in an apartment on the seventh floor at 185 Nevins Street. This information was transmitted to the local firehouses, including Engine 226 and Ladder 105, the first-due units. A fast turnout, quick response and heroic actions would be necessary to lessen the severity of injuries to these trapped occupants. Ladder 105, with its training and experience, was up to the task.

As Ladder 105, commanded by Lieutenant John Spillane, rolled up to the fire scene, members noticed heavy smoke pushing from several windows at the seventh-floor level. Experienced Firefighters realize that extreme heat conditions and thick, blinding smoke are generated from fires in fireproof multiple dwellings. The members of Ladder 105 knew this would be a punishing operation.

Without delay, Lieutenant Spillane and his inside team ascended the stairwell to the seventh floor. At this point, they were forced to don their SCBA because of a heavy smoke condition in the public hallway. While moving along this hallway as a team, they came across the fire apartment (7D) and found the door ajar.

Lieutenant Spillane was the first member to enter 7D to conduct a search and locate the fire for the engine company. He was met by an advancing fire in the living room, directly to the left of the apartment door. He directed a member of the forcible entry team to hold the fire in check with the water extinguisher until a charged hose-line could be put in place.

At this time, the Officer began crawling into the apartment in search of occupants. He was faced with a very hot atmosphere, heavy smoke, no visibility and--adding to the danger--the apartment was filled with a large amount of debris and personal property. Lieutenant Spillane was confronted with Collyer’s mansion-type conditions.

The fire was to the Officer’s left and the possibility existed that his retreat eventually could be cut off. But, he continued on, crawling over and around debris without the protection of a charged hose-line. He found the first of two victims--Gregory Davis, a 47-year-old male. He was burned and unconscious, lying beneath a window toward the rear of the living room.

While removing this victim, Lieutenant Spillane’s leg momentarily became entangled in a hand truck. As soon as he freed himself, the Officer lifted the victim over debris. While exiting the fire apartment, he passed his charge to FF Michael Kehoe, Ladder 105, for removal to the public hallway and awaiting EMS personnel.

Although conditions were deteriorating, the primary search by Ladder 105 was not complete. Lieutenant Spillane moved through the kitchen and located another male victim underneath a kitchen table. Ronald Davis, age 49, also was burned and unconscious. The Officer began to drag the second victim over the debris and clutter to a safer environment with the assistance of another member. Both victims were removed to Cornell Burn Center after being resuscitated and stabilized by EMS personnel.

Lieutenant Spillane’s courage and selfless actions in a dangerous situation without the protection of a charged hose-line gave life to these two trapped occupants. For his initiative, bravery and heroic actions, without regard for his own safety, the Fire Department is proud to honor Lieutenant John Spillane with the Honor Legion Medal.—EB