John H. Prentice Medal

Firefighter Patrick A. McKenna, Rescue Company 3

June 12, 2004, 1907 hours, Box 75-2334, 851 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on October 21, 1990. Previously assigned to Ladder 45. Cousin, FF Thomas McKenna, is a member of Engine 91. Member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies. Recipient of WTC Ribbon/Medal; a Service Rating A; two Service Rating Bs; two unit citations; and a Class II rating for this incident. Resides in Tappan, New York, with his wife, Patricia, and their son, Liam.

Pride. It is the one single term that speaks volumes about an FDNY fire company. From a personal perspective, it describes a chapter of an individual’s accomplishments within that company. So it is with FF Patrick A. McKenna of “Big Blue,” Rescue Company 3.

In the early evening on June 12, 2004, at 1907 hours, Rescue 3 received a call to respond to Box 2334, 851 Bruckner Boulevard, in the Bronx for a top-floor fire. The Bronx dispatcher was receiving numerous calls of people trapped on the top floor rear. Lieutenant Kevin Williams and the members of Rescue 3 were going to work.

On arrival, victims were being removed via the aerial in the front of the building. Handie-talkie reports stated there were people trapped at the windows on the top floor in a light shaft on the exposure #4 side. Battalion Chief Bart Codd ordered Rescue 3 to the roof to initiate rescue operations of the trapped victims.

Arriving at the roof level, screams could be heard from the thick, boiling, black smoke rising from the shaft. Looking over into the shaft, Lieutenant Williams could see a man crouched down below sill level, staying below the escaping heat and heavy smoke. FFs Jeffery Cool and Richard Bailey of Rescue 3 were ordered to begin lifesaving rope operations to remove the man.

There was a panicky woman hanging out the window of the fire apartment. She was screaming that she was about to jump. Thick, black smoke was coming out over her head as she desperately cried for help. FF McKenna was given the task of removing Nelly Pacheo using the lifesaving rope. Time was running out quickly. The Officer gave an urgent message to Acting Deputy Chief Kevin Corrigan of Division 6 that lifesaving rope operations were underway and help was needed on the roof.

FF McKenna teamed with FF Denis McLaughlin of Ladder 42, who already had taken his four turns around a chimney, and was ready to lower FF McKenna. Roof conditions were deteriorating rapidly. Within seconds, FF McKenna was ready and positioned himself on the parapet. One last check of the rope showed that FFs McLaughlin and McKenna were tied off, had control of the rope and were ready to begin the dangerous operation. The order was given and FF McKenna went over the side into the shaft.

As the Officer gave voice commands to FF McLaughlin, FF McKenna approached the window with the frantic woman. As he reached the woman, he could see that fire had burned through the transom of the room occupied by the woman. Fire conditions were severe. FF McKenna hooked his leg into the windowsill, reached around the woman and held her tight. He lifted her up and then pushed the two of them out the window. They now were dangling four stories above the yard below. Obscured by the thick, black smoke, FF McKenna called above to be lowered. FF McLaughlin continued to lower them until both the victim and rescuer were safely on the ground. The victim then was quickly transported to the hospital.

Company pride. Individual pride. Its definition stems from acts described herein. FF McKenna operated in conditions that put him in a position of great personal risk. Without him, the victim was going to jump. It was her only option until he put his life in jeopardy to save hers.

With great pride, the New York City Fire Department shows its gratitude and recognizes FF Patrick A. McKenna with the John H. Prentice Medal.—TPW