Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal

Firefighter Scott M. Atlas, Ladder Company 36

August 24, 2004, 0523 hours, Box 75-1772, 711 190th Street, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on July 16, 1989. Brothers, Captain Don Atlas is assigned to Ladder 24; FF Keith Atlas is retired from Engine 35; and Lieutenant Gregg Atlas, assigned to Engine 10, was killed at the World Trade Center. Holds a BS degree in Science from Cornell University. Recipient of one unit citation; one Service Rating A; and one Class III rating for this incident. Resides in Orange County, New York, with his wife, Lynn, and their five children, John, Emily, Rebecca, Caroline and Claire.

Firefighter Scott M. Atlas of Ladder 36 is one of the quiet leaders of Engine Co. 95/Ladder Co. 36 (nicknamed the “Brick House” in memory of FF Thomas Brick, who died in the line of duty in December 2003). The Brick House protects the Inwood section of upper Manhattan, traditionally a busy area for fire duty, which attracts very capable Firefighters and Officers. The best Firefighters speak through their actions and in the early-morning hours of August 24, 2004, Scott Atlas’ performance spoke the loudest.

When Ladder 36 arrived as the second truck company to 711 190th Street at 0527 hours, fire poured out of three windows of a sixth-floor balcony, trapping a 46-year-old woman, who already was severely burned and screaming for help. FF Atlas’ foremost duty as ladder company chauffeur (LCC) was to position the 100-foot aerial ladder to protect life.

This job became even more crucial when the first-arriving truck, Ladder 45, was blocked from using their tower ladder by several trees. Tower ladders are effective tools for removing victims on a stable platform, but that stability comes at the price of slower speed, more bulk and less reach. FF Atlas maneuvered Ladder 36’s more nimble aerial ladder through the thick branches to the balcony railing...well, almost. The fully extended ladder did not completely reach the balcony; it hung 70 feet above the ground, a short distance from the railing.

Ladder 36’s outside vent Firefighter (OVM), FF John R. Cavaliere, worked his way through the branches to the tip of the ladder. FF Cavaliere attempted to remove the victim, but the large woman was slipping into shock and refused to let go of the balcony railing. With fire threatening the victim and FF Cavaliere, FF Atlas climbed to the top of the ladder, swung around his OVM and leaped onto the balcony. Then, FF Atlas positioned himself between the victim and the fire, shielding the woman from the intense heat.

With fire scorching through his bunker coat, FF Atlas knew that time was running out. In addition to the immediate threat, the engine company’s water stream soon would be driving fire, heat and steam toward the balcony. Even with fire engulfing the balcony, FF Atlas was able to make clear, rational decisions: removal by tower ladder--not the aerial--gave the semi-conscious woman the best hope for survival.

By this time, Ladder 45’s LCC was able to position the tower ladder basket to the balcony railing. FF Atlas, with the help of FF Cavaliere, then was able to lift the heavy woman over the four-foot railing into the arms of FF Joseph P. Byrne, Ladder 45’s OVM. Through the concerted actions of all the companies in Battalion 13, the fire quickly was contained and extinguished.

Scott Atlas, the unassuming “gentle giant” of Ladder 36, suffered second-degree burns on his forearm and required two weeks of medical leave. His actions are a great honor to the memory of his brother, Lieutenant Gregg Atlas, Engine 10, who was killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

For his heroic actions in the performance of his duties, FF Scott M. Atlas is awarded the Dr. J.W. Goldenkranz Medal.—SN