Susan Wagner Medal

Firefighter Eugene F. Nickola, Ladder Company 133

May 23, 2004, 0942 hours, Box 75-5372, 114-15 175th Place, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on February 1, 2000. Holds an Associates degree from Nassau Community College. Recipient of a Class III rating for this incident. Resides in Farmingdale, Long Island, with his wife, Stacie.

The weather was unusually hot and humid on the morning of May 23, 2004, with temperatures in the 80s. The 9-x-6 tour was just beginning for the members of Ladder Co. 133 in South Jamaica when the tone alarm and teleprinter came alive, assigning the truck as first-due on a phone alarm for a reported fire in a private dwelling. As the unit was responding, dispatchers notified members that there was a report of a person trapped inside the burning home.

When Ladder 133 arrived on the scene, members were confronted with a fire condition of blowtorch proportions, emanating from the entrance and first floor. Compounding the situation were window bars installed throughout the building and several hysterical bystanders screaming that there was a disabled person trapped in the front room on the first floor.

Lieutenant James Bert (Engine 314, working in Ladder 133) and FFs Donald Ferguson on the can and Eugene Nickola with the irons made up the inside team. They were preparing to enter the structure to find the helpless victim. The task was difficult because Firefighters had to force their way through a metal gate into the building. Once they entered, they encountered a Collyer’s mansion-type condition.

Lieutenant Bert and FF Ferguson made their way to the front room past the engine company’s hose-line--whose members were having difficulty advancing--and found furniture, burning clothing and debris piled from the floor to the ceiling. Realizing time was crucial to the victim’s survival, FF Nickola informed Lieutenant Bert that he would attempt to get to the rear in case the victim tried to flee in that direction.

FF Nickola faced intense heat, fire rolling over his head and zero visibility, but persisted making his way over the burning debris to locate the missing occupant. He moved through the living and dining rooms and then through a narrow opening leading to the kitchen area. The arduous journey finally paid off when FF Nickola came upon the moaning and badly burnt body of Leonard Washington, the owner of the house. FF Nickola immediately transmitted a 10-45 code over his radio and made a difficult decision. He heard Mr. Washington gasping for air. Fearing that he soon might expire, FF Nickola removed his facepiece and placed it over Mr. Washington’s face with the purge valve open, allowing fresh air to flow.

FF Nickola then placed the facepiece back on his own face and started to drag the injured man back through the tremendous amount of debris and heavy fire. Members of Engine 275 were aggressively continuing to push the hose-line to the injured man’s position. After maneuvering Mr. Washington through a small opening into another room, FF Nickola was forced to radio that fire was impeding his path and hampering the victim’s removal.

Lieutenant Francis Burke of Engine 275 heard FF Nickola give his radio transmission and he and members of Ladder 133 went to his aid. Engine 275 repositioned their hose-line to protect the victim as the other members cleared a path through the debris, allowing Mr. Washington to be brought out of the house. The injured man, suffering from severe burns to his torso, arms, legs and respiratory system, was transferred to EMS personnel, who took him to Mary Immaculate Hospital. The severity of Mr. Washington’s injuries required further treatment at Weill Cornell Burn Center.

FF Nickola was granted medical leave due to sprains and contusions after the incident. FF Nickola’s initiative and actions were in the highest traditions of this Department. He passed a serious fire, through difficult conditions, placing his own escape in jeopardy, to find an injured and trapped victim. He also took the initiative to give his suffering victim some fresh air to breathe, increasing his chances for survival.

For his valorous efforts and actions, the Department awards the Susan Wagner Medal to FF Eugene Nickola.—AP