Hispanic Society Memorial Medal

Lieutenant Michael J. Quevedo Division 3 (assigned, covering), Engine Company 16 (detailed)

April 13, 2005, 1204 hours, Box 697, track bed under northbound #6 train in East 33rd Street station, Park Avenue/East 33rd Street, Manhattan

Appointed to the FDNY on July 9, 1995. Previously assigned to Engine 48 and Ladder 56. Grandfather, Battalion Chief John Quevedo (now deceased), is retired from the Marine Division; father, Battalion Chief John Quevedo, Jr., is assigned to Battalion 14; and brother, FF James Quevedo, is assigned to Engine 45. Holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Recipient of a unit citation and Service Rating B. Resides in Tappan, New York, with his wife, Laura, and their children, Michael, Jr., Millie, Thomas and Billy.

The New York City subway system moves thousands of passengers every single day, usually without incident. When an incident does occur, the FDNY responds to various calls for assistance when those passengers’ lives are in jeopardy. Unique hazards exist in this environment and it is up to the members of the Fire Department to work around them in order to carry out their life safety mission. On April 13, 2005, Lieutenant Michael J. Quevedo, working in Engine 16, had to operate under the hazard of the 600-volt third rail power to save an injured person.

At 1204 hours, Engine 16, along with several other units, were assigned to respond to the subway station at Park Avenue and East 33rd Street for a reported man under a #6 train. Lieutenant Quevedo was the Officer on duty in Engine 16 and the unit arrived first on the scene. The Lieutenant oversaw placement of the apparatus, ensured that members brought the necessary equipment and established a handie-talkie relay.

When Lieutenant Quevedo proceeded to the station’s platform, he determined that there was an accident on the northbound local track. As he investigated further, he found a male victim, 35-year-old John Bradley, under the third car of the #6 train. The Officer radioed Engine 16’s chauffeur--to request via the dispatcher--that third rail power be removed and have the remaining members bring the CFR-D equipment to his location.

Further size-up by Lieutenant Quevedo revealed that the victim was suffering from multiple trauma, including an amputated lower left leg and a severe head wound. Miraculously, however, he was still conscious. Transit Authority personnel on the scene advised Lieutenant Quevedo that the deadly third rail power was still on.

By this time, Ladder 8 arrived, under the command of Lieutenant James Donohue. He was briefed by Lieutenant Quevedo. The Officers decided that due to the victim’s severe, life-threatening injuries, urgent medical attention was needed and they would be forced to enter the track bed prior to power removal confirmation. FDNY policy regarding members entering a track bed prior to power removal clearly states that this is to be done only in an extremely life-threatening situation.

Lieutenant Quevedo climbed down onto the track bed, crawled under the third subway car and made patient contact with the severely injured victim. This position is very dangerous because the individual car has four third rail contact shoes (two on each side). All four shoes are energized. The slightest contact with a shoe or its hardware means sudden death.

Lieutenant Quevedo needed assistance to place the victim on a backboard, so Lieutenant Donohue and FF Michael Merced, Engine 16, came down to the track bed. The three rescuers worked together to stabilize and secure the victim onto the backboard. Then, they maneuvered the patient to the area between the third and fourth cars where the members of Ladder 8 were positioned on the platform. The victim was raised up from the track bed and placed onto the platform. On-scene EMS personnel then treated and transported  the victim to Bellevue Medical Center.

Battalion Chief Stephen Redican, Battalion 6, wrote in his report that Lieutenant Quevedo displayed initiative and quick thinking at this incident. By entering the track area under the train prior to power removal, he placed himself in serious danger. For his act of bravery, Lieutenant Michael J. Quevedo is awarded the Hispanic Society Memorial Medal.—AP

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