Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal

Engine Company 283

July 2, 2005, 0722 hours, Box 2104, 200 Newport Street, Brooklyn

Lieutenant Matthew T. Ferris (Battalion 41)
FF Michael A. O’Neill
FF Dellon D. Morgan
FF Thomas M. Moore
FF Peter J. Fredriksen
FF Scott D. Colquhoun

July 2, 2005, was another warm summer Saturday morning in Brownsville, Brooklyn, when Engine 283, returning to their quarters on Livonia and Howard Avenues, received the ticket for Box 2104. It was a report of a structural fire at 200 Newport Street, apartment 12. Immediately jumping back onto their apparatus, Lieutenant Matthew Ferris and his Firefighters were off to the fire. 

Approaching the fire building, the members of Engine 283 encountered an extremely heavy smoke condition venting from the top floor of this three-story, brick multiple dwelling. Lieutenant Ferris wasted little time in transmitting an urgent message for a code 10-75.

As the Lieutenant exited the rig, he ordered his Firefighters to stretch the 13/4-inch hose and called for the door Firefighter, FF Scott Colquhoun, to bring the forcible entry tools. Engine 283 was first due and alone on the fire scene at this time. With benefit of neither a second engine company nor a truck on the scene, stretching the hose-line through the numerous occupants who now were escaping the heat and flames of this fire was extremely difficult.

Arriving at the fire floor landing on the third floor, Engine 283 found the door to the fire apartment locked and immediately put their forcible entry tools and skills to work as they forced this door and gained entry. As a result of forcing the door, the hallway quickly filled with smoke and heat from the fire inside.

At this point, Lieutenant Ferris and his members began a dual operation. While FFs Dellon Morgan and Thomas Moore “opened” the line on the raging fire, other members began a search for victims. Members of the company quickly discovered Jamal Dennis, age 10. FF Peter Fredriksen quickly removed the young victim through the flames to the safety of the street below.  Lieutenant Ferris soon rescued another victim, Trini Dennis, age 12, and ensured that she was removed by other FDNY members to the street.

Advancing further into the fire apartment, the nozzle team of FFs Morgan and Moore continued to battle and get water on the fire. During this daring move to the rear of the apartment, two additional victims were discovered and removed.

At this time, FF Morgan, the nozzleman, suffered a knee injury, but refused to back out of the fire or surrender the nozzle. He continued operating the hose-line until all four victims were removed safely and the fire was extinguished.

Without a doubt, had it not been for the courageous and aggressive actions of Engine Company 283, all four victims surely would have perished in this fire. Fire Marshals later determined it had been ignited by candles in the master bedroom.

At this incident, the members of Engine 283 acted aggressively in rescuing four trapped individuals and expeditiously extinguishing this fire. Their efforts, both in saving lives and property, is the hallmark of this great Department. We commend these members and present them with the Lieutenant James Curran/New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Medal.—RMcC

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