When EMTs Michael Skody
and Jason Rosado started
their tour on March 19,
2006, they thought it would be another
routine shift. Instead, they wrestled
a gun-wielding robbery suspect to the
ground near a Brooklyn subway station,
protecting civilians from a
chaotic and potentially deadly outcome.
It all began when the two EMTs
responded to a sick call--a person
with a nosebleed--at the Wyckoff and
Myrtle Avenue subway station. On
arrival, they noticed a large group of
people running from the station and
yelling that a man had a shotgun. The
EMTs quickly notified the Brooklyn
North Dispatcher to request the
response of the Police Department.
When EMTs Skody and Rosado
started to cross the street, heading for
the subway station, they heard two
men yelling for help. As they got closer,
they saw the two trying to get free
from a man wielding a shotgun. The
three men soon became involved in a
scuffle as each of them desperately
tried to gain control of the weapon.
At that point, EMTs Skody and
Rosado knew they had to take immediate
action. After a quick assessment
of the scene and fearing for the safety
of innocent bystanders, the EMTs
sprung into action. They wrestled the
man with the shotgun to the ground.
Once on the ground, EMT Skody
placed his foot on the suspect’s back,
while EMT Rosado pulled his hand
behind his back to immobilize him.
Then, EMT Skody pulled the shotgun
away with his foot and held it down,
making sure the barrel was not pointing
into the crowd of people. The two
victims identified themselves to the
EMTs as U.S. Army Reservists and
assisted them until police arrived on
the scene.
EMT Skody is no stranger to helping
out people in big trouble. Last
summer, he raced to the rescue of a
young woman who was being assaulted.
Another time, he followed an individual
who appeared lost and disoriented.
The woman was suffering from
Alzheimer’s and he took her to the
hospital.
With their quick thinking and
brave actions, EMTs Michael Skody
and Jason Rosado stopped a robbery
in progress and subdued the suspect
until police arrived. For their exemplary
performance, the Department is
proud to present them with the Tracy
Allen-Lee Medal.--ML |
