Arriving on the scene of an in-progress 10-75 at 150-28 127th Street in Howard Beach, Queens, Lieutenant James Earl and Squad 270 pulled up at approximately the same time as the 39 Battalion. Squad 270 members entered the fire building--a one-story, private dwelling with a heavy smoke condition coming from the side entrance--to assist with VES.
      Battalion Chief John Moran, 39 Battalion, then received a handie-talkie transmission from Captain Vincent Fowler, Ladder 173, stating that members were operating in the basement, having problems getting to the fire and running low on air. Battalion Chief Moran ordered Squad 270 to locate the members of Ladder 173 in the basement. Lieutenant Earl immediately ordered Squad 270’s outside team to proceed there via the side entrance.
      Squad 270’s outside team found the stairs to the basement congested with members of Engine 331 and Ladder 173, with depleted cylinders, trying to exit. Lieutenant Earl and FF Eric Dailey proceeded through the first floor and to the top of the basement stairs. Lieutenant Earl then heard a mayday transmission coming from FF Anthony Tedeschi Squad 270 for the unconscious Captain of Ladder 173 in the basement.
     Lieutenant Earl descended the stairs with FF Dailey to assist with the rescue of the unconscious Captain Vincent Fowler. At the base of the stairs, Lieutenant Earl was met with high heat, heavy smoke and a Collyers’ mansion-type condition.
     Lieutenant Earl and FF Dailey followed Engine 331’s hand-line approximately 25 feet over, through and around obstructions, until they found FF Tedeschi trying to untangle Captain Fowler from the contents of the basement. Sensing a build-up of heat and observing flames at the ceiling level, Lieutenant Earl feared there might be a flashover. He ordered FFs Tedeschi and Dailey to proceed with Captain Fowler’s removal while he attempted to recover the line.
     Crawling toward the now out-of-control fire, Lieutenant Earl tried to locate the nozzle but was unsuccessful. The lieutenant then transmitted an urgent message that a line was needed in the basement to protect the rescue operation. He followed the line back and joined FFs Dailey and Tedeschi, who had initiated Captain Fowler’s removal and now were joined by FF Greg Haynes Squad 270.
      The process of removing Captain Fowler back through, around and over the inconceivable amount of rubble was physically exhausting and time-consuming. The size of Captain Fowler and the obstacles in the basement made it necessary for Lieutenant Earl to participate, as well as supervise the operation. Rescuers’ Vibralert alarms now began to activate and, due to their extraordinary efforts required in the removal, their SCBAs would be empty sooner than expected.
     The basement now was congested and chaotic with members coming down the narrow stairs to help and members with depleted cylinders trying to get out. Lieutenant Earl calmly coordinated the ongoing transition, providing continuous supervision. As the operation approached the door to the stairs, Lieutenant Earl’s SCBA was expended and he had to remove his face piece in the contaminated atmosphere.
      Recognizing Captain Fowler’s critical need for medical attention, Lieutenant Earl remained for one final attempt at removal. Caustic smoke searing his lungs, the lieutenant, struggling with Captain Fowler’s limp form, gave the orders to lift, attempting to get him up the stairs. After he gave it all he possibly could, Lieutenant Earl recognized he was on the verge of losing consciousness, which would severely hamper the rescue. With his last ounce of strength, Lieutenant Earl, reluctantly--but wisely--exited the basement. Members of Ladder 142 and Ladder 107 found Lieutenant Earl coming up the stairs and assisted him out and away from the building where he could not support himself any longer and collapsed.
     Lieutenant Earl was transported to Jamaica Hospital where he received the last rites of the Catholic Church. Later, he was transported to Cornell Burn Center, where he spent 10 days, three of which were in a coma. In his efforts to rescue Captain Fowler, Lieutenant Earl performed in the highest traditions of the New York City Fire Department. Under extreme stress, he calmly coordinated the actions of his members, while participating in the rescue in a highly hostile environment. He coolly relayed critical information to the 39 Battalion and Division 13. The lieutenant placed himself at extreme personal risk to save one of our own. For his selfless and honorable commitment to serve the FDNY and the people of New York City, Lieutenant Earl is honored today.--DW

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