Rockaways Water Rescue Pays Dividends

The members of Ladder 134 with their surf rescue equipment (L to R) FF Bill Burns, FF Kevin Sokol, Lt. Walter Rogers, Chief Jerry Esposito, FF Randy Eichin, FF Mike Ormiston and FF David Doxsey.

Firefighters from Ladder 134 relied on their strength, training and a yellow rescue board on June 22 when they rescued two off the Rockaways in Queens.

“It’s rewarding to see their [surf rescue] training being put to use,” said Battalion Chief Jerry Esposito.

While out doing building inspections, Lt. Walter Rogers noticed an overturned boat in the water.

They drove as close as possible to the shore and prepared to enter the water. Firefighter Randy Eichin paddled toward the boat with the surfboard and Firefighter Bill Burns swam with the torpedo, for use as a backup. Firefighters Mike Ormiston ad David Doxsey stayed on shore with the tether.

Once he reached the two victims - a man and a woman - about 300 feet from shore, Firefighter Eichin secured them to the board.

“I reassured them that I would keep them safe and they’d be OK,” said Firefighter Eichin. “We were doing what we were trained to do.”

He checked their vitals and ensured there were no other victims in the water before notifying firefighters on shore that they could be pulled to safety.

With the help of firefighters from Engine 264 and Engine 328, Firefighters Ormiston and Doxsey pulled them to shore.

“It was definitely a team effort,” said Firefighter Burns. “It feels good.”