Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Michael Regan (718) 999-2056 (FDNY)
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen presided today at the New York City Fire Department's 128th Annual Medal Day ceremony, honoring 46 firefighters, fire officers and fire marshals for acts of heroism performed during 1997. The medal recipients were cited for life-saving work at fires, building collapses, and water rescues-efforts which went above and beyond the call of duty.
"It is wonderful to be here today to give formal recognition and heartfelt thanks to the firefighters whose extraordinary acts of bravery, have saved the lives and set examples that other New Yorkers can follow," Mayor Giuliani said. "Your stories, and others like them, have served as the inspiration that has spurred this Department to higher levels of achievement. These are the stories that have allowed the Fire Department to build on its remarkable record of success. Because the relentless work of firefighters, civilian fire fatalities in 1997 reached a 39-year low. Response times to structural fires fell in every borough from Fiscal Year 1996 to 1997. In fact, last year fire and emergency medical service response time to the most serious incidents fell 50 seconds
"Even though we live in an advanced age, fire remains a dangerous deadly force and taming it requires the energy and commitment of human beings," the Mayor continued. "Firefighters are filled with the spirit that says they will do whatever it takes to save a life. The bedrock of this Department has been the courage, dedication and heroism of its firefighters.
"I know the depth of your heroism because I have witnessed some of these emergencies first hand. Today we honor Firefighter Stan Sussina with the James Gordon Bennett Medal, annually awarded for the highest act of bravery. Last January, Firefighter Sussina rescued two women trapped on the 28th floor of an Upper West Side apartment building. Firefighter Sussina was lowered by rope from the 29th floor into the apartment where the women were trapped. For an hour, he kept the women calm, and eventually led them to safety. This exercise in good firefighting took incredible team work. Firefighter Sussina and all those who aided him that day have earned the respect of this Department and this City forever.
"I want to extend to you my deepest personal thanks to Firefighter Sussina and the 45 medal recipients today. You keep us safe and sound not only because of what you did on these extraordinary days, but because of what you do every day, meeting all the extensive challenges of this job. And I also want to thank your families for giving you the support you need, often through uncertain and difficult times," the Mayor concluded.
"Every day, firefighters go about their jobs quietly and without fanfare, always prepared to put their lives on the line to help others," said Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen. "Today, we celebrate Medal Day and pay tribute to those who by their bravery and dedication have distinguished themselves in fulfilling their duty to the people of New York City."
This year's top medal recipient is Firefighter Stan Sussina, of Rescue Company 1 (now assigned to Rescue Co. 3). Firefighter Sussina was cited for his daring rescue of two women trapped on the 28th floor at a high-rise fire at 1 Lincoln Plaza. The fire started in the apartment of jazz legend Lionel Hampton, spreading to the public hallway and heavy smoke and high heat trapped two women in an adjoining apartment. Firefighter Sussina was lowered from the 29th floor by life-saving rope, where he provided fresh air via his breathing mask to the panicked, choking women and eventually lead them to safety after the roaring fire was controlled by fellow firefighters.
Other honorees include four firefighters who helped rescue several people trapped in a building collapse on August 6, 1997, at 3851 Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn. First-arriving units entered the five-story building shortly after it collapsed at 3:30 a.m., and removed several occupants who had been trapped by debris and rubble.
Proving that firefighters are always ready to assist those in danger, Firefighter David Weiss of Ladder Co. 46 was cited for his off-duty heroics in attempting to save the life of a drowning victim in the East River on October 24, 1997. Weiss was driving his car northbound on the FDR Drive when he saw a car plunge into the river. He stopped and exited his car, climbed 20 feet down the elevated highway and entered the frigid water. Despite the strong current, he was able to rescue the victim and bring him ashore. Despite Firefighter Weiss' valiant efforts, the victim later died at the hospital.