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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today presided over the annual Medal Day Ceremony to honor more than 50 Firefighters, Fire Officers and Fire Marshals who performed acts of heroism and valor during the year 2000. The medal recipients were cited for their life-saving work at fires, building collapses, water rescues and other emergencies -- circumstances in which members went above and beyond the usual everyday heroics performed by New York's Bravest.

"Today we honor the bravest of 'New York's Bravest' -- Firefighters who have performed acts of courage and heroism well above and way beyond the call of duty," Mayor Giuliani said. "Countless times I have been called to fire emergencies throughout the five boroughs, and each time I have personally witnessed the dedication and bravery of New York City's Firefighters. Each of the honorees today deserves the heartfelt gratitude and praise of all New Yorkers."

Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, "The incidents we hear about today are but a small sampling of the heroism and dedication that prevails throughout this Department. I fully believe that each and every medal winner is among the very best the New York City Fire Department has to offer. You represent a commitment to excellence in a difficult and dangerous profession. I congratulate all of you for exemplifying the traditions that have earned New York City Firefighters the distinction of being 'New York's Bravest'."

The Fire Department's prestigious Gordon Bennett Medal was awarded to Firefighter John F. South of Ladder Company 44. Firefighter South is credited with the daring rescue of a 33-year old man from beneath the rubble of a collapsed one-story garage in the Bronx. The victim was pinned beneath the remnants of the collapsed roof. Firefighter South, along with other members from Ladder 44, cleared away bricks and debris to create a 3-foot by 3-foot crawl space in which he then advanced on his stomach to reach the trapped victim. While Firefighter South began to shore up the area around the victim, Firefighter Dan Perrella, also of Ladder Company 44, assisted in the placement and inflation of maxi-force airbags, lifting the debris and allowing Firefighter South to free the victim. The two Firefighters then removed Mr. Bowden to waiting medical crews. For his actions, Firefighter Perrella was awarded the Emily Trevor/Mary B. Warren Medal.

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal was awarded to Fire Lieutenant Edwin Camilleri of Ladder Company 167 in Queens. When Lieutenant Camilleri and his team arrived at the scene of a raging all-hands fire, smoke and fire were pushing out every window. Lieutenant Camilleri and his team quickly advanced into the fire apartment without the benefit of a hose line. Without hesitation and with total disregard for their own personal safety, Camilleri, along with Firefighters Martin Liptak and Robert Borcherding, crawled past the intense flames. Camilleri then continued deeper into the smoke-filled apartment. Locating the rear bedroom, he found the unconscious victims, Mrs. Julie Chun and her two-year old son Charles. Using their own bodies to shield the victims from the fire, Lieutenant Camilleri and Firefighter Liptak removed the victims to the street, where Camilleri began CPR on Charles. After being relieved by an EMS crew, Camilleri returned to the fire apartment to continue searching for more victims. Firefighters Liptak and Borcherding also received medals for their actions.

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