Paramedics from Station 44 receive top EMS operations medal at 2026 Medal Day for evacuating residents and providing life-saving treatment to critically injured victim in Brooklyn fire

June 3, 2026

Paramedic Naytasha Doyle and now-Probationary Firefighter Paul Saladis III, who were previously partners at Station 44, were honored with the Christopher J. Prescott Medal—the top EMS operations medal—at the FDNY's 157th Medal Day Ceremony for providing life-saving treatment to a critically injured victim in Brooklyn.

On Dec. 23, 2025, Paramedics Doyle and Saladis were responding to a call when they witnessed flames blowing out of the second-floor windows of aw large, four-story residential building in Brooklyn.

As the first crew on scene and knowing immediate action was required, the members provided critical information to incoming FDNY units, including best access points. The members then entered the building and assisted with evacuating residents, guiding them to safety. A critically injured victim was removed from the building, and Paramedics Doyle and Saladis immediately began life-saving interventions and treatment, reversing prolonged exposure to smoke.

While being transported to a hospital, the victim began to show signs of spontaneous movement.

"Their swift actions led arriving firefighters to (the door of a trapped family) and safely removed them from the building. One of those residents was suffering prolonged exposure to smoke and Paramedic Doyle and Saladis administrated the medications that brought the victim back to life," FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. "Thanks to the collaborative efforts of both FDNY fire and EMS units, two lives were saved."

"It's nice to be honored for doing something that I've done," Doyle said. "It's such a great feeling."

Added Saladis: "Just looking back and seeing how big of an impact it actually made—it's really cool."

Doyle was appointed to the FDNY on Oct. 15, 2018. She is a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and is the recipient of four pre-hospital saves, one Unit Citation and COVID-19 commendation. Saladis was appointed to the FDNY on Feb. 5, 2018, and is the recipient of two Unit Citations, multiple pre-hospital saves and an Excellence in Clinical Care.

Paramedic Naytasha Doyle and now-Probationary Firefighter Paul Saladis III, who were paramedic partners at Station 44, were honored with the Christopher J. Prescott Medal at the FDNY's 157th Medal Day.