EMTs from Station 43 receive top EMS operations medal at 2025 Medal Day for saving two teenagers in the water in Brooklyn

June 10, 2025

EMTs Amber Black and Mitchell Tarnapolsky, both of Station 43, were honored with the Christopher J. Prescott Medal—the top EMS operations medal—at the FDNY's 156th Medal Day Ceremony for a lifesaving ocean rescue off Coney Island.

At about 6 p.m. on July 6, 2024, two teenagers were reported drowning near West 23rd Street and the Boardwalk. Members of Station 43's summer beach patrol units—75 Queen and 75 Paul—sprang into action.

Tarnapolsky, a seasoned lifeguard, immediately entered the water and swam more than 100 yards to reach the struggling swimmers. Supporting one teen while instructing the other to hold on, Tarnapolsky safely guided both back toward shore with the assistance of EMTs Roger Canale and Ciro Napolitano while Black coordinated rescue efforts and communications on land.

"Thanks to their quick thinking, their teamwork and their bravery, they were able to save the lives of two youngsters," FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said.

"It's such a big honor to be given such a high award," Black said. "It makes you feel like you're held up to a higher standard, and it's good to be recognized for the hard work that we put into this job."

"It's a great award. It's an honor to receive it, but again, we don't do this for awards," Tarnapolsky said. "We do it to keep everybody safe, to keep beachgoers having fun, and to make sure everybody has a great time."

Black was appointed to the FDNY on June 21, 2021. She is a recipient of a Unit of the Month. Tarnapolsky was appointed to the FDNY on Oct. 26, 2020. He is the recipient of a pre-hospital save (2024).

EMTs Amber Black and Mitchell Tarnapolsky, both of Station 43, were honored with the Christopher J. Prescott Medal at the FDNY's 156th Medal Day.