New Haven firefighters honored for heroic actions during two rescues

Aug. 31--NEW HAVEN -- Several members of the New Haven Fire Department were recognized Tuesday for their heroic actions during two fire rescues.

In one, it was a freezing cold Sunday in March 2015 when two people, including a firefighter, were seriously injured after a blaze broke out late night at a Dickerman Street home.

A man was trapped on the second floor and firefighters were told to use extreme caution because there was a delay in water lines.

But that didn't deter Lt. Patrick Grant from locating and carrying the unconscious victim to safety. Capt. Robert Celentano and Lt. Leon Brown assisted with the rescue. With no clear path to the front of the building, the firefighters worked together to lift the man, who suffered from serious injuries, up and over a fence to the next yard where they were met by an EMS crew.

In a letter to then-chief Allyn Wright, Battalion Chief William Gould said the crew performed their duties at extreme personal risk, without regard to their own safety, in order to save the man.

"All members on this incident had to operate with extreme weather conditions, overcoming a delay in water supply that could have resulted in fire personnel injuries and further loss of property," Gould said. "Each member on this assignment operated within the highest traditions of this department."

Grant said he was honored, but he was just doing his job.

"It's a great honor to receive this and I'm glad everyone got recognized," Grant said. "But without the guys, my crew, it wouldn't have happened. Everybody worked together, it was a good team effort."

During another call, in June 2014, one man died and four people were injured during a fire at a 17-story apartment building on York Street. Firefighters James Fitzgerald, Edward Taylor and Michael Milano and Lt. William Gambardella were recognized Tuesday for their efforts to save the man who died from smoke inhalation that day.

Fitzgerald located the man inside, and with the help of Gambardella, Taylor, and Milano, carried the victim down the six flights of stairs to the lobby.

"Even though the outcome was tragic," Gould said, "I believe these members gave the victim the best chance of survival with their aggressive and determined actions."

The Police and Fire Insurance Association presented firefighters with the awards at Tuesday's Board of Fire Commissioners meeting. Fire Engine 4, Engine 9 and Engine 6 also received company plaques for their assistance with the rescues.

Acting Fire Chief Matthew Marcarelli said the firefighters showed outstanding professionalism and teamwork.

"They are humble people," Marcarelli said. "But there are certain events where they distinguish themselves at where they put themselves at extreme personal risk."

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