The FDNY celebrated courageous acts of bravery and heroism during their annual medal day for fires in 2023.
Dozens of firefighters, paramedics and EMTs were presented with awards at City Hall, honoring their acts of heroism. The recipients, family, friends and fellow colleagues cheered with excitement as the emergency services personnel received their awards.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh said, “Through all the ups and downs of this department, you still put yourselves in harm’s way to protect others. This department rebounded through COVID and is still working hard every day to protect New Yorkers.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “This day reminds me of myself, brother and cousin were protecting people, whether it be 9/11 or like the star-spangled banner exploding, you always rise to the occasion. The city thanks you.”
Firefighter Artur Podgorski of Ladder Company 108 was awarded the Harry M. Archer Medal for a rope roof rescue performed at 429 East 52 Street. he dangled over the side of the building on a rope as he reached a victim trapped behind heavy security bars and thick smoke on November 5, 2023. The award is only awarded every couple of years.
Fire Lieutenant Mark Russo of Squad Company 8 was awarded the Peter J Ganci medal for reaching and rescuing an unconscious firefighter involved in a mayday on Staten Island on Feb. 17, 2023. Another firefighter was forced to bail out over a ground ladder to safety.
Paramedics EMT Gary Hui and EMT Samuel Wright helped rescue a dump truck driver that crashed and caught fire. For their efforts, the two EMTs were awarded the Christopher J. Prescott Medal at the 2024 FDNY Medal Day Ceremony.
Firefighter Patrick Gale of Engine Company 282 was awarded the Louis Valentino medal for a roof rope rescue of an occupant during a top floor apartment fire in Park Slope and lowered him to safety with the help of Squad Company 1 firefighter James McHugh on June 20th.
Firefighter Brian Wilson was awarded the Chief Welsey Williams medal after rescuing a victim during a basement fire and removed the victim to a bathroom and then public hallway with the assistance of Squad Company 252 irons firefighter Michael Esposito and Ladder Company 111 Fire Lieutenant Michael Conney.
Fire Captain James Shields of Ladder Company 42 was awarded the Thomas J. Neary Bronx Harlem Firefighter medal. The department’s newest medal for finding three occupants during a New York City Housing Authority fire. The victims were found in the hallway of the fire apartment and public hallway in very heavy heavy and thick smoke as conditions worsened.
Rescue Company 2 Lieutenant Thomas Riches was awarded the Michael J. Delehanty medal for rescuing an occupant from a fire on Dolan Street. Riches found the victim trapped near the hallway on the second floor where he found two burned occupants overcome by smoke inhalation and unconscious.
Firefighter Jeese Torres of Ladder Company 17 rescued a semi-conscious man while conducting a right hand search with a hose line in an apartment in the Bronx. He was awarded the William F. Conran Medal.
