Firefighters Rescue Disabled Man in the Bronx

Members of Ladder 59 (L to R) Firefighter Nicholas Brisotti, Lt. Joseph Ginley, Firefighter Thomas O'Shea, Firefighter David Daly and Firefighter Cody Baker.

Firefighters from Ladder 59 saved the day for a Bronx man on June 5, rescuing him from a smoky fire.

“Rescues like this make the job worthwhile,” said Lt. Joseph Ginley. “That’s why we’re here. We come to work to make a difference, and this time it worked out.”

Firefighters were called to an apartment building on Buchanan Place at 3:03 a.m.

When they arrived, firefighters said they saw fire on the second and third floors.

Firefighters from Ladder 59 went to the floor above the fire and forced open the door. Lt. Ginley began his search, but said he had trouble due to the thick, black smoke and the apartment’s clutter.

Firefighters from Ladder 59 speak to the media about their daring rescue.

As he climbed over several bicycles, a mattress, piles of books and a television, Lt. Ginley found an unconscious man sitting about halfway through the apartment. The man was moaning, but disabled, so Lt. Ginley radioed for help.

“Your adrenaline is really flowing and you hope you can get help quickly,” he said.

As he pulled the man to the front door, Firefighter David Daly heard the Lieutenant’s call for assistance while he was operating outside on a ladder. The Firefighter met the Lieutenant near the front door and the pair carried the man down the stairs to the waiting EMS members, who transported him to Bronx Municipal Hospital Center with smoke inhalation.

“This was my first save like this,” said Firefighter Daly. “It was a huge rush and I’m just happy we got him out in time.”