M.J. Delehanty Medal

Lieutenant Joseph O. McHugh
Battalion 15 (assigned), Ladder Company 41 (detailed)

October 18, 2003, 0004 hours
Box 75-3244
2081 Cruger Avenue, Bronx

Appointed to the FDNY on September 8, 1991. Previously assigned to Ladder 25. Member of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and Emerald Society. Cited for bravery three times previously. Holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven.

The air outside the Morris Park firehouse was cool. Fall was definitely in the air when just past midnight, the alarm sounded for a reported structural fire. Lieutenant Joseph McHugh stopped the paperwork he was doing, put aside thoughts of the imminent birth of his first child and headed for the rig.

When the chauffeur activated the truck’s ignition, the Department radio sprang to life. The dispatcher reported that numerous telephone calls were being received for a multiple-dwelling fire. Three minutes after the initial alarm, Ladder Company 41 approached a six-story, non-fireproof apartment building and members viewed heavy smoke and fire pushing out from two windows on the third floor. They had a job.

Ladder 41 apparatus.   photo by Joe Pinto

Just as the truck rolled to a stop, Lieutenant McHugh and his forcible entry team of FFs Edwin Santiago and Louis Torres quickly headed for the building. Making their way past fleeing occupants, they climbed the stairs to the third floor, where they were faced with an extremely heavy smoke condition. The door to the fire apartment had a number of locks and using the ax and Halligan tool, the Firefighters forced the door open.

Once there was access to the apartment, Lieutenant McHugh was met by fire lapping out the bedroom door into the hallway. Super-heated gases--caused, in part, because the large, three-bedroom apartment featured thermopane windows--and thick, black smoke forced Lieutenant McHugh to the floor.

The Lieutenant knew that a locked apartment door in the middle of the night indicated that someone probably was trapped behind the wall of flames. Although aware that Engine 90, under the command of Lieutenant Baresi, would have a difficult and long hose stretch, which would delay the protection of water from a hose-line, Lieutenant McHugh, nevertheless, started making his way into the depths of the flat.

As he crawled down the hallway searching for victims, the intense heat and dancing flames over his head made for an extremely dangerous undertaking. Complicating matters was the fact that the hallway was strewn with boxes, household furnishings and debris--presenting a Collyers’ mansion-type condition--making the search even more arduous.

Lieutenant McHugh was undaunted in his efforts and, as he reached the entrance of the rear bedroom, he located a heavy, unconscious, 81-year-old woman. Summoning a burst of strength, Lieutenant McHugh dragged the victim, Ms. Katie Schattman, back down the cluttered hallway and out of the apartment, where members of Squad 61 immediately rendered medical attention. The victim eventually was transported to the hyperbaric chamber at Jacobi Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, respiratory problems and burns.

Lieutenant McHugh undertook his search and rescue efforts without a hose-line to protect him. He operated in a dangerous, life-threatening environment--twice passing fire--with discipline and aggressiveness. By conducting himself in a methodical and professional manner, he saved the victim’s life. Lieutenant McHugh’s act involved unusual personal risk and his bravery was in the highest tradition of the FDNY and the entire fire service. For his gallant actions, the M.J. Delehanty Medal is proudly awarded to Lieutenant Joseph O. McHugh.--BDG

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