 Frank
W. Kridel Medal
Firefighter Joseph M. Gavitt
Ladder Company 159
January 17, 2003, 0039 hours, Box 4193, 2146 Mill Avenue, Brooklyn
Appointed to the FDNY on April 20, 1987. Previously assigned to Ladder
10. Father, FF Thomas Gavitt (now deceased), was retired from Engine 323; grandfather,
FF Frederick Gavitt (now deceased), was retired from Engine 227; brothers, FF
Tom Gavitt is assigned to Ladder 147 and FF Fred Gavitt is retired from Ladder
123. Member of the Emerald Society. Cited for bravery three times previously
and is the recipient of the Life Saving Benevolent Association Award in 1992.
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Ladder 159 members in operation. photo courtesy of FF Joseph M.
Gavitt
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Just after midnight on January 17, 2003, the members of Ladder 159 of the
Friendly Firehouse were called as the first-due Ladder Company
to a working fire in a private dwelling at 2146 Mill Avenue
in the Flatlands section of Brooklyn. On arrival, the Company
found a large body of fire lapping out the front door of a
mobile home. At approximately the same time as Ladder 159’s
arrival, Engine 323, which had issued the 10-75, also issued
a request for a water relay (10-70) because the fire was approximately
700 feet from the nearest hydrant.
As Engine 323 members began to stretch a hose-line for booster
water, a distraught man ran to the members of Ladder 159 and
frantically stated that his brother was still inside the burning
mobile home. Acting immediately, the inside team--including
Lieutenant Frank Fiorino, FF Joseph Gavitt (irons) and Probationary
FF Lankford (can)--raced toward the structure. Using his tools,
FF Gavitt gained entry into the building where he was immediately
struck by a thick wall of black smoke and high heat.
Once inside the mobile home, FF Gavitt, without the protection
of a charged hose-line, quickly searched to his right in an
attempt to find and save the victim. Approximately half a
minute later, the members of Engine 323 had charged their
booster line and opened up on the fire, allowing the other
members of the inside team access to the mobile home.
During these critical seconds, FF Gavitt found the victim,
Mr. Vito Lagreca, on his bed. The Firefighter transmitted
this information to Lieutenant Fiorino and then worked to
remove the victim. However, due to the victim’s size
(300 pounds), FF Gavitt was able to drag Mr. Lagreca only
a few feet.
Immediately, the other members of the inside team, assisted
by the outside vent man, assisted FF Gavitt in carrying Mr.
Lagreca out of the mobile home. However, as FF Gavitt and
the members were attempting this rescue, Lieutenant Dan Reid
of Engine 323 notified all members that the booster tank water
had run out and there was no longer any water to hold back
the fire.
While flames began to roll over their heads, Probationary
FF Lankford opened up with the can, allowing FF Gavitt and
the other members of the outside team to successfully remove
Mr. Lagreca. Upon exiting the mobile home, FFs Gavitt and
Lankford and other members not involved in the firefighting
began CPR and applied a resuscitator in an attempt to revive
Mr. Lagreca. The victim was removed to Kings Highway Hospital
where, unfortunately, he died of cardiac arrest.
Today, FDNY is proud to honor FF Joseph M. Gavitt with the
Frank W. Kridel Medal.--DJH
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