Frank W. Kridel Medal

Lieutenant George W. Symon Battalion 37 (assigned), Ladder Company 157 (detailed)

August 13, 2005, 0740 hours, Box 22-3917, 600 East 23rd Street, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on July 9, 1995. Previously assigned to Ladder 3. Grandfather, Lieutenant George W. Symon, is retired from Ladder 114; father, Lieutenant George W. Symon, is retired from Ladder 108; and uncle, Battalion Chief Gordon Symon, is retired from Battalion 43. Holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from SUNY at Stony Brook. Resides in Staten Island.

Due to their large size, elaborate construction features and unique internal features, the Queen Anne-type of structure presents a far more complex fire problem than the average private dwelling. Fires in Queen Anne dwellings are notorious manpower sponges, immediately absorbing every available hand due to the genuine possibility of portable ladder rescues and the number of areas that may have to be entered and searched. On August 13, 2005, at 0740 hours, the members of Ladder 157 and, in particular, Lieutenant George W. Symon, were reminded just how complex a fire problem this type dwelling poses to the Fire Department.

Firefighters, under the supervision of Lieutenant Symon, were dispatched for a phone alarm reporting a fire at 600 East 23rd Street, Brooklyn, for a fire in a three-story, wood-constructed Queen Ann-type private dwelling. On arrival, Lieutenant Symon noticed heavy smoke and fire pushing from several windows of the first, second and third floors, as well as the front door of the house. Additionally, members were confronted by frantic civilians informing them that there was a person who was unable to get out of his first-floor bedroom.

Denied entry into the fire building through the front door, Lieutenant Symon decided that the only chance for a rescue would be to go through the rear entrance, opposite the advancing hose-line. Entering the rear of the home, Ladder 157’s inside team was met with high heat and zero visibility as they began their search for the trapped occupant.

After completing a rapid search of the first room in the rear of the house, Lieutenant Symon observed fire starting to roll over at the ceiling level, further reinforcing the fact that time was running out. While concluding the search and telling his members that they were leaving the area, Lieutenant Symon found a bedroom without a door and instructed his members to leave as he alone made this last search for the victim.

Immediately upon entering this bedroom in rapidly deteriorating conditions, Lieutenant Symon found Charles Willhemsky, a 64-year-old man, unconscious on a hospital bed. With the opportunity for removal through the interior now eliminated due to the advancement of Engine 255’s hose-line through the front door, the Lieutenant decided that the only viable option would be to remove Mr. Willhemsky out the bedroom window.

Hearing the radio report of a found victim, FF Christian Neilsen Ladder 157, assigned the irons, found Lieutenant Symon removing the victim from the bed and assisted dragging the victim to the window. Roof FF Craig Gundersen, Ladder 157, placed a portable ladder to the window. The unconscious victim then was removed out the window and down the ladder. Mr. Willhemsky was taken to Staten Island University Burn Center in critical condition. He remained hospitalized for an extensive period of time.

Due to the Lieutenant’s selfless act of bravery, Charles Willhemsky recovered from his severe life-threatening injuries and is alive today. For his heroic actions, Lieutenant George W. Symon is presented with the Frank W. Kridel Medal.—PWB

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