Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal

Firefighter John V. Kroczynski Ladder Company 169

February 4, 2005, 1248 hours, Box 75-3355, 708 Banner Avenue, Brooklyn

Appointed to the FDNY on August 16, 1998. Previously assigned to Engines 65 and 207. Brother, FF Michael Kroczynski, is assigned to Ladder 83. Member of the Emerald and Pulaski Societies and Columbia Association. Holds a BS degree in accounting. Recipient of the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Medal in 2005. Resides in Staten Island with his wife, Stacey, and their two daughters, Alexa and Gianna.

With frigid temperatures and a cold wind constantly blowing in from the ocean, early February is usually a quiet time in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn. However, around lunch time on February 4, 2005, FF John V. Kroczynski and the members of Ladder 169received an emergency call that really heated up the day.

At 1248 hours, a report was received by Brooklyn Dispatch for a first-floor fire at Box 3355.  Brooklyn Dispatch immediately directed units to this address with Engine 246/Ladder 169 arriving within three minutes to 708 Banner Avenue, a two-story, 25- by 60-foot, class three, multiple dwelling.

While Engine 246 was working to stretch a hose-line, FF Kroczynski with the irons, along with FF John O’Keefe with the can, followed Lieutenant Daniel McGuinness into the building’s public hallway where they encountered a heavy smoke condition.  Without knowing which apartment was on fire, FF Kroczynski forced the door of the front apartment. Finding no fire inside this unit, the team proceeded to the rear apartment and forced that door.

Opening the door, the team was confronted by a high heat and dense smoke condition. Pushing forward to search the apartment, the inside team found a rapidly expanding fire and was forced to take a defensive position. FF O’Keefe opened the can in an attempt to hold back the fire, while FF Kroczynski notified Lieutenant McGuinness he was going to try to search the rear of the apartment.

FF Kroczynski, without the presence of a charged hose-line and only the can used by FF O’Keefe to protect him, bravely crawled past the fire and into the rear of the apartment where he heard the sounds of a victim. Crawling through high heat and zero visibility, he entered the rear bedroom and discovered the unconscious body of Ibiria Chaudry on the bed in the left corner of the room. FF Kroczynski immediately sent a 10-45 signal to Lieutenant McGuinness via his handie-talkie and requested assistance.

By this time, members of Engine 246 were entering the apartment and started to knock down the fire. Meanwhile, Lieutenant McGuinness and FF O’Keefe rushed to FF Kroczynski and assisted him in removing the victim from danger.     Upon removal to the street, FF Kroczynski established an airway and assisted in administering oxygen prior to the arrival of EMS. Mrs. Chaudry then was taken to Coney Island Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

In his report of the incident, Battalion Chief Robert Glynn of the 43rd Battalion stated, “In my opinion, had it not been for the determined and aggressive search by FF Kroczynski, Mrs. Chaudry surely would have died. He acted in the finest tradition of the New York City Fire Department.” Therefore, in recognition of this selfless act, the New York City Fire Department is proud to honor Firefighter John V. Kroczynski today by presenting him with the Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia Medal.—DH

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