Thomas E. Crimmins Medal

Firefighter John C. Genna, Engine Company 298 (assigned), Ladder Company 125 (detailed)

January 30, 2005, 0619 hours, Box 33-4369, 88-28 162nd Street, Jamaica, Queens

Appointed to the FDNY on October 1, 2000. Member of the Emerald Society. Holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Queens College. Previously recognized for pre-hospital saves. Recipient of the Firehouse Magazine Heroism Award and New York Rotary Club Heroism Award. Resides in Queens.

On the morning of January 30, 2005, as the Department coped with the line-of-duty deaths of three members the prior week, FF John C. Genna (detailed to Ladder 125) and the members of Engine 298 once again were called to protect life and property. At 0619 hours, Engine 315 and Ladder 125 were assigned second due to Queens Box 4369 for a reported fire at 88-22 162nd Street with people trapped. At 0621 hours, Engine 298 arrived as the first-due unit and transmitted a 10-75. Engine 298 also requested an additional engine and truck due to the heavy volume of fire and the presence of security bars on the first-floor windows.

Two problems immediately faced Engine 298. First, because of the previous week’s heavy snow and mounting trash, the nearest hydrant could not be located immediately. A hydrant was found further down the block. The second problem was that Ladder 127, the second-due truck, notified Queens Dispatch they were unable to respond because of an apparatus problem. Thus, FF Genna and the members of Ladder 125 had to assume the first-due truck’s role.

When Ladder 125 arrived at 0624 hours, they found heavy volumes of fire from exposure #1 on both the first and second floors, as well as a number of anxious residents and neighbors stating that people were trapped in the rear of the building. A quick size-up revealed that the members of Ladder 125 would have to find another way into the building to conduct searches.

Assigned the forcible entry position, FF Genna, along with Lieutenant Joseph Fernicola, made their way to the rear of the building to find a point of entry. Reaching the rear of the building, the pair encountered a terrified civilian attempting to make his way down from the second floor via a civilian ladder and screaming there were other occupants trapped.

As the fire now was moving rapidly through the second floor, FF Genna quickly set up a portable ladder and following Lieutenant Fernicola, climbed to a second-floor window, which was venting heavy smoke and heat. FF Genna entered the building and immediately encountered a high heat and smoke condition with zero visibility.

Without the benefit of a charged hose-line for protection, FF Genna began his search. Lieutenant Fernicola, who also was conducting a search, found the unconscious body of Ms. Parbattie Seunarine, age 42, and radioed FF Genna for assistance.

At this time, Deputy Chief Paul Ferro of the 13th Division had arrived on-scene and radioed all members to vacate the building due to the worsening conditions. However, learning that members were undertaking a rescue operation, the Chief ordered interior operations resumed. Chief Ferro ordered members of Engine 303 to move to the rear of the building and stretch a hose-line to protect the ongoing rescue operation.

As fire began to enter through the bedroom doorway, FF Genna moved to assist Lieutenant Fernicola. While moving deeper into the room to assist his Lieutenant, FF Genna found the motionless, burned body of Dhavindranauth Seunarine, age 43.  FF Genna immediately radioed a 10-45 to Lieutenant Fernicola and dragged this victim to the window in preparation for removal. 

While FF Genna was working to rescue the second victim, Lieutenant Fernicola discovered a third victim, Devindranauth Seunarine, age 13. Now additional assistance would be required. Luckily, FF Edward Cancro of Rescue 4 had ascended the portable ladder and entered the room. FF Genna, with the assistance of FF Cancro, assisted in lifting the first victim out to Lieutenant Fernicola, who carried her to safety. FF Cancro then lifted the teenage victim out the window to FF Genna, who carried him down the ladder to safety. While FF Cancro turned this victim over to EMS for medical treatment, Lieutenant Fernicola ascended the ladder and removed the second victim.

In his report, Deputy Chief Ferro stated that he had arrived on-scene in time to witness the entire rescue operation. He noted that FF John C. Genna did an outstanding job under arduous conditions. Specifically, he wrote, “His perseverance, determination and bravery directly resulted in the saving of lives. He placed himself at risk in the finest traditions of this Department.” The Fire Department is proud to honor him today with the Thomas E. Crimmins Medal.—DH

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