It is traditional in many fire service families for the sons and
daughters to follow in the footsteps of their parents and/or
siblings. Some go further and even effect a rescue, as did
their relative. Such is the case with FF Conor Norman, Ladder
120.
At 1858 hours on December 14, 2019, Engine 231/Ladder
120/Battalion 44 were dispatched to a fire in a 13-story, Class 1,
high-rise, fireproof multiple dwelling, located across the street
from the firehouse. The response was quick and Captain Daniel
W. Kudlak, and Ladder 120’s chauffeur, FF Peter Carroll, exchanged size-up information: A smoke condition on the building exterior, a strong west/northwest wind, a small group of civilians who seemed to be pointing toward the upper floors and a sidewalk shed that encircled the building, obstructing the view of members trying to access the main entrance. Because of elevator problems, Ladder 120 used the B elevator car to transport equipment and members Captain Kudlak and FFs Patrick Coraggio (irons), Joseph Ciaravino (extinguisher), Conor Norman (outside vent) and Andrew Eckstein (roof). Arriving on the 10th floor, Battalion Chief Jeffrey Meister, UFO Battalion 44, told the members that people were trapped in the fire apartment and smoke was reported on the 12th and 13th floors. A woman at the open fire apartment door screamed that her baby was still inside and begged members to save him. Members began removing the woman to safety when, in her anxiety and fear, she kicked open the controlled fire apartment door, causing members of the inside team to be blown to the floor by high heat and acrid smoke. Due to the elevator problems, FF Norman was working with the inside team and entered the fire apartment, finding a heavy body of fire in the living room. Without the protection of a hoseline, he advanced under, around and past the fire to access the hallway and beyond to the bedrooms. Performing a right-handed search down the hallway, he found a semi-conscious young man on the floor. The Firefighter transmitted the 10-45 and began victim removal. Retracing his steps, FF Norman carried the victim toward the apartment door. Firefighter Ciaravino was holding back the fire as best he could with the extinguisher. He then shielded FF Norman and the victim with his own body. Flames and heat surrounded all rescuers now and the living room windows failed, resulting in deteriorating conditions and forcing all members to retreat to the controlled apartment door. Engine 231 then entered the fire apartment and used their hose-line to extinguish the fire in the living room, allowing FF Norman to complete removal of the victim. He transferred care to CFR-D members and then EMS members took over with care and transport to the hospital. Firefighter Norman passed wind-impacted fire twice without the protection of a hose-line. Furthermore, he knew that a second means of egress from the fire apartment was not an option. He has made his father (a retired Deputy Assistant Chief) and brother (a Lieutenant), as well as the FDNY, proud. For his tenacity and bravery, FF Conor Norman is presented with the Henry D. Brookman Medal.
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