Honorary Firefighter With Autism Honored For Heroic Action

HAUPPAUGE, NY - A 22-year-old honorary firefighter with autism was recently honored by the Hauppauge Fire Department for his quick actions in saving his family home from fire.

Daniel Diana, who is an Honorary Member of Hauppauge Fire Department Engine Company 3, loves everything about firefighting and being a part of the fire department in any capacity possible. So when a fire recently broke out at his home, he sprung into action.

The fire started when Daniel's grandparents were over for a visit and his mom, Dina Diana was cooking bacon on a BBQ grille on the back porch.

The grease from the bacon caught fire and started a large fire with flames five-feet high that were impinging on a canopy over the porch.

Daniel witnessed the flames quickly told his mom to close the lid on the BBQ and turn off the gas. The fire was still burning intensely as he raced to the shed and grabbed two dry chemical extinguishers to put out the fire.

He remained calm and knew what needed to be done to stop the fire from spreading, with the knowledge he learned over the past four years at the firehouse.

Daniel has autism and struggles with everyday life, but during this event he stepped up and took brave actions to protect his family and home.

The Department held a ceremony in his honor where he was congratulated for his heroic actions and presented with a Certificate of Merit and fire department jacket from Chief Robert Wind and officers, as his proud parents and other family members, friends and firefighters attended.

Story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy of the Hauppauge Fire Department