County Employees Recognized For Rescuing Woman From Fire

Last week, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran commended the efforts of two county employees who risked their lives to save an elderly woman and her dogs from a house fir in Hicksville.

Robert Chiz, who works in the county's Office of Emergency Management, and Scott DiPino, of the Emergency Ambulance Bureau, rescued the woman from a house fire on April 4.

“Nassau County’s first responders confront danger every day in order to save lives and keep us all safe,” said Curran. “Our first responders again demonstrated their professionalism and bravery this morning in Hicksville, and I am deeply grateful for their courageous service.”

Around 7:47 a.m. on April 4, the Hicksville Fire Department got a call for a fire on Park Avenue with people trapped inside. Chiz, who is the chief of the department, was the first on the scene and called in the working fire.

As Chiz was assessing the scene and learning from a neighbor that there was someone trapped inside, DiPino, a Hicksville paramedic, arrived on the scene. The two tried to get into the home through the front door, but the fire prevented them.

They quickly tried a side door and managed to get into the house. They found an elderly woman inside and managed to get her out. They also rescued two dogs from the blaze.

The woman was taken to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor cuts. One of the dogs was taken to an emergency veterinarian for care. The other died at the scene.

Multiple fire departments responded, and the fire was brought under control around 8:30 a.m. But the actions of Chiz and DiPino saved the woman's life.