Dogs Saved From Hicksville Fire Reunite With Rescuers

Three police officers, a police medic and four Hicksville firefighters were recognized Thursday for their heroic efforts in rescuing three dogs from a Hicksville house fire last week.

Three dogs, including one that was found unconscious, were rescued from the blaze that broke out on Georgia Street on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 26. Two of the dogs, Inca and Sasha, were in attendance at the press conference to personally thank the first responders.

“These police officers, firefighters and police medic are truly deserving of the recognition accorded to them for helping to save three dogs from a tragic ending,” Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano said in a press release. “Working collaboratively, they truly made a difference. Their quick response and immediate action has made the difference between life and death.”

Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter presented citations to the following responders:

• NCPD officer Andrew Massa
• NCPD officer Michael Rothwell
• NCPD officer Steven Tornetta
• Police medic Benjamin Butt
• Hicksville firefighter and 3rd Assistant Chief William Efinger
• Hicksville firefighter and Ex-Captain Joseph DiFronzo
• Hicksville firefighter and Ex-Captain Gary Lewis
• Hicksville firefighter and EMT/CC Jennifer Sheehan

On the morning of the incident, the three NCPD officers arrived to the home to hear a dog barking inside. Massa kicked in the front door, crawled on the floor to avoid the smoke, and found one dog, Inca, lying unconscious near the couch. Rothwell retrieved oxygen and aided Butt in administering oxygen to Inca. Tornetta then drove Inca to the nearest veterinarian.

The team of Hicksville firefighters found the other two dogs, Sasha and Chloe, hiding under a kitchen table inside and were able to walk them out safely. Butt administered oxygen to both of the dogs who did not appear to be seriously injured.

Image via Office of Ed Mangano

• Pictured above with County Executive Mangano : Thomas C. Krumpter, Acting Commissioner, NCPD; Kevin Smith, Chief of Department, NCPD; Patrick Ryder, Deputy Commissioner, NCPD; John Johnsen, Deputy Inspector, NCPD; Mark Vitelli, Deputy Inspector, NCPD, 2ndPrecinct; Andrew Massa, Police Officer, NCPD, 2nd Precinct; Michael Rothwell, Police Officer, NCPD; Steven Tornetta, Police Officer, NCPD; Benjamin Butt, Police Medic, NCPD; William Efinger, Hicksville Firefighter, 3rd Assistant Chief; Joseph DiFronzo, Hicksville Firefighter, Ex-Captain; Gary Lewis, Hicksville Firefighter, Ex-Captain; Jennifer Sheehan, Hicksville Firefighter, EMT/CC; Rose Marie Walker, Nassau County Legislator; Jita Klad, Owner; Margaret Parsinelli; and dogs Inca & Sasha.