Firefighters Honored For Saving New City Family

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Legislature honored two volunteer firefighters Tuesday for saving the lives of a New City family, including a woman in her 90s carried from the burning home.

New City Fire Department Lt. Brendan Wren and Firefighter Thomas Gerlich were formally recognized for the heroism and dedication to community that they demonstrated during the rescue effort.

“These two men have dedicated numerous hours to train for a situation just like this, and when the time came they knew what to do and without any hesitation took action,” Legislator Lon Hofstein said. “Once again our first responders put their own lives at risk to save others.”

According to the New City Fire Department, Wren and Gerlich were driving in a personal vehicle when they saw a home on fire on South Little Tor Road around 1:30 a.m. June 24.

They realized no one had called 911 yet, so Lt. Wren used his fire dispatch radio to notify 44-Control. Wren then conducted a 360-degree survey of the house to gather pertinent information for responding firefighters.

At the same time, Firefighter Gerlich realized no one was outside the burning home and banged on the door to awaken anyone inside. Family members exited but told Gerlich that a woman in her 90s was still inside and that she would need help to get out.

Without the benefit of any safety gear – no turnout coat, pants or helmet, and without a hose line, Gerlich entered the home and began searching for the woman. He checked the second floor and then the first, located her and helped the still-conscious woman outside as the rest of the fire department arrived on the scene.

Although the home and its possessions were nearly all lost, the family escaped with their lives and no injuries thanks to the bravery demonstrated by Lt. Wren and Firefighter Gerlich, who is also a New York City Police Officer assigned to the 44th precinct in the Bronx, legislators said.

Hofstein presented the firefighters with Distinguished Service Awards, the Legislature’s highest honor.

According to published reports, volunteer firefighters from Congers, Hillcrest, Nanuet and West Haverstraw also responded to the fire scene, as well as the Rockland Paramedics and New City Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Rockland County relies on volunteer, professionally trained firefighters to respond to a variety of emergencies, everything from house fires, gas explosions and car accidents to mountain rescues, train derailments and boating accidents, among other incidents. New volunteers are welcome. Opportunities exist for both youth and adult involvement. Call (845) 364-8800 for more information.

Caption:
Rockland County Legislator Lon Hofstein, joined by Legislature Chairman Toney L. Earl (left) and Legislator Laurie Santulli (right), honored New City Fire Department Firefighter Thomas Gerlich and Lt. Brendan Wren for the heroism and dedication to community that they demonstrated during a response to a recent house fire. Each volunteer was presented with a Distinguished Service Award, the Legislature's highest honor. Photo courtesy Rockland County Legislature

SEE: House Ablaze, Firefighters Save Residents