New Rochelle Firefighters Honored for Rescue Efforts

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Two New Rochelle firefighters were honored for their heroics during a fire earlier this year.

Liberty Mutual Insurance joined members of the New Rochelle Fire Department at Station #1 Firehouse for the Annual Firemark Awards, according to a city spokeswoman.

Lieutenant Brian O’Keefe and Firefighter Kevin Thomas received the prestigious awards for their heroic rescue during a fire at Davenport Avenue earlier this year. Cheukping Shiu and Damion Del, representatives of Liberty Mutual Insurance, presented the two awards to the honorees.

On January 8, 2016, Tower Ladder 11’s search team arrived at the scene to save a trapped victim. Lt. O’Keefe and Firefighter Thomas initiated a primary search of the apartment. With zero visibility they used a thermal imaging camera as they passed through heavy fire in the kitchen and traveled down a narrow, obstructed hallway to reach the rear bedroom where the victim was.

“Their quick thinking and trained professionalism made the difference between life and death,” said Chief Louis DiMeglio.

The two members were also commended for their act of valor with Class 2 Citations during the fire department’s annual award ceremony in October.

The Firemark Award, established by Liberty Mutual in 1986, recognizes local firefighters for their impact on their communities.

Photo caption: From left, Liberty Mutual (Sales Representative) Cheukping Shiu, Liberty Mutual (Sr. Branch Manager) Damion Del Corsano, Lt. Brain O’Keefe, Firefighter Kevin Thomas, Fire Chief Louis DiMeglio. Photo credit: Courtesy.