Video: 54 Years Later, Smithtown Firefighter Reunites With Family He Helped Save

SMITHTOWN, NY — What began as a routine department meeting became an unforgettable moment of gratitude, reflection, and tears when a family reunited with the firefighter who saved their father’s life more than 50 years ago.

On Monday, Jan. 12, members of the Smithtown Fire Department and Central Islip Fire Department paused their regular monthly meeting for a moment that transcended any agenda item — a long-overdue “thank you” more than 54 years in the making.

Former Central Islip Fire Department Chief Thomas D’Arcangelo, who served with Central Islip for 42 years and previously as a member of Smithtown Fire Department Engine Company 2, arrived expecting a standard meeting. Instead, he was unknowingly walking into a reunion that would bring back one of the earliest calls of his life.

Siblings Ken Gordon, John Gordon, and Linda (Gordon) Golden shared memories from their childhood on Allison Court in Smithtown. More than five decades ago, when they were young children, their father — not yet 40 years old — suddenly stopped breathing inside their home. Their mother screamed for help and sent the children outside to flag down an ambulance.

Just one minute after the emergency call was placed, a car came racing around the corner with a blue light flashing.

Behind the wheel was an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter — still wearing his pajamas.

That firefighter was Thomas D’Arcangelo.

Using early CPR, D’Arcangelo successfully resuscitated their father, who went on to make a full recovery. He would live another 43 years, passing away at the age of 81 after witnessing milestones that might never have been possible otherwise.

“He saw all of us have kids," John Gordon said. "He saw all of us graduate school. He went to every one of our weddings. He changed the course of life for me and my family. I get choked up every time I think about how different life would have been if he wasn’t that 18-year-old kid coming down the road to help my father. There wasn’t a holiday that went by that we didn’t talk about Tommy.”

Surrounded by applause — and more than a few tears — the Gordon family finally had the opportunity to thank the man whose quick response altered their family’s future, sharing a long-overdue embrace with D’Arcangelo.

“Stories like this remind us why we volunteer,” Smithtown Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Andrew Kelly said. “I had the honor of listening to the Gordon family share how, 54 years ago, a member of the Smithtown Fire Department saved their father’s life. We paused our regular meeting because their story was bigger than any agenda item — it was a powerful reminder of why we serve this community.”

Kelly said that moments like these reflect the core mission of volunteer fire and EMS services.

“One neighbor’s response, one selfless act, changed the course of an entire family,” he said. “Moments like this define the Volunteer Fire and EMS service — neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most. I am extremely proud to serve as one of the leaders of this outstanding organization.”

Fire officials said the reunion also serves as a reminder of how critical early CPR can be during an emergency, noting that immediate action in the first moments can make a life-saving difference.

Residents can learn more about joining the Smithtown Fire Department at SmithtownFD.org/join.