Bellmore firefighter receives Medal of Valor

Vice President Joe Biden and other federal officials honored a former chief of the Bellmore Fire Department last week, as the volunteer was one of only 16 people nationwide to receive a 2012-13 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.

John Curley, 45, a longtime member of the Bellmore Fire Department, received the honor at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11. Attorney General Eric Holder and Biden presented him with the medal and spoke at the event, saying the Curley and all of the award recipients “reflect a piece of America.”

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, authorized by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, is the highest national award for valor presented to a public safety officer. The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. Including last week’s awardees, a total of 95 medals have been presented since the first recipients were honored in 2003.

A combined 22 people were honored for actions they took in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Biden said he was honored to meet the men and women and men who put their lives on the line for their communities and run to the sounds of danger.

“You’re a rare breed,” the vice president said. “You’re all crazy. We love you for it. We need you. You are the best thing we have going for us.”

Curley was recognized for a daring rescue her performed at a house fire on Shore Road on Nov. 12, 2012. He saved the life of a 92-year-old woman, who was trapped inside the burning home.

More to follow next week.