Phil Tkacz recognized for feat of bravery

Phil Tkacz, an ex-captain of the Lynbrook Fire Department Truck Company, was recently presented with a Firematic Award from the Town of Hempstead for his efforts to help save the life of an unconscious motorist who had crashed their car along the Van Wyck Expressway.

The incident took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. on March 23. Tkacz was on his way home from work when he noticed that traffic had suddenly started to slow down and people were exiting their vehicles in a frantic manner.

Without hesitation, he rushed towards the accident to find that the car was pinned against the guardrail.

The occupant inside the vehicle was unconscious and the door was locked. Knowing that time was critical he looked for an object to gain entry.

It was then that another bystander broke the window with a rock to gain access to the victim inside.

He swiftly moved to pull the occupant out of the vehicle, putting aside concern for his own personal safety, after which he and an off-duty police officer at the scene administered CPR to the victim.

When the EMS arrived to the scene, he informed medical personnel that he was presented with an unconscious, unresponsive patient and requested that AED be administered. The victim was delivered two rounds of shocks, which ultimately provided EMTs at the scene with a pulse.

The EMS personnel at the scene continued to monitor the victim before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he later regained consciousness and was eventually discharged on his own accord.

“You were presented with a situation where you had to act and you did,” Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach said. “People could have driven on by, but you stopped and helped.”

Lynbrook Fire Chief Christopher Kelly said that while the incident did not take place in the village, Tkacz deserves to be commended for the work that he did to help his fellow man. 

“It is believed that had ex-chief Tkacz not reacted in the manner that he did, a life would have been lost,” Kelly said.

The Village of Lynbrook honored Tkacz during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 17, for going above and beyond the call of duty, taking swift action in the face of danger to help someone in peril.

Lynbrook Police Detective Robert Harrison was also given an award for exceptional service in regard to his quick response to an incident on December 2020.