Baldwin resident Frederick Kopf named Firefighter of the Year

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The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York has named Frederick Kopf, ex-captain of the Baldwin Fire Department, the association’s 2016 Firefighter of the Year.

Kopf was honored at a ceremony on Aug. 13 during FASNY’s 144th annual convention in Albany. He received a plaque, and was recognized for his heroic efforts on July 4, 2015, during an apartment-house fire. He said he was surprised when he heard the news, and added that FASNY held a “first-class” ceremony.

“It gives me great pleasure to present FASNY’s 2016 Firefighter of the Year to Frederick Kopf for demonstrating outstanding heroism and risking his own life to save another,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “It is gratifying to recognize and celebrate that sacrifice in the presence of our FASNY family and friends.”

Kopf, 48, is a lifelong resident of Baldwin who always envisioned being a firefighter and serving his community. He has been with the BFD for 29 years, having been assigned to Hook and Ladder Company 2 in February 1987. He was nominated for this honor by his former chief, Karen Bendel, who was the first to arrive at the “uncontrolled fire” and transmitted the “Signal 10” (for working fire) last year on Independence Day.

It was a late Saturday night when the Baldwin department received a dispatch reporting smoke coming from an apartment on Old Mill Road, off Central Avenue. When Kopf arrived at the scene, he made his way through a burning living room and found a victim in the rear bedroom. He rescued a 56-year-old man who was suffering from severe smoke inhalation, and died hours after the rescue.

“Firefighter Fred Kopf negotiated the fire apartment in zero visibility, blistering heat and without the benefit of a partner to carry out this successful rescue,” Ladder Company 2 Captain Frederick Dirmeir wrote in his recommendation. “Due to the imminent life threat to the victim, he knowingly passed the fire room without the protection of a hand line, in a rapidly deteriorating environment.”

Dirmeir also commended Kopf for his “remarkable courage, determination and skill” in the midst of a dangerous situation and putting his own personal safety aside. Kopf said that his focus was relying on his natural instincts and his training to take over.

“My primary job is to get in and hopefully rescue people that are in danger,” he said. “I had the determination to get through the fire. Fortunately, I’ve been trained very well.”

Kopf has also worked for the New York City Fire Department for 18 years, and has been a lieutenant with Engine Company 311 in Queens for 11 years.

During his career, he said, he learned that staying composed can go a long way as you develop your skills.

“When you’re younger, you tend to be more excited about working as a firefighter,” he said. “As things go along, you mature and learn more about yourself.”

Kopf will also be honored by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano in recognition of his statewide award, on a date yet to be determined.

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