By Cindy J. Roth
Seven members of the Lynbrook Fire Department and the department as a whole were recognized for their efforts in the Nathan Hale Senior Village fire last April.
"It feels really good," said Lynbrook Fire Department Chief John Crowley. "Everyone did a great job. It was a team effort."
Award winners included: Michael Anderson, silver medal; Kevin Bien, silver medal; Garrett Gulliksen, bronze medal; Dave Marconi, bronze medal; James McDermott, silver medal; Scott Paladino, bronze medal; and Timothy Tucker, silver medal. Civilian awards were also given to Nathan Hale Building Superintendent Danny Murray and Assistant Building Superintendent Mike DiGiambattista.
"There were individuals recognized for their valor, but in order for those to perform these acts, everyone needs to be involved," said Crowley, whose father was a former fire chief with the district. "It was a team effort. You can't be one without the backup of your brothers and sisters."
East Rockaway Ex-Captain Gene Torborg also won an award for his lifesaving efforts in a North Boulevard house fire on August 17, 2002. Through thick smoke and excessive heat, Torborg made his way up the stairs and down a hallway to a victim's room and managed to help the scared victim out of the burning house. Torborg is the fourth generation of ex-captain firefighters who have joined Vigilant Engine Company No. 1 in East Rockaway.
The fire commission doles out the annual awards based on nominations submitted by individual fire departments.
The same seven Lynbrook firefighters also were recognized by the Nassau County chapter of the American Red Cross at a Real Heroes Breakfast on May 6, which pays tribute to those persons who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character.
"Now and then, in the course of our every day lives, we are faced with a situation where we can choose to put another person's needs before our own," said Harriette P. Thawyer, American Red Cross chairman of the board. "That unselfish decision on behalf of a neighbor, a co-worker or even a stranger can change another person's destiny and, at the same time, our own.
