MAINE FIREFIGHTER NAMED "FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR"
The Broome County Firefighters Association named the 2007 "Firefighter of the Year" at the regular meeting held Friday night, February 1, at the Endwell fire station.
The William Grace "Firefighter of the Year Award" is named after former Johnson City Chief William Grace who was an active member of the Association for many years.
The award is given annually to someone who performs their duties above and beyond the call of duty.
Kyle Pomeroy, a lieutenant with the Maine Fire Department, was named the "Firefighter of the Year" after his heroic rescue of a male down in a tractor trailer tank unit. Pomeroy placed himself in danger to remove a person who was found unconscious inside an empty gasoline tanker truck.
The letter of nomination from Maine Fire Chief David Silverstein:
"I wish to recommend Lt. Kyle Pomeroy of the Maine Fire Department for your consideration as Broome County Firefighter of the Year for 2007 based on his actions on a call on April 27, 2007.
On that day, Maine Fire was dispatched at 1430 hours to a reported "worker trapped and unconscious inside the tank of a tanker truck - possibly overcome by fumes."
Lt. Pomeroy responded to the call as the Driver/Officer on Rescue 33-6.
The first-arriving officer, First Asst. Chief Blake Pomeroy, confirmed that we had an unconscious male down inside a tractor trailer tank unit. The victim was visible from the open hatchway, but access to him was not possible due to potentially volatile and choking gasoline fumes inside the tank.
Upon arrival, Lt. Pomeroy brought two SCBA units to the top of te tank (for himself and Asst. Chief Pomeroy) and went down through the hatchway with his facemask in place. Once inside, he donned the SCBA and checked the victim. The victim had an airline and mask inside the tanker and Lt. Pomeroy placed the mask on the victim, who then became semi-conscious but unable to help himself.
Lt Pomeroy lifted and supported the victim until he was upright in the hatchway and pushed from below while Asst. Chief Pomeroy and a Broome County Sheriff's Deputy lifted the victim to the catwalk on top of the tank. During this lifting process the victim lapsed back into unconsciousness- jeopardizing Lt. Pomeroy's safety and blocking his only means of egress.
When the victim was safely lowered to the ground and waiting EMS crews, Lt. Pomeroy exited the tank.
While this operations involved the organized and coordinated efforts of Fire, Police and EMS agencies, there is no doubt that Lt. Pomeroy's actions were key in effecting the positive outcome of this incident and directly led to the victim's full recovery.
David Silverstein, Chief"
|
