The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) announced today that Lt. Justin Berry, a 7-year member of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, has been named “Firefighter of the Year'' after a heroic rescue following a rapidly spreading home fire in Riverhead, NY. Berry is being honored at the 151st FASNY Convention, which was held in Niagara, New York.
“Lt. Berry acted heroically and selflessly to rescue this individual,” said FASNY President Ed Tase, “his intervention and quick actions saved this person’s life, and we are proud to name him as the FASNY 2023 Firefighter of the Year.”
Berry, a lieutenant in the Riverhead Fire Department, is being honored for saving the life of a 77-year-old resident after on the afternoon of December 30, members of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Company, on the East End of Long Island, responded to a rapidly growing home fire.
“It is without any doubt that the actions of the first responders changed that fate of this victim, and the heroic actions of Lt. Justin Berry, who fearlessly put himself in harm’s way, saved that man’s life,” added Joseph Hartmann, chief of department, Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department. “Lt. Berry's a really good firefighter. Very active and dedicated.”
Description of Rescue
That afternoon the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department responded to a home that was a blaze to find local Police Officers had already assisted the first occupant, an elderly female, out of the front door with the aid of her walker. She told the police a second occupant was still in the rear of the building. Firefighters immediately confirmed a working structure fire with entrapment. Chief Kurzyna took command and organized the attack on the fire; calling mutual aid, a rapid intervention team, fire marshals, and PSEG, the local utility company on Long Island. The first engine arrived with Lt. Berry in the front seat and was instructed to assist Chief Renten in the rear of the structure where the victim was last seen. With the front entrance restricted, due to heavy flames and thick smoke, Lt. Berry, wearing full protective gear with SCBA, climbed through the window without hesitation into the dark, extremely hot room.
Crawling around in blacked out conditions, Lt. Berry located the victim, a 77-year-old man, on the floor near a window. He picked him up and passed him through the window into the waiting arms of firefighters and police officers. The victim, who was unconscious due to smoke inhalation, was received by ambulance personnel and taken to a near-by hospital.
“We are very proud of Lt. Berry and all the volunteer firefighters who answered the call that day, “ said 1st Assistant Chief JR Renten of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department. “Their fast action saved two lives and extinguished a fire that was destroying the modest ranch-style home.”
Lt. Berry is a Riverhead native who has worked for the Town of Riverhead Sewer District for the past five years.
FASNY Firefighter of the Year
The Firefighter of the Year award honors an outstanding volunteer and their heroic actions . Each year, FASNY recognizes its bravest members with this prestigious honor designated for those who exemplify what the fire service and protecting our communities is all about. This award is sponsored by VFIS.
ABOUT FASNY:
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.