Two rookie FDNY firefighters put their skills to work when they rescued a man from a Manhattan fire over the weekend.
Firefighter Leanardo Williams, who got on the job in December 2013, was working at Engine 8. On the job since June 2014, Johnpatrick Wylie responded with Engine 65.
Fire was coming out two windows when crews arrived on East 37th Street just before midnight on Dec. 8.
After attempting to douse the fire, the first floor residents fled, leaving the apartment door open behind them.
Another first floor occupant tried to escape when he was encountered high heat and smoke. He retreated to a window in his apartment, but left his apartment door open too. He had unlocked a windown gate, but passed out before he was able to escape.
Wylie said he could hear the man trying to escape, but the smoke prevented him from being seen.
“I was nervous and my heart was racing, because I knew this guy was inside and only had a few minutes before the CO took his life,“ Wylie said.
After Engines 65 and 16 forced the gate open, they boosted Wylie inside the window and he began his search.
About 15 feet in, he found the man and began dragging him toward the window. Williams joined him, and they pulled the man out the window.
“My adrenaline was high, but I relied on my training and to help facilitate the rescue," William said. "It felt wonderful to be able to help.“
Firefighter Michael Eddy performed CPR on the man until EMS units arrived.
“It was incredibly physically demanding and they did an outstanding job,“ Battalion 9 Chief Peter Archer said.
“This is the result of a lot of training; it doesn't happen by accident," Archer added. "[The firefighters] thought on their feet and they're really brave.“
The fire marshal said the fire was caused by an unattended candle and they no smoke alarms were present.
Eight people, including a firefighter, suffered minor injuries.
