by Christopher R. Martin, Brockport Fire District Public Information Officer
Brockport Fire Chief José L. Medina was named “Firefighter of the Year” at the American Legion Department of New York 105th Annual Convention in Westchester County on Thursday, July 20.
Cynthia Nelson, Chairperson of the Statewide Law and Order Committee, was joined by the Department of New York Commander David R. Riley, Sr. to present the award. Ms. Nelson read from the nomination forwarded by the Seventh District which originated with the Harsch-Crisp-Seaman Post 379 in Brockport describing Medina’s life-saving efforts. The American Legion Monroe County Committee and the American Legion Seventh District of New York made similar presentations to the Chief last month culminating in this Statewide recognition by the Legion.
Surrounded by family and friends, Chief Medina was humbled by the attention and stated his appreciation for the veterans as he accepted each award. With those awards, his acceptance remarks indicated he “was in the right place at the right time, and just did what anyone with his training and knowledge would have done.” Mr. Joseph Moore, the driver he rescued from a burning vehicle, attended the previous presentations relaying to the veterans in attendance that he would not be alive today had it not been for the quick actions of Chief Medina.
The harrowing rescue occurred on June 1, 2022, on Salmon Creek Road in Sweden. Mr. Moore’s vehicle struck a tree, trapping him inside while the engine compartment was burning out of control. Efforts to extinguish were failing as the fire was creeping into the passenger compartment prior to the arrival of fire apparatus. Chief Medina was able to climb in the rear seat to free Moore from the wreckage. Passing the now semi-conscious Moore to Law Enforcement assisting, the Chief was able to exit the vehicle with only moments to spare. The fire advanced rapidly following the rescue, engulfing the entire vehicle in flames.
“This is a prime example of one of our firefighters placing himself in harm’s way to save the life of another,” said Laurence Vaughan, Past Chief of the Brockport Fire District.
Photos by Christopher R. Martin
7th District Award
