American Legion Harsch Crisp Seaman Post 379 presented its Heroism Award to Brockport Chief José Medina, naming him “Firefighter of the Year” during the fire company’s regular meeting on April 4.
Recalling the automobile crash of last June on Salmon Creek Road where the vehicle struck a tree, caught on fire and trapped the driver inside, the American Legion cited the Fire Chief for his heroism.
Chief José Medina responded to the scene where he joined deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Ogden Police Department. They all attempted to extinguish the blaze before rescue equipment arrived. They collectively emptied 23 fire extinguishers, including all of them from their vehicles and some supplied by the neighbors.
Rescuers had tried to open the front doors to remove the driver while the fire burned out of control. Their efforts to extinguish the blaze were ineffective. The fire was burning into the passenger compartment. Chief Medina found he was able to open the rear door behind the driver. He climbed into heavy smoke and fire conditions, reclined the driver’s seat, and dragged the driver out of harm’s way.
Only moments after Joseph Moore was rescued from his vehicle, the car was engulfed in flames, captured on law enforcement’s body-cam footage.
Chief Medina’s actions were relayed to the American Legion Post, and they named him Firefighter of the Year for the Brockport Post. In the narrative, it was obvious that his heroism contributed in the saving of the life of another.
Joseph Moore and his father, John Moore, were present for the presentation of the award by Mr. Wayne Hartmann, Commander of the Brockport Legion Post. Jack Tangen, John Wahl, Patricia Connors, and Norman Knapp from the Legion were also present.
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Photos by Christopher Martin, District PIO
