New Haven (CT) Firefighter Jason Rivera, an 18-year veteran of the fire service, has been named the recipient of the 2016 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award. The award presentation will be during the Opening Ceremony at FDIC International 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Just past midnight on March 1, 2015, Firefighter (FF) Rivera responded on Engine 6 out of the Dixwell station with other units to a working fire in a 2½-story balloon-frame, wood dwelling. On arrival, fire was venting from the second-floor windows and out the front right door (duplex). The fire had burned the stairs. An occupant had propped the door open with a shopping cart, creating a flow path. The report of a trapped victim was relayed as Engine 6 began a rapid deployment and an aggressive attack.
Since one of the trucks was delayed, the primary attack was assigned to the engine companies. FF Rivera began to control the stairs and made a push under high heat and zero visibility. On the way up the stairs to the second floor, the firefighters were met with heavy hoarding conditions and a well-involved structure fire. Engine 6 was making headway in attacking the fire when the hydrant firefighter radioed that the hydrant was frozen and an alternate water source was needed. Hose was laid to Engine 6, which became the secondary water supply. The attack team, concerned about the safety of the trapped occupant, realized that the 500-gallon tank on Engine 6 would have to be maximized while the relay was established.
FF Rivera continued to push in and extinguish heavy fire until his attack line became hung up at the coupling. He was asked to try to hold his position while his lieutenant attempted to correct the hoseline issue. Having a hand tool and knowing that Engine 4’s crew was attempting to gain access to the third-floor stairs where the victim was thought to be, FF Rivera, still alone in zero visibility with high heat pushing down on him, breached the wall from the living room to the kitchen. He then alternated playing the line into the hole and in front of him into the heavily involved kitchen. He managed his tank water and held his position despite the fact that his body was burning. His actions made the Charlie side of the structure more tenable so that Engine 4 could complete its primary search. Engine 4 made the stairs in the rear to the third floor and quickly located an unresponsive male. They moved him to the rear yard.
While Engine 4 moved the victim around the structure, Engine 6 completely ran out of water. FF Rivera backed down to the bottom of the stairs; when water was reestablished, his crew made an aggressive push on the second floor. He later discovered that the discomfort he was feeling was burns on his knees, waist, wrists, and legs.
"Jason loves the job! His actions allowed for a successful rescue despite his significant injures," wrote Frank Ricci, who nominated Rivera. "He exemplifies the highest traditions of the fire service. Jason is honorable, humble, dedicated and extraordinarily courageous firefighter. He is the type of smart, aggressive firefighter you want by your side."
More: http://www.pennwell.com/index/about-us/courage-and-valor-foundation.html