Update - August 18 - Unfortunately, today's event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Information will be offered when it is rescheduled.
The original press release is below.
Baldwin, NY - August 15, 2016 - The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) named Frederick Kopf, Ex-Captain of the Baldwin Fire Department, the FASNY 2016 Firefighter of the Year. The awards were presented at FASNY’s 144th Annual Convention at the Desmond Hotel in Albany during a ceremony on the morning of Saturday, August 13th.
FASNY 2016 Firefighter of the Year
In the late-night hours of the Independence Day holiday last year, the Baldwin Fire Department was dispatched to an initial report of smoke coming from an apartment on Old Mill Road in Baldwin, where police officers on the fire scene reported that people were trapped in a second-floor apartment. Ex-Captain Kopf performed a search and rescue and located a victim in a rear bedroom, past the fire room (the living room), then carried from the building a 56-yr-old man suffering from severe smoke inhalation.
“It gives me great pleasure to present FASNY’s 2016 Firefighter of the Year to Frederick Kopf for demonstrating outstanding heroism and risking his own life to save another. It is gratifying to recognize and celebrate that sacrifice in the presence of our FASNY family and friends,” said FASNY President Robert McConville.
Baldwin Fire Department’s then-Chief, Karen Bendel, who was the first to arrive on the scene of the “uncontrolled fire” and transmitted the “Signal 10” (working fire) nominated Kopf for FASNY’s Firefighter of the Year Award. Bendel noted, “…Ex-Captain Frederick Kopf arrived in his personal vehicle…and conducted a search. Kopf located a 56-year-old male in the fire apartment and successfully removed him with assistance to awaiting EMS personnel outside…For his actions at this scene, we are pleased to nominate Frederick Kopf for the FASNY Firefighter of the Year Award.” For his actions on this fire call, Kopf will also receive a special Nassau County commendation from County Executive Ed Mangano on August 18th and the Baldwin Fire Department’s Distinguished Service Award at the department’s headquarters later this year.
Captain Frederick Dirmeir, Ladder Company 2 recommended Kopf with this summary, “Firefighter Fred Kopf negotiated the fire apartment in zero visibility, blistering heat and without the benefit of a partner to carry out this successful rescue. Due to the imminent life threat to the victim he knowingly passed the fire room without the protection of a hand line, in a rapidly deteriorating environment. During the course of this rescue Fred Kopf exhibited remarkable courage, determination and skill to ensure the successful solution which directly resulted in the saving of a human life. Fred Kopf acted in the highest traditions of the Fire Service and without regard to his own personal safety. For his actions above and beyond the call of duty we submit that he be recognized and awarded the highest honor.”
Kopf’s son, along with about a dozen volunteer firefighters from Baldwin Fire Department’s Ladder 2 Company were on hand to congratulate Fred at the FASNY Firefighter of the Year Award presentation ceremony in Albany at The Desmond Hotel this Saturday morning.
Ex-Captain Fred Kopf, a life-long Baldwin resident is a 29-year-veteran of the Baldwin Fire Department, with all 29 years assigned to Hook and Ladder Company 2. He is also an 18-year career firefighter with the FDNY, holding the rank of Lieutenant for the past 11 years with a Queens engine company.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the nearly 110,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.