In regard to replies 267 thru 270 & 272....... Thanks to ladder2.....1988 Medal Day Book
Steuben Association Medal awarded to:
LT ROBERT P. MIUCCIO L113
Fire is not the only type of life-threatening situation that firefighters confront. There are other episodes of danger which can require the help of the Fire Department and place its members in perilous circumstances. The recent construction boom in all boroughs of the city has caused an upsurge in the removal of older, run-down buildings. During the demolition of a four-story non-fireproof multiple dwelling at 1430 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, an oversight on the part of the workers had caused the roof to collapse onto the top floor. This abrupt calamity caused the injury of 23-year-old Frank Purcell, a construction worker who was trapped on the fourth floor.
The morning of November 11, 1987, had started out busy for Ladder 113. Their first box came in right at the start of the day tour and they had not yet returned to quarters when they were called on the Department radio at 0925 hours and ordered to respond to Box 925 for a building collapse. As L113 pulled up to the location, Lt Robert P. Miuccio saw workmen running around and screaming that the rear roof of the structure had collapsed, trapping a coworker on the fourth floor. The resulting crash caused a chain reaction as sections of the fourth and third floors also crumbled downward.
Entering the building through the interior to survey the situation, Bob located Purcell in a precarious position on what remained of the fourth floor, approximately 50 feet above the ground. The victim was partially covered with debris from the caved-in roof and lying on a small section of flooring that was perched on two highly unstable beams. Purcell screamed that he was in pain and obviously was unable to free himself or find a safe route to the ground.
Bob realized that the best approach to the trapped construction worker would be from the adjoining building. The lieutenant quickly went into it to plan his rescue strategy before a further collapse could bring down the rest of the building. He found a plank in the intact building next door, which he could use as a bridge over the air shaft to the partially remaining fourth floor. Once he made it to the building, he carefully worked his way out on the beams until he reached the victim. Bob speedily assessed Purcell's physical condition, then administered first aid to the injured worker. Since Purcell could have had a possible back injury requiring caution in moving him, Bob called for a backboard and a portable ladder. The lieutenant was joined at this time by FF Bruce Howard of R2, who helped him stabilize Purcell and prepare him for removal.
Working carefully on this small island 50 feet above the ground, which could have brought all three men crashing down with one false move, the two men managed to get Purcell secured to the backboard. Using the 25-foot portable ladder as a bridge, they were able to slide the victim across it to the other members of L113 and R2. From there, Purcell was removed to the bucket of TL 105, especially called for this procedure. Once he was on the ground, the EMS paramedics took over and transported him to Kings County Hospital in critical condition.
It is for the exemplary manner in which Lt Robert P. Miuccio took decisive command in the successful operation of a rescue, showing dedication and bravery, risking his own safety, that he is proudly awarded the Steuben Association Medal.
Robert P. Miuccio was appointed to the FDNY on September 14, 1968; Served in the United States Air Force 1960-1964; Attended John Jay College and the College of Staten Island; Member of the Holy Name Society, Columbia Association, and the Company Officers Association;
