6 years ago today, New Jersey Firefighter/Foreman Kevin Apuzzio was killed in the Line of Duty.
Instead of our words, here are the words that Chief Dan Krushinski of the East Franklin (NJ) FD has sent us to share wih you:
"....On April 11th, 2006 which was 6 years ago today, many of our lives changed in a heartbeat, especially the life of 21 year old Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio. Kevin stood courageous on the front lawn of 36 Whittier Avenue and said "Chief, what do you need my crew and I to do?" I Said "Kevin, go in and get her." While it only seems like yesterday, to me it is still clear as day. With a house full of smoke and an elderly women trapped, Kevin did not hesitate and attempted to rescue her.
I knew when the floor collapsed and my men fell into that basement from that point forward, their lives along with many others would be changed forever. Kevin Apuzzio, you will always be by our side and your name is tattooed on my arm to prove it. On that day, you lost your life and became a hero doing something you loved to do, that was helping strangers...."
Today, my family which includes the men and women of Station 27, my wife and children and the Apuzzio Family will be spending the day together. We will share story's about our hero's life and not mourn Kevin, but celebrate his life and all that he stood for.
God bless you Kevin, continue to watch over us each and every day...."
Chief of Department Dan Krushinski-EFFD
THE FIRE DETAILS:
On April 11, 2006, Foreman Kevin Apuzzio died while he and four members of the East Franklin FD selflessly and heroically attempted to rescue 75-year-old Betty Scott from a single family dwelling fire. Foreman Apuzzio died when he became trapped after falling through a floor that collapsed into a well involved basement....he fell just a few feet from the front door - with Mrs Scott in hand. Mrs. Scott also died in the fire as Kevin and crew were attempting to remove her.
While it is sadly but widely acknowledged, most FF LODD's can clearly be prevented. However, in this case, it is documented that Kevin died while he and his crew were heroically attempting a rescue - that based upon conditions and size up, was the right thing to do.
We take a moment to again remember Kevin, the Apuzzio Family and the members of the East Franklin FD, along with all area FD's that were impacted by the Line of Duty Death of Kevin. Rest in Peace. HERE is the FIRE / LODD REPORT:http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dfs/reports/eastfranklin.pdf HERE is the EFFD Website: http://www.station27.com/
==LONG ISLAND FIREFIGHTER TRAPPED: What Happened.
Only hours after being released from Stony Brook University Medical Center’s burn unit, Manorville Firefighter William Hille, who was injured in the wild fires that scorched more than 1,000 acres this week, was back at the firehouse today, describing his traumatic experience:
==NOTE: CHANGES AT THE NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY/NETC:
FEMA is in the process of eliminating the use of Social Security Numbers when applying for training. National Fire Academy students applying for FY 2013 on-campus (10-/6-/2-day) and off-campus (10- and 6-day) courses will need to register for an interim Student Identification Number (SID) that will be used in place of the SSN.
