Believe it or not, it’s been since 2006…April 11, 2006, when New Jersey Firefighter/Foreman Kevin Apuzzio was killed in the Line of Duty. Instead of our words, here once again are the words that Chief Dan Krushinski of the East Franklin (NJ) FD has sent us to share with you:
“….On April 11th, 2006, 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 in that house, 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 attempting to save another and you became a hero doing something you loved to do, that was helping strangers….”
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 our friend 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.
RELATED TRAINING RESOURCES:
-THE FIRE/LODD REPORT: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dfs/reports/eastfranklin.pdf
-EFFD Website: http://station27.com/kevin-apuzzio-lodd/
-WEBINAR w/Chief Krushinski: https://info.lexipol.com/webinar-firefighter-lodds-sl
-Kevin Apuzzio Foundation: http://www.kevinapuzziofoundation.org
-VIDEO About Kevin, And The Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj0VIUjzhXs
-ARTICLE: Sometimes WE MUST Take Risks:
http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2015/04/firefighting-sometimes-we-must-take-risks.html
-Video: The LIFE of Kevin Apuzzio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w05Y6saNYEw
Another opportunity for all of us to know Kevin, remember him and learn about the fire his crew was injured in and Kevin lost his life in – heroically attempting to save that woman.