Courage under fire: Awards honor Greenwich firefighters

By Meredith Blake
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/27/2008 08:29:28 AM EDT

When firefighters arrived at an accident on North Street in May, they found a Greenwich High School senior pinned to a tree in his pick-up truck.

The 11 firefighters used every tool they had to dismantle the car. It took more than an hour because the car was so badly damaged.

"He was very lucky," said Acting Lt. Tom Lenart, "And the best thing is when you hear that he is doing well."

This group, which included Lenart, Deputy Fire Chief Tom Zack, Lt. Dan Ingraham, Lt. John Novak, Mark Dawson, Tony Gianpoalo, Mike Mencel, Chris Froelich, William Richardson, Dan Natale and John Kiernan, received a unit citation, the highest honor, Sunday at the second annual firefighters awards held at the Greenwich Civic Center.

"That was the finest example of teamwork that our fire department offers and we would like to say thanks," said Fire Chief Peter J. Siecienski.

More than 25 firefighters were recognized for their hard work and commitment to the job.

Another unit citation was given to a team of eight firefighters - Lt. Pat Gordiski, Lenart, Ted Ruehl, John Kiernan, Ray Little, Russell Paltauf, Eddie Williams and Michael Rutledge - who responded to an accident on Riversville Road in September. A young man had flipped his car and was dangling over a cliff in the branches of a tree, pinned against a stone wall. They had to put a firefighter in the front seat to cut open the dashboard, where the driver's legs had been crushed. They freed the victim, and he is fine today, Siecienski said.

"They had to use every hydraulic tool available to them," he said.

"And for the successful outcome to this incident they are given this award."

First Selectman Peter Tesei and Selectman Lin Lavery were also on hand to congratulate the firefighters for their dedication.

"It's honor to be here today," Tesei said, "We all benefit from the security you provide us and for that you should be recognized."

The event is held to give the department a chance to recognize the outstanding work of some of its members.

"It's important for the families and the community to recognize the important work they do. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you," said Siecienski, "It takes a special kind of individual to be in this profession and it's important that we acknowledge it."

Lt. Gordiski has served in the department for 37 years. He remembers responding to the Gulliver's Fire in 1970s, pulling people out of the building to most recently helping quell the huge blaze at a home on Cat Rock Road.

"I love the job," he said. "I do think today is important for the department, because although most of it is just part of the job, some things are not, it is good that they recognize it."

Other awards were given to: Steve Lanzarone, Lenart, Dustin Holt and Bill Richardson, Dan Natale, Rob Natale, Mike Stanco, Shawn Morris, James Freebairn, Pat Gordiski, Whitney Welch, Jerry Romaniello, Dennis Frulla, Rich Alves, and Mark Dawson.

Eric Maziarz and John Kiernan were recognized for five years of service, while Dennis Frula, Chris Kear, were recognized for 10 and Mike Gomes for 15 and Eddie Williams, John Chimblo and John Edwards for 20 years.

During the ceremony, Welch also read the names of forty six deceased members of Local 1042.