Hampton Bays Firefighters Honored With Medal of Valor

Three Hampton Bays firefighters were honored recently by the Suffolk County Fire Academy for going above and beyond the call of duty.

According to Richard Stockinger, executive director of the fire academy, James Kappers, Edward Thompson, and Brian Tuzil each received a bronze medal of valor.

"They each committed an act of bravery that went beyond the normal duties of a firefighter," said Stockinger, who said the academy has been honoring firefighters with valor medals for the past 20 years.

The three Hampton Bays firefighters were specifically recognized for assisting firefighters who fell into a basement while fighting a fire at 27 Quail Run on Valentine's Day in 2011.

After a mayday was issued, Lieutenant James Kappers and firefighter Brian Tuzil ran into the burning house, located two trapped firefighters, Lewis Scott and Shea Lohr, who were badly burned, and brought them to safety.

Additionally, when the first floor of the home collapsed, Edward Thomspon, who did not have protective turnout gear on, quickly grabbed onto another firefighter, Joseph Caputo ,who nearly fell into the basement, pulling him to safety.

Related Reading:

• Hampton Bays Chief Says Firefighters Injured in Fall While Battling Blaze
• HB Firefighters Remain Hospitalized After Fall While Battling a Blaze
• Injured Hampton Bays Firefighters Released From the Hospital
• Hampton Bays Fire Prompts Town to Enhance Firefighter Safety

For more news from Hampton Bays, click here.

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