The firefighters who saved two women from a burning building in Polish Town on Jan. 25 were honored this week for their heroism and presented the Liberty Medal — the highest honor awarded to a citizen by the New York State Senate — by Senator Anthony Palumbo.
William Renten and Frank Greenwood, both veteran volunteer Riverhead firefighters and workers in the Riverhead Highway Department, were repairing a road when they were called by an employee at a local office who saw the fire and flagged the men down. Without fire safety equipment, Renten and Greenwood went through the fire and smoke-filled two-story building and rescued its two residents.
“It all happened so fast,” Renten said in an interview with RiverheadLOCAL the next day. “We had no fire trucks. We had nothing. The alarm didn’t even go off yet.”
“We just did what we’re trained to do,” he said.
MORE COVERAGE: Riverhead Town highway workers, both veteran volunteer firefighters, save two women from burning building in Polish Town
“With stout hearts, quick-thinking, and firm will, Mr. Renten and Mr. Greenwood saved the lives of two trapped souls and highlighted the very best characteristics of local heroes,” a press release from Palumbo states.
During a ceremony at the Riverhead Free Library Thursday, Palumbo presented the medals to both men and a third man from East Marion, Bill Gorga, who followed and helped apprehend a carjacker who had stolen a vehicle with a child in it.
“It is my great honor to award these three men with the highest civilian award available by the New York State Senate,” Palumbo said in a statement. “Through their quick and selfless actions, these individuals helped save the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. These gentlemen not only signify the best of the 1st Senate District; they help to remind us of the power of kindness and bravery by risking their own safety to come to the aid of their fellow citizens.”
“Today we celebrate the best of what we as Americans are; strong, brave, selfless, heroic. These men endangered their own lives to save those of their neighbors, and in doing so stand as beacons to all of us. We salute their actions, and thank them for their willingness to place others above themselves in time of need,” Assembly Member Jodi Giglio said in a statement.
Rep. Nick LaLota said in a statement that the men “demonstrated extraordinary selflessness and heroism, putting their personal safety aside to save lives in the face of real danger. These gentlemen’s actions embody the life philosophy of putting service above self and I am proud to represent them in the halls of Congress,” he said.
“The collective bravery displayed by these remarkable individuals serves as an inspiration to our entire community. Their courage, in the face of extreme circumstances, reminds us of the inherent strength and compassion that resides within humanity. As a community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to these heroes who risked their own safety to protect and save the lives of others,” Assembly Member Fred Thiele said in a statement.
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