FDNY Firefighter From Port Chester Honored For Bravery

New York City firefighter James D. Smith has been honored by the FDNY for saving the lives of a woman and a child in a 2011 fire in Manhattan.

Smith started his firefighting career in Port Chester as a member of Explorer Post 700 and moved onto career firefighter positions in Port Chester and New Rochelle before being hired by the FDNY in March 2001. He also continues as an instructor at the Westchester County Fire Training Academy.

He is an avid runner and to stay in shape for his firefighting job at Squad Company 41 in the South Bronx he runs through Port Chester and Rye Brook.

Smith was honored along with other FDNY members at a ceremony Wednesday at the FDNY's Medal Day.

Smith was honored for an incident on March 12, when fire broke out on the second floor of a fully-occupied five-story tenament building. Using his training and experience, Smith was able to locate two fire victims.

He discovered a large, unconscious woman, lying on the floor of an apartment. When he rolled the woman over, he discovering an unconscious child trapped beneath her. He issued calls for assistance, with firefighter Christopher Campuzano, Squad, 41, quickly arriving.

With the help of firefighter James Lowe, Rescue 3, Smith carried the child out of the apartment and down the stairs. Recognizing that the victim was in cardiac arrest, he continually administered CPR until the child was resuscitated. He then turned her over to EMS personnel, who were standing by in the street.

Smith turned his attention to the elder victim, assisting in CPR prior to her
transport by EMS. Both victims survived their ordeal.

He was awared the Chief Wesley Williams Medal.

Previously, Smith was assigned to Engine 69 and Ladder 28. He is a member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies and  studied Education at Manhattan College.