Verona, NY -- Three Verona firefighters were named firefighters of the year by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York for rescuing an unconscious woman from a burning house New Year's Eve. Lt. Kevin Oatman and Firefighters Aldo Caciotti and Jeff Hugunine were presented the "Medal of Valor" award during a ceremony today at the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill school...
Verona firefighters Kevin Oatman, Aldo Cacciotti and Jeff Hugunine were honored for rescue of woman from burning house New Year's Eve. Verona, NY -- Three Verona firefighters were named firefighters of the year by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York for rescuing an unconscious woman from a burning house New Year's Eve.
Lt. Kevin Oatman and Firefighters Aldo Caciotti and Jeff Hugunine were presented the "Medal of Valor" award during a ceremony today at the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill school complex.
They were commended for rushing into a state Route 31 residence Dec. 31 to search for victims during a fire that caused zero visibility and moderate heat.
The firefighters found an unconscious woman at the top of the stairs. The victim briefly regained consciousness and was transported to the Oneida Healthcare Center.
But because of the severity of the woman's injuries, she was taken to Upstate University Hospital, in Syracuse, where she was placed in an induced coma for five days. She was later released from the hospital and has made a full recovery, according to a news release.
The firefighters were credited for their "unselfish acts (and their) innate ability to disregard their own personal safety."