Top Cop December 2004

On December 21, 2004 police officers Steven Dieterich assigned to RMP 817, Thomas Verga assigned to RMP 810, and Robert De Simone assigned to 809 were working a day tour in the Eighth Precinct. At 1045 hours they received a radio assignment for a building fire at 150 Secatogue Ave in Farmingdale. Upon their arrival they discovered a 5 unit apartment building with thick black smoke billowing from the windows. Despite the fact that the officers were not equipped with fire equipment, all three of the Officers ran into the main entrance of the building in an attempt to alert the occupants. Overcoming smoked filled hallways the three officers, unable to see, were able to locate and insure the safe evacuation of over 20 residents prior to the arrival to the Fire Department. Officer Dieterich was subsequently treated at New Island Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Ignoring their own safety, Police Officers Steven Dieterich, Thomas Verga, and Robert De Simone conducted a successful search through heavy smoke and flames saving an ubtold number of lives.

Posted Friday, November 11, 2005

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