Contact: Colleen Roche/Samantha I. Lugo (212) 788-2958
Officers Puskas and Valentino, both assigned to the 43rd Precinct, responded to a radio call reporting a fire at approximately 5 AM on January 10, 1999. Upon arrival, they were assisted a 19-year-old woman and a 3-month-old baby as they fled the building. As firefighters began hosing the apartments, neighbors alerted the officers that there were people trapped in the back of the burning building. Using a construction ladder and with the help of the children's father, the officers created a bridge to safety for five children and their parents. All of the residents escaped without serious injury.
"These heroic actions typify the law enforcement professionals who work in the New York Police Department," Mayor Giuliani said. "Officer Puskas and Officer Valentino did not think twice about risking their own lives in order to bring others to safety. I want to thank them for their dedication, their valor and their commitment to serve all New Yorkers."
Officers Puskas and Valentino are both 26 years old and were appointed to the New York Police Department on July 18, 1997, after graduating from the same Academy company.
Officer Valentino has two Excellent Police Duty commendations. Officer Puskas has been recommended for an Excellent Police Duty commendation for delivering a baby last November.