FDNY Medal Day 2016

BC Frank T. Tuttlemondo Medal
Firefighter Randolph Regan
Marine Company 6
August 3, 2015, 0055 hours, Box 0106, East River, Brooklyn
Appointed to the FDNY on July 5, 1992. Previously assigned to Ladder 20. Brother, Deputy Chief Russell Regan,
is assigned to Division 11. Member of the Emerald Society. Resides in Manhattan with his wife, Stephanie Connell,
and their son, Rocky, and daughter, Xenia.
At any time in this City, people, for whatever reasons, can
end up in trouble in the many waterways surrounding
each of the five boroughs. Marine Operations members
know this and stand ready to aid those individuals at a moment’s
notice. On a warm August night, FF Randolph Regan, Marine 6,
sprang into action for such a person in distress.
Marine 6, along with land companies, were dispatched on a
report of a person in the East River, close to the Williamsburg
shoreline. As the designated rescue swimmer, FF Regan donned
an exposure suit. Marine 6 made the short response from their
quarters at the Navy Yard, up the East River.
The current was moving at about two knots, against their
route. FF Regan knew this would make conditions for a swim
difficult if he had to enter the river. As the vessel arrived near the
reported location, members discovered a male barely clinging to
the underside of a derelict pier. Moving to the front of the boat
so he could enter the water for a swim against the strong current,
he prepared himself to make entry.
FF Regan leaped
into the water, narrowly
dodging a heavy timber
(debris) that was floating
toward him. Using much of
his power, FF Regan swam
against the fast current and
navigated his way around
the pilings so he could
reach the struggling victim,
who was having difficulty
staying afloat. FF Regan
had a difficult task ahead as
he had to prevent his tether
line from getting entangled
by the many hazards
beneath the rotting pier.
FF Regan moved in and
grabbed the victim. He
then called out to the other
members on Marine 6 to
pull them in via the tether
line. But a problem arose;
Fire Department, City of New York • Medal Day 2016
46
FF Regan’s swim fin became lodged in the pier structure. Both
rescuer and victim now were snagged, being pushed by the fast
river current and pulled by the tether line. Despite these two
forces working against them, FF Regan mustered his strength
and kept both his and the victim’s airways above the water’s
surface.
Once the tenders on the fireboat realized what was happening,
they let up on the snagged line and FF Regan was able to counter
the current and free his swim fin. This was the break rescuer and
rescuee needed as the pair now was able to be hauled back to the
fireboat. All the while, FF Regan kept a firm grip on the victim,
while keeping his head above the surface.
The men were not out of danger as yet another problem
arose. In order for the fireboat to maintain its position thrusting
in toward the pier and current, the boat’s propulsion system still
was in gear. FF Regan guided the victim away from the powerful
propulsion jet so that they would not be pulled below the surface
and under the boat. As he and the members on the boat towed
them to the rear, they were
able to bring the victim and
FF Regan to the ladder and
up and into the boat.
Once onboard the
fireboat, Bravest, the
victim was treated for his
injuries and exposure until
he was transferred to EMS
personnel on land.
Despite a fast-moving
current and the dangers
presented by the vacant
pier, FF Randolph Regan
never hesitated in rescuing
a distressed victim in the
East River. His actions are
among the finest traditions
of this Department and he
is awarded the Battalion
Marine 6 battles both the blaze and near-zero visibility, at Manhattan Box 0913, September
4, 2010. Photo by FF William Magnus
Chief Frank T. Tuttlemondo
Medal.—AP