The Courage and Valor Award is a prestigious recognition among firefighters. It is named after FDNY Chief Ray Downey, who lost his life in the September 11 terrorist attack at the former World Trade Center.
PennWell CEO Robert Biolchini presented the award to McCormack, saying that: “Firefighter McCormack’s actions reflect the fire service’s true values. With Biolchini to present the award are FDNY Battalion Chiefs Joe Downey and Chuck Downey, the sons of Ray Downey.
The incident that propelled the humble firefighter Larry McCormack to fame was one that occurred on August 25, 2011 at 18:45 hours. The Chicago Fire Department Squad 5 responded to a still alarm for a fire at 7032 South Justine. While the squad was still on their way, the alarm was raised to a still and box following reports that the second floor was already affected by heavy fire.
Upon their arrival, the members of the squad 5 went straight to their assigned areas, with McCormack assigned to the rear of the building. His fellow firefighters were already conducting a primary search of the first floor of the burning building. Seeing that the ground floor was all accounted for, McCormack proceeded to the second floor through the extension ladder. After a few minutes, however, members were ordered to vacate the second floor due to the deterioration of the building. Firefighter Gerald Carter had to stay in position to protect the other squad members who were exiting the attic. However, a large volume of fire exploded behind Firefighter Carter, who lost the hand line due to the fire volume and low visibility in the area.
McCormack immediately reentered the attic area, which he had just exited, after hearing that Carter was still trapped inside. He was without a hoseline to protect himself, but nevertheless found Carter unconscious, using Carter’s activated PASS alarm as a guide. McCormack singlehandedly dragged Carter out of the building.
Both survived the incident.
Within the same day, McCormack again responded to a fire wherein he and another Squad 5 member rescued a handicapped civilian.
Larry, who has been member of the fire service for 16 years, began his career as a volunteer. After many years of superior service, he was assigned to Squad 5, which is known to be the busiest squad in Chicago.
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