WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Inspector Daniel Jackson, Department of Public Safety. January 4, 2005: Last night, Mayor Joseph Delfino cited three firefighters and two police officers for their bravery and expertise in saving the life of Phyllis Waterman at the 23 Old Mamaroneck Road fire of December 7. Here is the text of that commendation:

White Plains Best:  Mayor Joseph Delfino recognizing the Fire Department's Rescue Unit 88-ers and Police Emergency Services Unit officers, last night: Left to Right, Public Safety Commissioner Dr. Frank Straub, Lieutenanct James Manganello, Sal Bririttieri, William Simmons, Police Officers William Nicholson, and Pietro DeVito. Photo by WPCNR News

The Mayor's Commendation -- January 3, 2005

On December 7, 2004, the White Plains Fire and Police Bureaus responded to an apartment fire at 23 Old Mamaroneck Road. When they arrived, there was one apartment completely engulfed in fire. Our emergency personnel went into action immediately.

The firefighters immediately entered the building and began assisting residents and fighting the fire. The newly formed Rescue 88 was assigned to search for trapped or injured victims of the fire.

While crawling through the smoke-filled stairwell, Lt. James Manganello located an unconscious elderly woman on the landing between the fourth and fifth floor. She had been overcome by the smoke and heat.

Lt. Manganello carried the woman down to the fourth floor and handed the woman to Firefighters Sal Birittieri and William Simmons. The two firefighters carried her down to the courtyard while Lt. Manganello continued to search for more victims.

In the Courtyard, Firefighter Birittieri began to administer rescue breathing to the victim, Phyllis Waterman, who had stopped breathing. They were joined by Police Officer William Nicholson, a member of the new Police Emergency Service Unit. Officer  Nicholson is one of 5 trained Emergency Medical Technicians that staff the Police E.S.U. Truck.

The Firefighters and Police Officer were able to get Mrs. Waterman to breathe again on her own. Mrs. Waterman was then taken by ambulance crew to White Plains Hospital for treatment.

While this was happening, on the back side of the building Police Officer Pietro DeVito was helping other residents. When he arrived, he found several people calling for help from a fire escape at the rear of the building. Police Officer DeVito climbed up some trees and the side of the building to get onto the fire escape to help the people to safety. Police Officer DeVito then went to another fire escape where he and several firefighters helped more victims to safety.

It is because of the actions of all of these brave men that Phyllis Waterman and who knows how many others are alive and safe today. Once again, our Fire and Police personnel have made us proud doing a dangerous job.

Mayor Joseph Delfino