Story by Ex-Captain Steve Grogan; Photos by Firefighter Brian Grogan

On October 21, 2010, Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead honored Lynbrook Medical Company Firefighter/AEMT Lynn Curtis at their Annual Firematic Awards ceremony held at Town Hall.  She was one of 32 firefighters honored this year by the Town.   Chief Raymond Burke, along with members of the Emergency Medical Company and other department members were onl hand to watch Firefighter/AEMT Curtis received her award.  Firefighter/AEMT Curtis was honored for two saves, the first on November 2, 2009, at about 1:25 PM, when she responded to an auto accident and overturn on Atlantic Avenue, near Stauderman Avenue.  The driver of the overturned vehicle, a retired FDNY fire marshal, was thrown through the window  of his SUV and onto the roadway.  He sustained severe head trauma and was bleeding profusely from his head and face.  Firefighter/AEMT Curtis quickly controlled the bleeding, saving the man from bleeding to death.  She then immobilized the patient and with the aid of other members of the Medical Company the man was transported to the hospital.  The driver's daughter sent a letter to the Department saying, "I am compelled to share my gratitude and thanks to this hero and all of the dedicated professionals who serve alongside her."

The second call that Firefighter Curtis was honored for was saving the life of a man who suffered a heart attack on May 10, 2010.  On that day, Firefighter/AEMT Curtis responded to a reported cardiac arrest on Hendrickson Avenue.  When she arrived, Lynbrook police officers were performing CPR on a 67 year old male but the man had no heartbeat.  Firefighter Curtis immediately established an airway and an IV.  She then administered defibrillation two times before getting a heart beat back.  When the man's heart stopped again she defibrillated again and a normal heart rate was established.  The man fully recovered.

After the awards ceremony at Town Hall, everyone gathered back at Medical Company quarters..  The man who suffered the heart attack and was saved by Firefighter/AEMT Curtis came by and surprised her with flowers.