Yonkers FF Seriously Injured in Fire

[Guest]

My best wishes to FF Connery for a speedy recovery !!!!

Firefighter injured in fall from fire escape

By BILL HUGHES

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original Publication: April 19, 2005)

A Yonkers firefighter was seriously injured yesterday when he fell from a second-floor fire escape while yanking burning material from a window with a metal tool. The tool possibly punctured his lung when he landed.

Firefighter Thomas Connery, an 11-year veteran of the department and a member of the Rescue 1 unit, sustained multiple injuries at the 12:03 a.m. fire at 156 Woodworth Ave.

Yonkers Fire Commissioner Anthony Pagano said Connery lost his balance when a piece of material he was pulling on with a crowbar called a Halligan tool unexpectedly gave way.

Connery fell about 25 feet, may have punctured one lung and fractured several ribs and facial bones. He was conscious and alert at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla last night, but would likely remain in the intensive care unit, Pagano said.

"He's OK, but he's banged up pretty good," Pagano said yesterday from the hospital, where Connery's wife and three children were also visiting. "Thank God he's in stable condition, because it could have been a lot worse. I know all the firefighters are praying for him and will be there to help him and his family with whatever they need."

Pagano said it seemed likely that Connery's lung was pierced by his Halligan tool, a specialized crowbar that has one flat end and one end curved, with a perpendicular metal spike protruding from the curved end.

Assistant Fire Chief Kyran Dunn said the fire was contained to a second-floor apartment at the multifamily building and was still under investigation yesterday.

[afd65 4]

hope he gets better soon

[Guest pentax02839]

well sure hope he recovers ok

[x635 4,066]

Best wishes to FF Connery for a speedy recovery. Although he's got a tough road ahead, I'm sure it will be traveresed easily.

Shows the R1 guys don't break that easily!! 25 feet is a long way, especially in full gear and pack!!

Excellent job by Empress EMS, YPD*ESU and all agencies involved in quickly getting him to the regional trauma center and by Medic 40 and YEMS Supervisor (who were on scene ready to go) in managing a complicated patient!!

And thanks to 901 and the others for keeping me up to date on this.

[billfitz 109]

Tom Connery is stable and doing well - as mentioned by x635 job well done by all agencies - special thanks to 4th pct officers and Empress on scene for initiating treatment and escort to medical center

[Oswegowind 17]

As well thanks to the County Police for assisting with the escort from Executive Blvd on up...I was working that day and it was not a fun thing to hear come over the radio...Great job by M40 and 901 on the back...

[x635 4,066]

Anybody have an update on FF Connery's condition?

[Oswegowind 17]

will find out tomorrow when i go back to work