Asst. Fire Chief John P. Casey of the Garden City (N.Y.) Fire Department was honored on April 26 with a Bronze Medal of Valor by the Nassau County Fire Commission for his bravery in response to a serious motor-vehicle accident.

On Nov. 15, 2005, an automobile ran off the street and struck two poles, including a utility pole. Electrical wires brought down by the crash began arcing and ignited gasoline leaking from the damaged vehicle. The driver was able to remove himself from the vehicle, but a 79-year-old female passenger was unconscious and partially trapped in the front seat.

Casey and Det. Sgt. James Bartowski of the Garden City Police Department came on the scene immediately following the accident. They put their own lives at risk to remove the unconscious passenger from the burning vehicle and were credited with saving her life.

Garden City Mayor Gerard Lundquist and Village Administrator Robert Schoelle joined Nassau County Fire Commission officials in presenting Casey with the award.