Captain Fred ILL

Because there is a police station next door, the noise of sirens is not unusual on the busy midtown block that houses the quarters of Ladder Company 2. However, the constant wailing of the warning devices, coupled with the sounds of panicky civilians yelling at the firefighters awaiting roll call, interrupted Captain Frederick Ill as he was reviewing paperwork prior to the change of tours. Curiosity got the best of him and he proceeded to the street in front of the firehouse. Once there, he received numerous reports of a man who had been struck and now was trapped underneath a subway train in the station at the end of the block.
     Although the condition of the man, Mr. Edgar Rivera, was reported to be fatal, protocol dictated that a full size-up be completed to determine his condition. Captain Ill, along with members of his forcible entry team, raced up the block and entered the station. As they arrived on the platform, they were informed that a victim was under the wheels of the third car and had suffered extremely grave injuries to his legs and lower torso.
     Captain Ill immediately ordered that a backboard and medical supplies be brought d Despite meeting at the most tragic of circumstances, rescuer and rescuee (Captain Fred Ill and Edgar Rivera) have developed a strong friendship. own from the street. Additionally, following FDNY policy, he instructed that the power to the third rail be turned off.
     Captain Ill shined his flashlight on Mr. Rivera’s face and saw the man’s eyes flicker and head move. Knowing that the victim had suffered a severe loss of blood, was in shock and had suffered traumatic amputation of his legs, there was no time to wait for confirmation that power had been shut off.
     The captain dropped into the darkness between the train cars and crawled under the train until he reached Mr. Rivera. The victim was wedged between the outside wheels of the train car and the small space under the platform. With the assistance of a paramedic who had followed him, Captain Ill strapped Mr. Rivera to the backboard. He then dragged the backboard to a location where it could be maneuvered into a vertical position so that the victim could be raised to the platform.
      Even though there is much more detail to the events of this incident, the significant fact remains that, in spite of the inherent risk of working in a dangerously close environment, without confirmation of power off, Captain Ill acted decisively by crawling under the train to rescue Mr. Rivera. Had action not been taken, it is doubtful that Mr. Rivera would have survived his injuries. His courage, skill and competence have earned him lasting recognition as the FDNY proudly honors Captain Frederick J. Ill, Jr., today.
      There is a postscript to this story. Following the rescue and while he was recuperating, a bond of friendship was forged between Mr. Rivera and Captain Ill, as well as their respective families. From victim and rescuer, their new relationship as friends serves as a lasting testament in tribute to the events of April 28, 1999.--BDG Despite meeting at the most tragic of circumstances, rescuer and rescuee (Captain Fred Ill and Edgar Rivera) have developed a strong friendship. photo by FF John Leavy


Captain Frederick J. Ill Ladder Company 2
April 28, 1999, 1745 hours, Box 862, 51st Street Subway Station, Manhattan
Appointed to the FDNY on September 24, 1977. Former member of Engine 40 and Ladders 43 and 49. Member of the Emerald and Holy Name Societies, Company Officers Association, 3rd Division Delegate and Administrator of the 3rd Division Collation Fund. Cited for bravery on seven previous occasions. Daily News Hero of the Month for October 1999. Received Rockland County Medal of Valor April, 2000. Attended Manhattan College. Resides in Pearl River with his wife, Mary, and their children, Fred, 21, Lauren, 18, and Jennifer, 12.
Because there is a police station next door, the noise of sirens is not unusual on the busy midtown block that houses the quarters of Ladder Company 2. However, the constant wailing of the warning devices, coupled with the sounds of panicky civilians yelling at the firefighters awaiting roll call, interrupted Captain Frederick Ill as he was reviewing paperwork prior to the change of tours. Curiosity got the best of him and he proceeded to the street in front of the firehouse. Once there, he received numerous reports of a man who had been struck and now was trapped underneath a subway train in the station at the end of the block. Although the condition of the man, Mr. Edgar Rivera, was reported to be fatal, protocol dictated that a full size-up be completed to determine his condition. Captain Ill, along with members of his forcible entry team, raced up the block and entered the station. As they arrived on the platform, they were informed that a victim was under the wheels of the third car and had suffered extremely grave injuries to his legs and lower torso. Captain Ill immediately ordered that a backboard and medical supplies be brought down from the street. Additionally, following FDNY policy, he instructed that the power to the third rail be turned off. Captain Ill shined his flashlight on Mr. Rivera’s face and saw the man’s eyes flicker and head move. Knowing that the victim had suffered a severe loss of blood, was in shock and had suffered traumatic amputation of his legs, there was no time to wait for confirmation that power had been shut off. The captain dropped into the darkness between the train cars and crawled under the train until he reached Mr. Rivera. The victim was wedged between the outside wheels of the train car and the small space under the platform. With the assistance of a paramedic who had followed him, Captain Ill strapped Mr. Rivera to the backboard. He then dragged the backboard to a location where it could be maneuvered into a vertical position so that the victim could be raised to the platform. Even though there is much more detail to the events of this incident, the significant fact remains that, in spite of the inherent risk of working in a dangerously close environment, without confirmation of power off, Captain Ill acted decisively by crawling under the train to rescue Mr. Rivera. Had action not been taken, it is doubtful that Mr. Rivera would have survived his injuries. His courage, skill and competence have earned him lasting recognition as the FDNY proudly honors Captain Frederick J. Ill, Jr., today. There is a postscript to this story. Following the rescue and while he was recuperating, a bond of friendship was forged between Mr. Rivera and Captain Ill, as well as their respective families. From victim and rescuer, their new relationship as friends serves as a lasting testament in tribute to the events of April 28, 1999.--BDG Despite meeting at the most tragic of circumstances, rescuer and rescuee (Captain Fred Ill and Edgar Rivera) have developed a strong friendship. photo by FF John Leavy

	Frederick Ill Jr. Captain Ladder 2
Captian Fred Ill was laid to rest on Tuesday, October 9, 2001