Captain
Frederick Ill Jr.
Ladder 2

9-11-2001

Rockland County Medal of Valor
APRIL 4, 2000

We've come to the section of the speech, which I consider to be the highlight of the evening. In 1998, I announced the creation of a Rockland County Medal of Valor. This medal is awarded only in exceptional cases to citizens who have demonstrated unusual heroism and courage in risking their lives, while attempting to save the lives of others.

The first medal was awarded posthumously to Al DeFlumere and the award itself was named in his honor. In October of 1996, Al DeFlumere, commonly known as Al "Foxie," a life-long firefighter
and former Chief of the Blauvelt Fire Department, saved the lives of several family members when his Blauvelt home went up in flames. He ran back into the burning building to try to rescue his young son Matthew. Tragically, they both perished in the fire. We wanted this medal to be so special that there is no requirement that it be awarded on an annual basis. In fact, the Al DeFlumere Medal of Valor was not bestowed upon anyone in 1999.

I am proud to announce that this year we have a resident who is most deserving of this honor --Pearl River resident Frederick Ill. Captain Ill is a New York City Firefighter who on April 28, 1999, was one of the first rescuers on the scene after a 46-year-old father of three was pushed in front of a subway. Two cars ran over the victim. Captain Ill had responded to similar incidents before and had never seen anyone survive. But when he shined his flashlight under the car -- he saw the victims eyes open and Capt. Ill realized that the victim, Edgar Rivera, was alive. Both Mr. Rivera's legs had been severed above the knee and Captain Ill knew there was not much time before he bled to death. Normally, rescuers wait for confirmation that the 600 volts of power running through the tracks have been turned off before jumping down on the tracks. It's a long process and Captain Ill knew Mr. Rivera didn't have time. So risking his own life, Fred Ill jumped down on the tracks, pulled Edgar from out under the train and strapped him on a backboard. Captain Ill didn't expect Edgar to live more than 10 minutes. Well thanks to Fred Ill, Edgar Rivera is alive today. Captain Ill has rescued many people before, but Edgar Rivera was the first to contact him weeks later to thank him. The two have become the best of friends. And Captain Ill's good deeds toward Edgar River have continued past his daring rescue attempt. He's assisted Edgar in getting adequate housing and even arranged for Edgar's son Elijah to get a scholarship through the McSherry Foundation so that Elijah could attend St. Raymond's High School in the Bronx, Captain Ill's alma mater. It is my pleasure to call forward Captain Frederick J. Ill -- the recipient of the 2000 Al DeFlumere Medal of Valor to receive his medal. We are proud to have you as one of our residents. Congratulations.

Frederick Ill's name has also been engraved on the Medal of Valor plaque, which is displayed in the lobby of this building.