Utica Firefighter and EMT of the year honored for their bravery
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: December 1, 2011
Two very special awards went out tonight.
One was to Captain Michael Wusik for Utica Firefighter of the Year.
The other was awarded to Leonardo Orlando, for EMT of the Year.
Fire Chief, Russell Brooks says these two men have gone about and beyond their call of duty.
"This is an extremely important night to The Utica Fire Department," said Brooks.
Leonardo Orlando has been with the Utica Fire Department since 2004 was the first one in the water at The Barge Canal searching for a young girl who had been thrown out of a vehicle.
"That was a day when somebody was in danger. It's my job to get in there and help her. I wasn't expecting an award for it. I was just trying to get her and get her safe, that's all," said Orlando.
Captain Michael Wusik, has been with the department for more than 20 years.
Back in 2002, he was off duty and responded to a fire in a home.
Despite hearing explosions, Wusik kicked down the door to get inside.
"You go and you do your job everyday, and you love what you do. To get an award like this, it came as a total surprise," said Wusik.
But Captain Wusik doesn't see himself as a lone hero.
"There are another 130 guys that could have gotten the award," he said.
"It's an honor to get it. I was both surprised and humble that I have been nominated," said Orlando.
For the future, both Orlando and Wusik still look to set an example for fellow co-workers and the community.
One was to Captain Michael Wusik for Utica Firefighter of the Year.
The other was awarded to Leonardo Orlando, for EMT of the Year.
Fire Chief, Russell Brooks says these two men have gone about and beyond their call of duty.
"This is an extremely important night to The Utica Fire Department," said Brooks.
Leonardo Orlando has been with the Utica Fire Department since 2004 was the first one in the water at The Barge Canal searching for a young girl who had been thrown out of a vehicle.
"That was a day when somebody was in danger. It's my job to get in there and help her. I wasn't expecting an award for it. I was just trying to get her and get her safe, that's all," said Orlando.
Captain Michael Wusik, has been with the department for more than 20 years.
Back in 2002, he was off duty and responded to a fire in a home.
Despite hearing explosions, Wusik kicked down the door to get inside.
"You go and you do your job everyday, and you love what you do. To get an award like this, it came as a total surprise," said Wusik.
But Captain Wusik doesn't see himself as a lone hero.
"There are another 130 guys that could have gotten the award," he said.
"It's an honor to get it. I was both surprised and humble that I have been nominated," said Orlando.
For the future, both Orlando and Wusik still look to set an example for fellow co-workers and the community.
