Edison, NJ – Edison firefighters Tim Asprocolas and John Hansen were recently honored with the Valor Award for their valiant efforts in rescuing a resident from a devastating house fire on September 30, 2023. The incident, which occurred on Poll Place, involved a fully engulfed single-family home with intense heat and flames.
Asprocolas, an 11-year veteran, and Hansen, a 9-year veteran, both received the award for the first time. “It’s definitely a real honor…but to be successful like this takes a lot of teamwork,” said Asprocolas, echoing the sentiment that firefighting is a collective effort. Hansen added, “I’m honored and humbled…it really represents the courage, selflessness and dedication of everybody there.”
Upon arrival, the firefighters were met with a chaotic scene. “We arrived on scene…and reported to the command post. Command assigned us the task of getting to the second floor,” Asprocolas recounted. Despite the extreme heat and flames, they managed to locate the victim with the help of a hose team. “Ten feet off the search we found the victim,” Hansen stated. They immediately radioed for assistance and carried the man down the stairs to the driveway, where they began CPR before transferring care to EMS.
Tragically, the victim did not survive, but their efforts were recognized by Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Gaul, who commended their dedication and determination. “These guys are great. They work hard, they train everyday…This isn’t just a job to them, it’s a career, it’s their life,” Gaul remarked.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks firefighters face daily. It also highlights their unwavering commitment to serving their community. As Battalion Chief Patrick Novia, the shift supervisor that day, noted, around 25 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire, showcasing the teamwork and bravery that are hallmarks of the profession.
While the outcome was not what they had hoped for, the actions of Asprocolas and Hansen exemplify the spirit of firefighting – a profession characterized by courage, selflessness, and an unyielding dedication to saving lives.
Three other Edison first responders are were honored with meritorious service awards for their heroic actions in separate incidents. Patrolman Joseph Elqumos, Patrolman Philip Smith, and Acting Fire Capt. Philip McManus are being recognized for their bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger.
Patrolman Elqumos is receiving the award for rescuing a man with a mental condition from a burning home on Sagamore Avenue on May 15, 2023. Elqumos rushed into the burning house, despite heavy smoke and flames, and carried the man to safety.
Patrolman Smith is being honored for his role in apprehending a man wanted in connection with an attempted murder.Smith pursued the suspect through several towns and along several highways before finally apprehending him on December 3, 2023. The suspect was driving a stolen car from Maryland.
Acting Fire Capt. McManus is receiving the award for rescuing a 10-year-old autistic child from the roof of a three-story multi-family home on October 15, 2023. McManus quickly assessed the situation and climbed onto the roof to rescue the child.
