September 1, 2017 — Firefighter James P. Lee, Jr., FDNY Rescue 1, is the winner of the 2016 Firehouse Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor. Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach will present the award to Lee during the Oct. 19 opening ceremonies of Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN.

Lee is recognized for his actions during a structure fire in a five-story multiple dwelling in Manhattan on Oct. 27, 2016. With an elderly civilian trapped at a top-floor window and conditions deteriorating, Lee was lowered from the roof to the victim with a lifesaving rope (LSR). Operating in zero visibility, Lee used the victim’s yells as a beacon. The man was crouched below the windowsill with fire lapping out over his head. Using all his strength, Lee reached into the window and got one arm around the victim’s back and one under his knees. The man could not hold onto Lee due to cuts and burns to his hands and arms. The LSR began to burn as Lee and the victim were lowered past third floor. When they reached the ground safely, the LSR burned through and fell to the ground. Firefighters Lee and Francis Rush carried the man through exposure 4 to the front of the fire building where he was handed off to EMS personnel.

The nomination from the FDNY reads, in part: “Firefighter Lee’s actions with this rapidly expanding fire helped save the life of the victim. The extent of the fire negated any other rescue alternative, which foreced Lee to endure securing the now-helpless victim for the full five-story descent, passing four floors of fire. Lee’s training, dedication and determination is in keeping with the highest standards of the New York City Fire Department.”

Sendelbach said Firehouse is proud to recognize the remarkable actions of Firefighter James P. Lee, Jr. on Oct. 27, 2016: “Firefighter Lee’s actions without question proved to be the difference between life and death. His actions exemplify the selfless courage representative of the Michael O. McNamee Award and true proud traditions of America’s Bravest.”

Lee receives a $3,000 cash award, a medal provided by Blackinton  as well as airfare, accommodations and registration to Firehouse Expo in Nashville. During the opening ceremony, Lee will be presented with a custom bronze trumpet provided by Liberty Art Works.

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