Heroic Firefighters Honored at Pelham Awards Ceremony

PELHAM, NY (October 17, 2025) — The Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 celebrated the bravery and dedication of its members during an awards ceremony on Saturday evening, October 11, 2025. Chief Benkwitt recognized outstanding acts of service and years of dedicated service to the community.

Firefighter Andrew Camardella received a Class 1 Citation for his heroic actions during a 3-Alarm Fire at 17 5th Avenue in February 2022. Camardella responded to the scene where two women were trapped on the fourth floor, screaming for help from a window. Without hesitation, he used an aerial ladder to vent the window and enter the apartment. He successfully rescued the first victim via the ladder and made a second climb to save a second victim who had become unconscious. Crawling past the fire apartment without a hose line, Camardella removed the unconscious victim and handed her to Pelham Police officers, who carried her to EMS for treatment.

Lifesaving Awards were presented to Lt. Timothy Fruscante, FF Michael Leak, FF Andrew Camardella, and FF Shane Macdonald for their efforts that resulted in the cardiac save of Pelham Manor Fire Captain John Gerken. Additionally, Lt. Michael Mullen was honored for performing CPR on a civilian in cardiac arrest at a local gym while off duty.

The ceremony also included Years of Service Recognition. FF Anthony Borsella and FF Christopher Papelcrio were acknowledged for five years of service. Those recognized for 10 years included Lt. Frank Bellantoni, FF Ralph Magliulo, Lt. Michael Mullen, FF Joseph Melendez, and FF Michael Senerchia. For 15 years, Lt. Timothy Fruscante, Capt. Phil Desimone, and FF John Viggiano were honored. Lt. Vincent D’Onofrio, FF Arthur Viggiano, and FF Robert Destasio were celebrated for 20 years of service.

“We are incredibly proud of our members whose professionalism and selflessness embody the highest traditions of the fire service,” the Village of Pelham NY stated.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.