Neighbors in the News

Malverne Fire Department chief receives liberty medal

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State Sen. Todd Kaminsky presented Malverne Fire Department Second Deputy Chief Ernest Bohringer with the New York State Liberty Medal on April 17 for rescuing a man from a raging fire at a Valley Stream deli.
“Chief Bohringer selflessly put his life on the line to save a stranger,” Kaminsky said, in a news release. “His sacrifice and dedication exemplifies the epitome of heroism and serves as a source of pride to our entire community. I was pleased to present Chief Bohringer with a New York State Liberty Medal and honor him, and through him, his entire department, for their service on behalf of the village.”
Police reported the outbreak of a fire early in the morning on March 3 at a corner deli on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream that left the shop completely gutted. Bohringer, of the Malverne Fire Department, was on his way home from his shift at Port Authority when he heard the dispatch from the Valley Stream Fire Department. Bohringer, along with Nassau County police officers, forced open a locked door in the back of the building where they found a person inside. The person was pulled to safety and transported to a local hospital.
“Chief Bohringer exemplifies what it means to be a hero by risking his life to save a person from their burning home while on his way home from work,” said State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. “It is selfless acts like these, as well as the everyday work of first responders, that makes us so grateful for their service. As a seasoned veteran of the fire department, Chief Bohringer’s career spans years of service to our communities and we are very thankful.”
Bohringer volunteered for the fire department for the past 11 years. A father of three and a Cub Scout leader, Bohringer has also served as a Port Authority police officer for the past 17 years.

Compiled by Nakeem Grant