What began as a typical Fourth of July holiday weekend shift last year has turned into a day to remember for Weehawken native and North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue member Sean McLellan. McLellan had just arrived on duty when the Engine No. 3 company, headed by Captain William Lemonie, received a call that an infant girl was choking to death. Chastity Cruz, just four days old, was blue and lifeless when the NHRFR company arrived, with the baby’s mother holding the critically ill infant in front of her Oak Street apartment. McLellan’s experience as an emergency medical technician became handy that day, as the firefighter’s fast work dislodged clogged formula from the baby’s throat and enabled her to breathe freely again. “Without his actions, there’s no question that the baby would have died,” Lemonie said. “He definitely saved the baby’s life.” With that day in mind, Lemonie nominated McLellan for the state’s highest firefighting award, the Emergency Medical Service Medal of Distinction from the New Jersey State Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association. Only one firefighter in the entire state receives the honor. “There were hundreds of firefighters nominated throughout the state,” Lemonie said. “I know from experience that it’s a very tough honor to receive. There’s a committee of 12 people who review the applications. I thought Sean was very deserving of the award.” Apparently, so did the committee, because the 25-year-old McLellan was named the recipient of the NJFMBA Medal of Distinction. “I was pretty shocked when I received word that I was getting the award,” said McLellan, who received the medal and an impressive plaque at the annual awards banquet at the Pines Manor, attended by nearly 1,000 firefighters statewide last month. “When I arrived at the banquet, I was very overwhelmed by the whole affair. Once I got there, it really sank in. I never thought I would receive an honor like this.” Lemonie was extremely happy and proud of his colleague. “I was surprised and happy for him,” Lemonie said. “I was very proud. He’s a member of my company and having him recognized like this is a very good feeling.” Another Weehawken firefighter, Brian McGorty, received an award at the Pines Manor. McGorty was the recipient of the Scott Garber Service Award, given to the member of the NJSFMBA who gives outstanding service, like the association’s Man of the Year. Needless to say, it was an impressive showing by the Weehawken representation of the NHRFR. The awards presentations continued for McLellan, Lemonie and fellow firefighter Dominic Sico from the North Bergen Veterans of Foreign Wars. Sico was also involved with the life-saving call that day. The trio of firefighters received plaques for their heroism from the North Bergen VFW at a ceremony at Schuetzen Park last Sunday. “Right after the presentation was over, my grandmother gave me hug,” McLellan said. “That was a great feeling. I know that I get paid to save lives. But after hearing about the accomplishments of other award-winners, I realized how great of an honor it really is.” Lemonie should know what it feels like. Five years ago, he received a similar award for lifesaving from the association. “I sort of clued him in, what the whole thing was like,” Lemonie said. “It was pretty impressive.” McLellan was asked if he has ever seen little Chastity, the girl he saved, nearly 11 months ago. “I did see her one day,” McLellan said. “Her family was standing on the corner one day and waving at me. I thought they needed directions someplace. But they showed me her and they were still very thankful.” And Chastity Cruz will be forever linked to Sean McLellan. Nature just has it that way.
A true hero; Firefighter McLellan earns award from state union
