The Bellmore Fire Department recently honored four firefighters for their bravery while responding to a single-car crash in March 2011. During the incident, one of the firefighters was shot by the driver who caused the crash and who was then shot and killed by Nassau County Police.
Justin Angell, Dean Angell, Matthew Podolski and Peter Pagones were honored for their "calmness under fire" during the incident.
"Their selfless actions are the embodiment of the tradition of the volunteer fire service," Vinny Scaduto, public information officer of the Bellmore Fire Department said.
Justin Angell was shot by the driver who caused the single-car crash on Bellmore Avenue on March 1, 2011. Officers from the Seventh Precinct responded to the scene shortly after Justin Angell was shot. The officers saw the gunman with a weapon and shot and killed him.
At 9:30 p.m. that night, the Bellmore Fire Department responded to a report of an auto accident at the intersection of Bellmore Avenue and Claxton Avenue, with a report of wires down, Scaduto said.
Bellmore Ambulance 6011 responded with Dean Angell driving, Justin Angell as officer and Peter Pagones in the back. Upon arrival, Justin Angell approached the vehicle to make sure the driver was alright and was met by gunfire. Hearing the shots, Justin Angell's brother, Dean Angell, notified the dispatcher that they were being shot at and that additional responding units should be alerted, according to Scaduto.
Podolski then came to the scene and was able to assess that Justin Angell had been shot in his lower back. Podolski and Pagones treated Justin Angell for his injury while he was being transported to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.
"After a short stay in the hospital, Justin was able to return home," Scaduto said. "He has since made a complete recovery and is still one of the department's most active members."
Jaime Sumersille, Michael Ganci and Matthew Hogan contributed to this report.
