Biden awards 3 Stamford firefighters with Medal of Valor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joseph Biden awarded three Stamford firefighters the Medal of Valor on Monday for the “exceptional courage” they showed in rescuing two people from a sinking truck during a blizzard in 2021.

Firefighters Chad Titus, Michael Rosero and John Colandro were among 15 public safety officers honored with the Medal of Valor at the White House for their acts of bravery between 2019 and 2021.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect others from harm.

On Feb. 1, 2021, the three Stamford firefighters were among first responders who rushed to Cummings Park during a blizzard on reports of a truck that had fallen into the harbor after a driver lost control while doing “doughnuts” in the parking lot.

Upon arriving at the scene, the three firefighters found a woman who was standing on the bed of the partially submerged truck about 40 yards offshore, yelling that a man was still trapped inside.

After helping calm the woman down and getting her to safety, the three men, wearing scuba gear, dove into the freezing water, smashed the rear window of the truck — which was fully underwater by that point — and rescued the man.

“All three men demonstrated extraordinary courage to save accident victims,” Biden said before clasping the medals around the mens’ necks then shaking the hand of each.

During the ceremony in the White House’s East Room, Biden called the Medal of Valor recipients — and their fellow public safety colleagues — the “heart and soul and very spine” of not only their communities but the country itself.

“Each one of you, from small-town departments to big cities, you’re cut from the same cloth. You possess a selflessness that’s really hard to explain. A rare commitment to your neighbors and your fellow Americans. An unusual bravery that inspires everyone. And you’ve been singled out because of your extraordinary heroism,” Biden said.

Stamford Fire Chief Trevor Roach said on Monday that the department is proud of Titus, Rosero and Colandro and the distinctions they’ve received.

“The experience has allowed for reflection on just how many lives the Stamford Fire Department affects in very positive ways,” Roach said.

Titus, Rosero and Colandro were honored alongside a North Carolina police officer who died drawing attention away from his colleagues during a hostage situation and a Westchester County, N.Y., firefighter who died rescuing elderly residents of a burning nursing home.

On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont took to Facebook to congratulate the three firefighters for their “amazing rescue.

“We are thankful to have heroes like you in Connecticut,” he wrote.