Sen. Kaminsky Awards Liberty Medal to Malverne Fire Chief

(Rockville Centre, New York) — Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky presented Malverne Fire Chief Ernest Bohringer with the New York State Liberty Medal –– the highest award a State Senator can bestow upon a civilian –– for heroically rescuing a man from a raging fire in a Valley Stream deli.

“Chief Bohringer selflessly put his life on the line to save a stranger,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “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.”

“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. 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,” said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin.

On March 3, while driving home from his midnight shift as a Port Authority police officer, Bohringer heard a call over the radio for a fire at the Crown Deli on West Merrick Road. Chief Bohringer, a Valley Stream native, responded immediately to the alarm along with members of the Nassau County Police Department. Without regard for his personal safety, Bohringer broke down a locked door and heroically rescued an unconscious male from the blaze. The victim was saved and transported to the hospital.

Bohringer currently serves as Deputy Chief of the Malverne Volunteer Fire Department  where he has actively volunteered for the past 11 years. Prior to moving to Malverne in 2006, Bohringer resided in Valley Stream, where he was born and raised, and served in the Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department for 11 years as well. A father of three and cub scout leader, Bohringer has served as a Port Authority police officer for the past 17 years.