FDNY EMS Lieutenant Craig Roeder, Local Hero Award

On October 5, 2016, civic leaders and philanthropists will gather at the American Museum of Natural History as the American Red Cross in Greater New York hosts its annual Heroes Among Us Gala to recognize the heroic efforts and humanitarian contributions of people and institutions who embody the spirit and mission of the Red Cross.

FDNY EMS Lieutenant Craig Roeder will receive the Local Hero Award. Trained as an Emergency Medical Services paramedic, in his ten years of service to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Craig had never been in a burning structure. But that did not stop him from responding to a fire he spotted in Queens and rushing into a burning two-story home to save a woman and child. After rescuing them, he entered the home again to search for additional residents upstairs and was able to find and save a dog.

In his own words: “To me a hero is someone who provides a selfless act for another without any thought how it’s going to impact their own life…The biggest thought I had going into that fire building was that I did not leave anyone behind… All in all, it’s just another day at work. I work with some amazing people, and they would all do the exact same thing I would. It’s definitely humbling to be recognized by the Red Cross, which is an organization that day in and day out, provides heroic things to people who are desperately in need. So to have them honor me is definitely a proud moment in my life.” Lt. Craig Roeder, Rosedale, N.Y.

Click here to read more about our Heroes Among Us Gala.