Teacher, Fire Crew Help Save Track Coach From Port Washington Fire

A beloved Port Washington coach is alive today because of the quick heroic efforts of the Port Washington Fire Department.

Fire began to rip through the Fairview Avenue home of Coach Bruce MacDonald, a three-time Olympic track athlete, on Tuesday night. Hearing the call, Captain Justin Ryan, who lives around the corner, responded directly to the scene and got the victim to the window, authorities said.

Without full protective gear, Ryan hoisted a ladder to the house and climbed into the second floor, assisting the victim to the awaiting Firefighters Kyle Calenda and Patrick Nuzzolese. Nuzzolese carried the victim down the ladder, with Calenda guiding him.

Sources say the initial ladder used may have belonged to the homeowner, and was lying on the ground. Firefighters arriving at the scene then set up two additional ladders at the scene.

Tuesday’s fire was a full team effort. Ryan, who teaches at Sousa Elementary School, is also the recipient of a Nassau County Medal of Valor for a similar rescue at a house fire in Bellmore, though the victim in that incident eventually succumbed to her injuries, sources say.

Tuesday’s fire was another example of Port Washington neighbors helping neighbors. And in this case, a volunteer who happens to be a school teacher along with residents with deep roots in Port Washington came to the aid of a retired school teacher, all within the same community.

Meanwhile, sources say Coach MacDonald was treated at a nearby hospital and has since been released.

Image: Protection Engine Co. #1/Facebook

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