LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WKBW) — A veteran Erie County firefighter is receiving high praise for his actions that saved a little girls life.
Christopher Tracey, a veteran of the Brighton Volunteer Fire Company No. 5 was named the 2019 EMS Provider of the Year. He received the award at the 147th annual Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Convention in Liverpool.
Tracey was recognized for saving a child who drowned in 2018. “Were it not for the decisive actions of Christopher Tracey, this child would have perished,” said FASNY President Steven E. Klein. “Firefighter Tracey’s quick response and flawless execution of CPR prevented a tragedy. His heroism serves as an inspiration for us all, and he is a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
The veteran fighter rushed to rescue the girl who fell into a pool at a party. Both guests and Tracey pulled the girl from the pool. He immediately performed CPR on the child as another person dialed 911. He was able to revive the child before paramedics arrived. The girl was taken to the hospital, where she made a full recovery.
“It is both honoring and humbling to accept this honor,” said Christopher Tracey. “I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, equipped with the necessary training and tools to save this child’s life. This incident demonstrates how effective skills like first aid and CPR can be and shows the importance of the long hours of training we first responders commit to. The results can literally be lifesaving.”
Paramedics who responded to the call say Tracey's actions saved the child's life.
