Three Stamford firefighters receive Medal of Valor

Connecticut Public Radio | By Jennifer Ahrens

Published May 17, 2022 at 7:48 AM EDT

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: U.S. President Joe Biden awards the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to Firefighter John Colandro as fellow firefighters Michael Rosero and Chad Titus (L) of the Stamford, Connecticut, Fire Department look on during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 16, 2022 in Washington, DC. The medals are given for “extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.” (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — U.S. President Joe Biden awards the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to Firefighter John Colandro as fellow firefighters Michael Rosero and Chad Titus (L) of the Stamford, Connecticut, Fire Department look on during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 16, 2022 in Washington, DC. The medals are given for “extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.”

Three Stamford firefighters were at the White House Monday to receive the Medal of Valor from President Biden. John Colandro, Michael Rosero and Chad Titus were honored for their actions during a blizzard last year. The firefighters rescued two people, including one who was trapped in a submerged truck. The firefighters put on scuba gear and jumped into the freezing waters and smashed the rear window to get the driver out. The three men were among 15 public safety officers honored during Monday's ceremony. The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor was created 22 years ago.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Donate