More Accolades For East Meadow Fire Chief

East Meadow Fire Department Chief Walter Griffin, Jr. has earned another accolade for his efforts in resuscitating a 10-month-old boy who suddenly stopped breathing.

Legis. Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow, LD 13) recently presented Chief Griffin with a Lifesaving Commendation, describing him as "a shining example of the great individuals serving to protect the community."

"I am proud to be able to recognize him today,” she said. “His heroic acts have saved the life of an infant and touched a family for many years to come.”

When a neighbor rang his doorbell for help, Chief Griffin sprung into action. He immediately alerted the fire department and began infant CPR. After three rounds of back blows and chest compressions, the child responded and began breathing on his own.

Chief Griffin attributed his quick reaction to his years of training “kicking in.”

The department's medical director, Dr. Zaso, also responded to the scene, not realizing the child was a patient in his private practice. “If it were not for the rapid and skillful care Chief Griffin rendered to the child, the incident would have had a fatal outcome,” Dr. Zaso said following the incident.

Chief Griffin also earned a 2013 Firematic Award in October from the Town of Hempstead for his efforts.