FD Spotlight: Kenny Burns of Cutchogue is a Skilled First Responder

In our new series of stories highlighting individuals who dedicate so much of themselves as volunteers in emergency services, it's our priviledge to introduce our first honoree exemplary EMT and firefighter, Lt. Kenny Burns of the .

Always knowing that he wanted to be a volunteer fireman, it was after brother chief driver William Burns joined the Cutchogue Fire Department in spring, 2007, that Burns, 32, soon followed in Oct. 2007. 

Here, he quickly built an exceptional resume that includes endless hours of volunteer EMT and firefighter service, prestigious awards, and competing in a well-known firemen's sport — all while holding down three jobs and constantly proving himself in all areas.

As the first to give Burns his credit due, fellow firefighter and EMT Andi Parks said: "Kenny deserves to be recognized. He is not only dedicated — he tries his hardest to make nearly every call — but he is also very empathetic to the patients he tends to."

Burns clearly displayed this concern for others as he recalled a time when a young girl had fallen from an attic all the way down through to the basement of a house.  "It was horrible to watch this little girl just lay there crying — I felt so helpless at that moment. We all did," Burns said.

But Burns' quick skilled response within the following seconds helped save the child's life and give fellow rescuers the focus they needed.

Chief David Fohrkolb gives an example of one of the responsibilities Burns has successfully taken on: "One of the most important things that Kenny does is man the first responder car, where he has to provide pre-hospital care before anyone else gets to the scene — understand that this is when many lives are saved,"  Fohrkolb said.

Danielle Fogarty, wife of Commissioner James Fogarty, noted Burns as, "amazing and hardworking." 

Besides his rigorous schedule as a rescuer, Burns also works at his family-owned business, is a manager for Southhampton Transportation, and works part-time as a dispatcher for the Cutchogue Fire Department.

Burns' superiors also commend him on the job that he’s doing, as Commissioner Fogarty himself said: "We're very proud of him and the community should be as well."

Burns is the recipient of prestigious awards such as the EMS Provider of the Year 2010 and Probie of the Year 2007. Second Assistant Chief William A. Brewer recognizes Burns for being so highly involved with The Department: "He's one of our more active and most dedicated volunteers," he said.

In keeping with the spirit of comradery and friendly competition, Burns also finds time to enjoy the fun and challenging sport of being on the Cutchogue Fire Department Panthers firematic racing drill team.

Chief Fohrkolb added: "Kenny is a volunteer who's so dedicated that he sets goals for the other members." 

But Burns contributes most of what he does to others. "I wouldn’t be able to do any of this if it weren't for the people who've come before me, and many of those that I work with now."

Thanks to Burns and his comrades, the little girl was brought to safety, air-lifted, and received the medical care she needed — all in a day's work for a dedicated volunteer.