July 19th, 2023 – Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and the Islip Town Board recently congratulated Islip resident Lt. Justin Hespeler of the FDNY, for in May receiving the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor from President Biden.

While responding to a call in November of 2021, Lt. Hespeler was made aware of a newborn trapped on the second floor of a burning Brooklyn home. Without the protection of a hoseline, and ignoring urgent calls for personnel to evacuate the building, Lt. Hespeler battled through heavy black smoke, zero visibility and high heat, to locate the unconscious 5-week-old and carry him to safety, where EMS administered life-saving aid.

"Lt. Hespeler's heroic deeds are truly remarkable and stand as a testament to the selfless courage of first responders," said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. "This type of heroism is inspiring, and we are proud as a Town to call him one of our own." the Supervisor added.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest national award presented to a public safety officer who has exhibited extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.

Lt. Justin Hespeler is a former United Sates Marine and former member of the NYPD. He joined the FDNY in September of 2005.