National Grid and the New York Islanders celebrated a Farmingville man’s actions as a first responder to save a bedridden woman from her burning home. Each month during hockey season National Grid employees vote for a local Long Island “Hometown Hero” and they receive recognition at an Islander game with an award that is made from a piece of plexiglass that surrounds the ice at the Nassau Coliseum.
Andy Carbone won this month for springing into action when he saw his neighbor’s home engulfed in flames. He grabbed his fire extinguisher and started putting out the fire, and told his daughter to call 911 as he helped get his neighbor out of the house safely.
Former Islander great Mike Bossy also congratulated Carbone on his heroism and his award.
Carbone and his 8-year-old son Ryan accepted the award from National Grid New York President Ken Daly and his 8-year-old son Kenny.
Carbone said the training he received as a volunteer firefighter gave him the instincts to act fast.
“This made me feel really proud of what I did and I would do it again tomorrow if I had to,” said Carbone. “The training that I received from the Massapequa Fire Department definitely came into play.”
This was a special Hometown Hero award for National Grid, which works closely with the volunteer fire departments on Long Island. Many of National Grid’s Long Island employees are also members of their local fire departments.
“We have strong partnerships with the communities we serve and Andy showed true courage with his actions,” said Daly. “Safety is our number one priority at National Grid and we’re proud to have customers like Andy who didn’t think twice to take care of his neighbor and make her safe. Andy is a great example of ‘if you see something say something’ and it is an honor to give him this award on behalf of National Grid and its employees.”
Daly also reminds customers to use their senses when it comes to natural gas safety. “A gas leak is often recognized by smell, sight or sound,” said Daly. “Natural gas is colorless and odorless and has an odorant added to give it a distinctive pungent odor similar to rotten eggs. Customers should also recognize a white cloud, mist fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. And a gas leak is often characterized by an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing or whistle.”
The greatest risk to underground natural gas pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. To protect pipeline and other underground facilities, the law requires that all excavators call 811 so that underground facilities (electric, gas, telephone, water, sewer or cable facilities) can be marked out, which minimizes potential damage.
“Customers who are proactive like Andy will keep the community safe for our sons and future generations of Long Islanders,” said Daly.
