By Jamie Thompson
FireRescue1 News Editor

Photo Jamie Thompson Firefighter Michael Cabral, who rescued two children from a fire, accepts the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award at FDIC in Indianapolis Wednesday.

INDIANAPOLIS — In a profession known for its heroic deeds, it takes something extraordinary to win the award named for the most highly decorated firefighter in the history of the FDNY.

But that's exactly what Fire Lt. Michael Cabral of the Fall River, Mass., Fire Department did on October 26 last year in pulling two children from a burning home.
His efforts were acknowledged Wednesday at FDIC in Indianapolis when he was named the 2008 recipient of the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.

The award is named after the chief of rescue of operations who was killed at the World Trade Center attack on 9/11. It was presented to Lt. Cabral by Ray Downey's sons, Joe and Chuck, who are both FDNY members.

Lt. Cabral rescued a brother and sister, aged 3 and 6, from their second-floor bedroom after his company arrived at the scene of the apartment fire.

"He instinctively knew time was of the essence if he hoped to save those children," Chuck Downey said.

After searching the youngsters' bedroom, he eventually felt a small foot and scooped up the limp body of the boy. He then had to decide whether to take the child to safety there and then or keep searching for the boy's sister.

"Lt. Cabral made the extremely difficult decision to leave with the first victim, realizing the chances for the second child's survival would be much lower," Chuck Downey said.

Second search
Lt. Cabral was able to carry the boy out of the house, where colleagues began performing CPR. Then, almost immediately, Lt. Cabral made his way back upstairs to the bedroom to search for the girl. He managed to find her, but as he left the room carrying the girl, his face-piece was pulled from his face.

Lt. Cabral was able to hand the youngster over to the crews that had only just advanced to his location. He re-donned his mask and everyone was able to exit the building.

Both of the children made a full recovery.

Robert Biolchini, CEO of Pennwell, told the audience at FDIC that Lt. Cabral's actions "exemplify the highest tradition of the fire service."

“Lt. Cabral's persistence in his search to locate the two victims was heroic and not considered out of character by his fellow Fall River firefighters."

After receiving the award, Lt. Cabral paid tribute to his department.

"I am very fortunate to be surrounded by many great firefighters and trained by many great training officers.

"Without them, this wouldn't have been possible," he said.

He went on to say that the greatest reward is the fact the two children are alive and doing well.

"They are the great heroes," he said. "This experience has had tremendous impact on my life and will remain with me forever."