Deer Park volunteer firefighter honored for saving 2 lives while off duty

<p>A Deer Park volunteer firefighter was honored for going above and beyond the call of duty.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 30, 2018, 9:30 PM

Updated 2,028 days ago

Share:

A Deer Park volunteer firefighter was honored for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Bradley Tatarian was honored alongside more than a dozen Suffolk firefighters Sunday by the Vocational Education and Extension Board of Suffolk County in Brookhaven.
Tatarian was honored for saving two lives while he was off duty.
The incident happened Dec. 20, 2017, when Tatarian drove past a car accident in Levittown.
Tatarian, with the help of two other bystanders, pulled a man and a woman out of a burning vehicle just moments before the car exploded.
"I came across their car flipped over. It was on its roof. There was already fire coming out from the bottom by the engine compartment,” says Tatarian.
Tatarian says the car exploded and they got the victims out of the car just in time.
John Lorusso was the driver inside that car. He tells News 12 that he spent weeks in a coma and had a long road to recovery.
He was grateful to spend the day honoring the man he credits with saving his life.

Tatarian told News 12 he's honored to receive the award, but recognition isn't why he serves in the fire department.
Since the crash, Tatarian and Lorusso - both firemen-- have forged a friendship.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road