Seventy members of the FDNY were honored Wednesday for acts of tremendous valor, and a hero firefighter from Smithtown was among the honorees.

Last July, Lt. George Mueller ran into a burning apartment building in East New York.

He battled against intense smoke and high heat conditions, and he successfully pulled three unconscious residents from the eighth floor to safety.

“Just trying to get the job done,” said Lt. Mueller. “We knew people were in trouble and in danger, and you just have to do what you have to do.”

George Mueller Sr., the firefighter's father, and other family members say that they couldn’t be prouder. “I knew he was destined for great things. He was always a great person, great kid and great man now,” said Mueller Sr.

His wife Irene describes him as a selfless person who loves his job and helping people. FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro noted the acts of valor being honored were carried out during the pandemic.

While many were locked down at home for safety, the city’s bravest were out facing unseen dangers of the virus and saving lives daily.

“In a year filled with sorrow and loss, these are stories of bravery and hope and a reminder that no matter how dark the times may be, how difficult the challenge or situation, the FDNY will always be there,” said Commissioner Nigro.