WAPPINGERS FALLS – Congressman Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) honored many of the first responders who worked to rescue victims from the horrific explosion on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls in early November. Dozens of police, fire, and EMS personnel worked to rescue individuals who were trapped under debris and in construction equipment at the scene on November 2, 2023.
Ryan made the heroes part of national history when he read the account of the mass casualty incident and the names of the heroes into the Congressional Record late last year.
The gas line explosion that resulted in 15 people suffering various injuries drew large response from emergency personnel who worked to save the victims.
“Sergeant Devin Ludwig (WFPD), Investigator Andrew Hettinger (NYSP), and John Marco Nuculovic (WFFD) ran into extreme peril to carry out those trapped inside the smoldering rubble. John even refused medical attention for injuries he sustained during the rescue until all others were out safely,” Ryan noted.
Noting that first responders, many of whom are volunteers, do not enjoy the attention they receive after heroic actions like the ones performed that day, Ryan gathered county and local leaders to pay tribute to those gathered at the SW Johnson Firehouse in Wappingers Falls on Thursday.
Ryan specifically recognized the following for their actions:
- Wappingers Falls Police Sergeant Devin Ludwig – carried one of the burned children to safety and set up the triage area for victims.
- Wappingers Falls Police Officer Daniel Corchado – initial responder who immediately assisted and also aided firefighters.
- Wappingers Falls Detective Sergeant Jenn Farrell – set up logistical operations and was tasked as lead investigator – also tasked with multi-agency coordination.
- Wappingers Falls firefighter John Marco Nuculovic, also Superintendent of Village of Wappingers Falls DPW.
- Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Steven Reverri – established outside perimeter command and implemented ambulance egress plan.
- NYSP Investigator Andrew Hettinger was credited with rescuing at least one child victim from the rubble.
Mid-Hudson News video from the scene on November 2, 2023:
