Press Center

SENATOR LAVALLE HONORS LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH
SENATE VOLUNTEER OF VALOR AWARD

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR KENNETH P. LAVALLE

6/10/2008

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle honored Fred and Ethel Terry of Orient with the New York State Senate’s first annual Volunteer of Valor award at a reception held in Albany on June 10. The award was created to recognize emergency service volunteers whose selfless acts and commitment to their community make them worthy of commendation.

“The Terrys are but two of the First Senate District’s many emergency service volunteers whose time, dedication, and bravery we depend on in times of need,” said Senator LaValle. “I received numerous worthy nominations for the ‘Volunteer of Valor’ award, which made it difficult to make a selection. I believe that the Terrys’ story exemplifies the strength of character and qualities attributed to the entire group.”

It was the summer of 2007 when Fred and Ethel Terry answered one of the many calls they have responded to over the years. However, the call wasn’t routine. “A male child with a fish hook in his eye — boat 25 minutes out.” Before leaving their driveway, Fire Chief Fred Terry secured a helicopter to Stony Brook Trauma Center and called for ALS. When the boat arrived at the dock, the severity of the eye trauma was realized. The boat lumbered as Rescue Squad Captain Ethel Terry encouraged the child’s father keep the boy’s spine immobilized. She then engaged the child in an amazing banter and quickly assessed the situation. Captain Terry calmly
directed her crew to remove the exterior dangling huge fish hook, immobilize the penetration wound, and extricate the child onto the waiting helicopter. As a result of Fred and Ethel Terrys’ quick response, leadership, experience, and courage, the child’s eye and sight were saved.

Fred Terry has been a firefighter with the Orient Fire Department since 1962 and has also been an Orient EMT for 30 plus years. Ethel Terry has been a Suffolk County EMT for 30 years, served 10 years as Rescue Captain in the Orient Fire Department, and still serves as a training officer.

“The Terrys’ command of emergency situations, their kindness and compassion have been a great source of inspiration and pride to the Orient community,” said Senator LaValle. “They are truly deserving of the ‘Volunteer of Valor’ award and are fine role models for people considering volunteering their time and talent to ensure the well-being of their fellowman.”