Lifesaver honored by Bayside Applebee’s

BY STEVE MOSCO

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 11:54 AM EST

He did not think twice about jumping into action to save a life, and a local restaurant didn’t think twice about honoring him.

Firefighter Vinny Sottile, 38, received a plaque from Applebee’s in Bayside on Tuesday, January 26, honoring his heroism in saving a woman from her burning car on Interstate 95 in Connecticut.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” said Sottile. “All this attention is a little overwhelming, but it’s good for the fire department.

Sottile, a firefighter from the Fire Department of New York Engine 167, was off-duty when he encountered the wreckage on Saturday, December 12. He and his wife Joanne were on their way home from Mohegan Sun, having spent Friday night at the Connecticut casino.

Without thinking twice, he leaped out of his truck, got his firefighter gear out of the back and proceeded to save the women’s life. Before pulling her to safety, he extinguished the fire burning on the women’s boot.

His wife Joanne, who watched the whole scene and said it was over in a matter of seconds, was not surprised by her husband’s quick thinking and selfless actions.

“It’s second nature to him,” said Joanne. “He deserves the recognition, but there are lots of people who should be honored for this. It’s amazing when people step up.”

When Joanne expressed concern that ashes from the burning vehicle might ignite their own car, Sottile quipped, “That only happens in movies.”

Sottile, who also volunteers for the Lindenhurst Fire Department, said the best part of being honored is all the attention his kids are receiving. Vincent, 8, and Nicolina, 6, are very proud of their father, and their classes even made a card for Sottile.

“It’s very cool because the kids get a kick out of it,” he said. “And with all the attention, they’re heroes by proxy.”

Steve Nelson, general manager at the Applebee’s where Sottile was honored, said that his restaurant never misses a chance to honor members of the community who go beyond their call of duty.

“We always get involved in community efforts,” said Nelson. “Applebee’s is tied to the community; you can see that in everything hanging on our walls. Naturally we wanted to get involved in this.”

As for his firefighting brethren, they weren’t surprised at all when they heard about his actions.

“Like most firemen, Vinny wouldn’t blink an eye,” said Kevin Larkin, also of Engine 167. “He’s done the job, which is really a bunch of small heroic things that we’ve all done.”