Firefighter Brad Tatarian and police officers Shane Bula and Joseph Howard have been named Community Heroes of the Month for February, an initiative supported by Northwell and the New York Islanders.
The recognition highlights their actions during a 2017 incident in which they helped rescue two people from a vehicle explosion. The accident occurred when a car ran a red light at over 100 miles per hour, striking another vehicle. The impact caused a pickup truck to overturn and land about 300 feet from the crash site.
According to the account, Joseph Howard witnessed the crash and responded immediately. “Howard took the lead and advised bystanders to call 911 as he managed to open the damaged door and tend to the unconscious victims.”
Brad Tatarian, who was off duty at the time, assisted with Shane Bula and Howard in pulling the victims out of the burning truck moments before it exploded. At that time, Bula was in the process of joining the NYPD; he now serves as an officer with the department.
Tatarian was serving as a Deer Park Volunteer Firefighter during the incident. He later received the Medal of Valor from Suffolk County’s Vocational Education and Extension Board for his actions.
Since then, Howard has been promoted to Staff Sergeant and transferred to Nassau County Police Department. In 2017, he held the rank of Lance Corporal.
The Community Hero of the Month program aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage or service within their communities.
