Krissinger’s act of heroism was nominated and posted to the website along with the stories of three other first responders. Site visitors viewed the dashcam video of a daring rescue where Krissinger pulled a man from a burning truck on November 25, 2013. The online votes were tallied, and Krissinger was named the winner.
In a news report by NBC 40 News, Krissinger was quoted as saying, “I think there’s heroes everyday. I just happened to be caught on camera doing it.”
“We want Officer Krissinger, and all of the heroes out there who serve and protect, to get the respect and recognition they so richly deserve,” said Tom Force, whose company is the primary sponsor of FRVote.com.
“Personally, I’m so fed up with the way law enforcement and true public servants have come under attack by politicians and the media,” exclaimed Force. “I look at my hometown of New York, and how the NYPD is being handcuffed and abused by the new mayor and his administration. It’s ridiculous.” Force further explains, “We are simply doing our part to help shed some positive light onto the police, as well as firefighters, paramedics and others–the true unsung heroes out there.”
The three other nominees for the inaugural week of the competition included: Pennsylvania State Trooper Timothy Strohmeyer, Captain Kerry McKinstry with the Albuquerque, NM Fire Department, and members of the Wellesley, MA Fire Department: Dave Papazian, Lt. Paul Delaney and Captain Jim Dennehey.
On December 12, 2012, Trooper Strohmeyer put himself at great risk when he engaged a homicidal shooter. Despite being shot several times, Strohmeyer was able to save the lives of others, including a fellow trooper. His story was featured in a segment on ABC-TV.
EMS Captain McKinstry used quick thinking and skill to save the life of a bicyclist struck by a garbage truck on June 20, 2014.
On December 22, 2013, a golden retriever fell through ice on the Charles River. The rescue, by members of the Wellesley (MA) Fire Department, was shown in an episode of Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show, “Ellen.”
Force describes the concept for the new site: “All of these heroes are the best of the best, and we are proud to tell their stories again.”
Visitors to FRVote.com can participate by nominating and voting for their favorite first responder each week. “If you take the time to watch the segments we have for each of them, you will see there is no doubt that they are all winners,” said Force.
The “First Responder of The Week” and their superiors receive additional recognition in the form of an appreciation certificate. Memberships from I.C.E. Medical Cards, the program’s primary sponsor, are also awarded.
“Our sponsorship of ‘First Responder of The Week’ is a natural fit with what we do,” explained Force. “ICE stands for ‘In Case of Emergency,’ and our program is designed to give first responders quick and easy access to an accident victim’s critical contact and medical information. We know what an incredibly difficult job first responders have, and our program is designed to help them with quick access to critical info right at the scene of an accident or other serious emergency.”
New candidates are posted on the site weekly. “Please take a few minutes out of your day and watch these incredible people do things that just go above and beyond,” requests Force. “We have two Canadians this week, so we have gone international. We need your nominations as well!”
Visit http://FRVote.com for more information.