HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — A rookie firefighter who helped save his captain during a deadly high-rise condo fire in Hollywood last year has been recognized for his actions.

Robert Brito, who works for Hollywood Fire Rescue, was battling the blaze at a beachfront building last October when he realized his captain was running out of oxygen.

With visibility near zero, authorities said Brito used his own breathing apparatus to supply air to his captain, allowing both men to continue breathing and safely evacuate the building.

“At this point with no visibility, just pull it out, kind of reach for his and make the connection, and now at this point, he starts breathing off my bottle,” Brito said.

HFR Chief Jeffrey Levy said Brito’s actions highlight the importance of preparation and teamwork on the fireground.

“If you look at a lot of these tragic events that happen on these fires, it comes from lack of training and lack of communication. Everything worked out on this event,” he said.

Brito was honored Tuesday with the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Hollywood.

Firefighter honored after rescuing captain during Hollywood high-rise blaze

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Ryan Mackey