On Monday, March 23, 2009 while returning Nesconset's Heavy Rescue 4-4-9 to the Department, Firefighter Brown was alerted by a passerby of a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle fire on Lakeland Avenue. Firefighter Brown arrived on scene prior to the arrival of the Lakeland Fire Department and found a victim trapped in a car with the engine compartment on fire. Without personal protective equipment, Firefighter Brown used a portable extinguisher to protect the occupant from the flames, which had now extended into the passenger compartment. Then, using  tools from 4-4-9, he initiated extrication operations along with Chief Michael Barbara of the Lakeland Fire Department. While Chief Barbara operated the extrication tools, Firefighter Brown continued using the extinguishers to protect the victim from fire that was venting from the engine compartment and coming from under the dashboard.

    For putting the safety of others ahead of his own personal safety and acting at great personal risk, Firefighter William Brown is hereby awarded the Silver Medal of Valor.