SHOUT OUT: A Ridgewood fire lieutenant who smashed a Guinness world record for running a mile-long race in full firefighting gear was honored by state lawmakers who cited his “meritorious accomplishments and competitive spirit.”
PHOTO: Boyd A. Loving / INSET: Norm Chester
A triathlete who’s been running since he was a young boy, Lt. Brendan Corcoran toted 25 pounds of gear — including 3½-pound boots on each foot — while completing in the Fred d’Elia Memorial Day Ridgewood Run in 6:45 minutes, smashing the previous record of 7:58:02 seconds.
He also completed a half-marathon in March in a record one hour, 48 minutes and 24 seconds — also in full firefighting gear — beating the previous mark by a full 12 minutes.
A former teacher, Corcoran joined the village fire department a decade ago as a volunteer before becoming full time.
He often runs to raise money for worthy causes, including Code 3 for a Cure Foundation, a national nonprofit charity that supports firefighters with cancer.
Corcoran also founded Team Firefighter, which promotes fitness among firefighters. Members of the team compete in races around the country and worldwide — sometimes in full gear.
He also has designed a solar-powered sign to alert firefighters to how many pets are in a house.
Corcoran listened along with friends and loved ones — including his wife, Kate, and 5-year old daughter, Cailin — as state Assemblyman David Russo read the resolution during Wednesday night’s village council meeting.
It cited his “sportsmanship, character, and determination during his outstanding running feats, with or without firefighting gear,” which has “brought honor and pride to his family, his community, and this State.”
