Thomas Woods of Ladder 154 is receiving the FDNY's highest honor on Wednesday.
Woods rescued the 25 people in Belle Harbor, Queens, from a rising storm surge and rapidly moving fire.
Thirty of those being honored at the Fire Department's annual Medal Day ceremony are getting special recognition for their work during the storm.
Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano also says more than 7,000 FDNY members, both uniformed and civilian, are receiving a Sandy Campaign Service Ribbon.
