The Monroe firefighters’ actions will be recognized with the prestigious 2017 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor. This award recognizes firefighters around the world for their expert training, leadership, heroic actions and safe practices. It is the highest honor bestowed by IAFC.
Medals will be presented to Monroe Fire Lts. Scott Clasgens, Chris Marker and Russell Rickard; and Fire Medics Josh Spradling and Paul Petersat at the Fire Rescue International’s (FRI) general session on July 27 in Charlotte, N.C.
Monroe’s first responding crew acted with courage and expertise to save the lives of senior citizens trapped on the top floor, directly under the burning roof of a three-story building that was struck by multiple lightning strikes, according to the department.
All of the residents were rescued as the fire spread, before the roof collapsed and smoke engulfed the building.
Monroe Fire Chief John Centers said there could have been more serious injuries if not for the quick actions of first responders and the Mount Pleasant Place staff. He said their training was crucial in getting residents out safely during this emergency.
“This was a career fire,” Centers said. “It is difficult to imagine a worse scenario than the one we encountered, with that many people in harm’s way. Our responders took substantial risks, but their training and commitment showed. The decisions made by our public safety staff that day allowed us to have a successful mission.”
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©2017 the Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio)
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