Columbus firefighters and ambulance personnel involved in the rescue of a disabled woman from a residential fire were recently honored for their courage.
The Columbus Board of Works honored them for "acts of heroism and bravery that were above and beyond the call of duty," said Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay.
Six Columbus firefighters, who were directly responsible for the rescue, were presented with the Medal of Valor.
“These individuals were the first in to actually make the rescue inside the structure, but as everything we do in the fire service, it’s a team effort, and everybody played a role," said Lay.
Lay was among the 18 additional individuals awarded the Medal of Courage. This included 16 department members who operated at the scene and two Columbus Regional Health ambulance service technicians who provided medical care and transport for the injured woman.
On the afternoon of June 17, firefighters responded to the report of a bed on fire, with flames spreading to a nearby wall, in a residence at 201 S. Hinman Street, said CFD spokesman Capt. Mike Wilson.
When the first firefighters arrived on the scene, they learned that a disabled woman was unable to leave the back bedroom on her own and immediately went to rescue her. The firefighters found the woman in a mechanical lift device, unable to free herself.
They quickly moved her out of the home, and she was transported away to receive medical attention.
After the rescue, firefighters began putting out the fire, which took about 10 minutes before it was under control. When they initially arrived, flames and smoke were shooting through a screened-in front porch on the front of the two-bedroom home, eventually causing the front area to collapse.
The house was considered to be a complete loss due to heavy and massive fire, smoke and water damage. The fire department worked with the Salvation Army to help the family find shelter after the incident. Two cats perished in the fire.
Columbus Fire Department sent four engines and two rescue vehicles to the scene, along with an ambulance from Columbus Regional Health EMS. Firefighters were platooned in and out of the scene in order to get fluids and replace their air tanks.
“It’s a true honor to serve and work alongside every one of you," said Lay. "… You truly are heroes.”
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Lt. Shawn McNealy, Firefighter Jeff Brown, Firefighter Dan Smith, Firefighter Cody Hercamp, Firefighter Cory Hampton and Firefighter Chris Baker.
“The Medal of Valor is awarded to a firefighter for performance beyond the call of duty and extreme personal risk and having been instrumental in rescuing and saving another person’s life.”
— Chief Andy Lay
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Chief Andy Lay, Deputy Chief Mark Ziegler, Battalion Chief Terry Whitis, Lt. Scott Maley, Lt. Rick Mullis, Lt. Ron Sexton, Lt. Josh Allman, Capt. Mike Wilson, Capt. Ben Spencer, Firefighter Paul Chapple, Firefighter Andy Johns, Firefighter Jared Lucas, Firefighter Casey Taylor, Firefighter Justin Sims, Firefighter Bryan Bailey, Firefighter Ryan Hirtzel, Paramedic Gabe Thomas, and E.M.T Conner Bridges.
“The Medal of Courage is awarded to a firefighter who was involved in an act of bravery which shows initiative and capability.”
— Chief Andy Lay
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