Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Annual Awards

May 21, 2019

The night of November 2, 2018, Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a house fire in the 2500 block Portobella Place, just south of East Kingsfield Road. The crew from the Cantonment Station of Escambia Rescue was first on scene, and other responding fire engines were significantly delayed due to an extended medical call.

Lt. Bryan Caro instructed firefighter Matthew Callahan to pull a hose to the back of the home, where most of the fire was located. Caro and firefighter Eric Irigoyen entered the home for an aggressive search. A female resident was located by Caro and carried out the front door where he was met and assisted by Battalion Chief Dan Brask. CPR was started, and woman was transported to an area hospital.

During Escambia Fire Rescue’s annual Medal Day, Caro was awarded the Medal of Gallantry, while Brash received the Distinguished Service Medal. A Company Citation and ribbon were presented to firefighters Callahan, Eric Irigoyen, Will Smith, Justin Amberg and Justin Bratt; and Lt. Scott Averill.

Company Citations were presented to members of the Century Station of Cantonment Fire Rescue for a November 23, 2018, medical call for a 45-year old man in cardiac arrest. The man, who is a welder and had been working on a project, was on the ground when first responders arrived. A bystander had started CPR. Firefighters, Escambia EMS and an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on scene within minutes to being advanced life support. Before LifeFlight arrived for transport, the man had signs of a pulse and was trying to breathe on his own. He made a full recovery.

Acting Lt. Dale Dirks, firefighter Gavin Nigh, Lt. Keith Chapman, District Chief David Adams and Assistant District Chief Chris Barrow received the company citation.

Numerous Escambia Fire Rescue firefighters received awards during the program for other lifesaving and property-saving events over the past year. In addition to those named above, the follow awards were also presented:

Medal of Gallantry: FF Steve Clark, FF Dale Coulter, FF Kenny Fehl

Distinguished Service Medal: Lt. Greg Campanella, FF Philip Hoffman, FF Jonathan Page, Lt. Jim Beagle, Lt. Andrew Rasnick, FF Bruce Durden. FF Michael Hernandez, Lt. Daniel Mills, FF Kenny Fehl, FF Cody Brown

Medal of Courage: FF Steve Clark

Company Citations: Lt. Lyndon Halteman, FF Justin King, FF Jonathan Page, FF/Paramedic Chase Webb, Lt. Timothy M. Scallan, FF Jeffery Fangman, Lt. Michael Madrey, FF Jason Crabbe, FF Jeff Rohrer, Deputy Chief Paul Williams, Battalion Chief Adam Harrison

Letter of Appreciation: FF Philip Hoffman, Ashley Durden

Annual Awards: Reed Moss was named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Capt. Sam Skinner was named Volunteer Fire Office of the Year, Kenney Fehl was named Fire Fighter of the Year, and Lt. Josh Hunter was named Fire Office of the Year.

For photos of many of the award winners, click here.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

One Response to “Escambia Fire Rescue Presents Annual Awards”

  1. Lifendason on May 21st, 2019 7:50 am

    Congratulations everyone on a job well done! Thank you for your service!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News