GFD Annual Report 2021-2022

STAFF HONORS Medals & Awards

Each year, the department delivers annual awards and honors employees who saved a life in the line of duty by performing CPR or pulling a resident out of burning building. In 2021-22, the Medal and Awards Committee presented 110 awards to staff who demonstrated a high degree of professionalism, removed someone from a hazardous situation or from danger, or assisted a person with no pulse who isn’t breathing. The Life-Savers In September 2021, units arrived at a two-story structure fire on Homeland Avenue. Firefighter Thesley Sampson and Captain Dave Coker heard yelling from the second story windows. Firefighter Eric Simmons deployed a ladder on one side of the building while Firefighters Mitchell McMillion and Justin Patterson raised one on the other side. Captain Chris Koran, Patterson, and McMillion climbed through the windows and faced heavy smoke and heat. McMillion found a burn victim inside and teamed with Patterson to quickly get the victim to the window where Coker carried him down a ladder to safety. The victim was admitted to the hospital with third-degree burns but regained consciousness and was breathing. Each of the six firefighters received a Life-Saving Award for their valor.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Alex Gossett Deputy Fire Chief OFFICER OF THE YEAR Michael Page Battalion Chief ENGINEER OF THE YEAR Brandon Lucas Fire Engineer FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Sterling Crosby Senior Firefighter AMERICAN LEGION POST 53 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Keri Wells Senior Firefighter