Firefighters are expected to save lives in fires, but as first responders often their actions can stand between life and death for a victim before the arrival of an ambulance.
On Monday, six White County Fire Services personnel were recognized for saving lives in two separate incidents in recent months.
Firefighters Steve Hopper, Tommy Steen, and AJ Staton responded with Rescue 4 on April 28 to Tommy Cowart Road south of Cleveland for an overdose call where the individual was in cardiac arrest.
CPR was initiated on the patient and Narcan was given, which resulted in that person eventually regaining consciousness and preventing loss of life, said Public Safety Director David Murphy.
Firefighters Austin Brown, Jackson Cantrell, and Shad Sosebee were recognized for actions when responding with Rescue 2 to a gunshot call on Leatherford Road on October 8.
The three applied a tourniquet to a victim who had a gunshot wound to the leg, stopping the loss of blood, and saving a life, Murphy said.
“Your dedication and genuine concern for the welfare of others is admirable and inevitably appreciated by all. You are an exceptional asset to White County Fire Services, and we are fortunate to have you serving the citizens and visitors to our community.”
Each firefighter recognized received a certificate and letter of commendation for their heroic and lifesaving actions.
Murphy said the firefighters were told to report to the Emergency Operations Center for a photograph and did not know they would be recognized.
“We want to make sure our community knows what valuable assets you are to us,” Murphy said.
