The Houston Fire Department - The Fire Fighters Foundation of

Medal Day 2007 Sponsors
Special Thanks
The Houston Fire
Department
Fallen Hero’s
The men and women of the Houston Fire Department put their lives
on the line every day while protecting the citizens of Houston.
Every call they respond to may be their “Last Alarm.”
HFD Medal Day 2007 is dedicated to the men and women of the
Houston Fire Department who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Emil Thompson
Frank Medlenka
Clifford Johnson
Barney Moffatt
Thomas O’Leary
Herman Wagner
Clifford Weise
Patrick O’Hara
Robert Glass
H.A.Harris
Harry Dodd
J.A. “Bob” Boyd
Harold Denny
George Bishop
Claude Edmonds
James Smith
Rudolph Hendricks
Edgar Grant
Harry Oxford
John Little Sr.
Aaron O’Brien
William Ward
Charles Rusk
Esker Rogers
Alfred Schutze
“Molly” Walker
Horace Gassoway
James Lowth
John Adams
Vernon Dorsett
Robert “Bobby” Milburn
Jospeh Connor
Rufus “Bullock” Templet
Charley Middlekauf
Fidel Chabolla
Joseph Solito
Frank Catino
Woodrow Erwin
Delbert Sherfey
William Kersten
Willis McWhorter
D. H. Chandler
Charles “Jed” Jedlicka
Dominic “Don” Contorno
Claude Hopkins
Steve Baronowski
James Walls Jr.
Truxton Hathaway Jr.
Lewis “Moe” Richardson
Jackie Ludwick
Thomas Cooper
Lonnie Franklin
Robert Reyes
Ruben Lopez
Steven Mayfield
Lewis Mayo
Kim Smith
Jay Jahnke
Kevin Kulow
Grady Burke
Medal Day 2007 Sponsors
Special Thanks
John C. or Kristy L. Seamans
7839 Salge
Houston, Texas 77040
HFD - Citizens Fire Academy Alumni
Assoiciation
C.J. White Foundation
Municipal Emergency Services, Inc.
15865 International Plaza
Drive Suite 240
Houston Texas, 77032
Toll Free # : 800-784-0404
Phone # : 281-442-9190
Fax # : 281-442-9199
Doug & Leah Clemons
3819 Merrick
Houston, Texas 77025
Comoco Jewelry and Acquisitions
David and Kelly Colaiacomo
713-859-0322
Robert Rasa
HFD -Citizens Fire Academy Alumni
Assoiciation
Fire Collectors, Inc.
Dave Miller
Ticket Stop
Jack Stopnicki
5925 Kirby Dr., Suite D
Houston, Texas 77005
713-526-8889
www.ticket-stop.com
Frazer, Ltd.
7219 Rampart
Houston, TX 77081
www.frazerbilt.com
G & L Fittings, Inc.
8225 Berwyn Dr.
Houston, Texas 77037
WCA
Matthew and Rick May
Captain James Graves
Fire Station # 73 A
Chris and Stephanie Whitehead
HFD - Citizens Fire Academy Alumni
Assoiciation
The Houston Fire Museum
www.houstonfiremuseum.org
Houston Professional
Firefighters Assoc.
Local 341
www.local341.org
Houston Snack & Beverage Servic
Medal Day 2007
Page 2
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 31
Houston Fire Department
INDEX
Alexander, Kevin.....................11
Alvarez, Ezequiel.....................27
Amaro, Terry...........................27
Appel, Mason..........................14
Ascenzi, Brad...........................27
Atchison, Terry........................23
Atkinson, Thomas..................22
Baker, Richard.........................14
Benavides, Javier......................14
Berry, Douglas.........................17
Bond, Aaron...........................27
Bull, Jimmy.............................22
Buonarosa, Nicholas...............27
Burleson, Ricky........................19
Calfee, Joel...............................10
Camp, Jentry...........................27
Cano, Jason.............................27
Cardoza, Thomas.....................14
Chandler, Richard...................27
Cloud, Daryl...........................27
Davis, Maurice........................18
Del Bosque, John....................22
Drews, Timothy.......................27
Everrett, Ricardo......................16
Flores, Frank...........................13
Goldstraw, Robert...................14
Graham, Rock.........................17
Graham, Robert......................27
Grayson, Kenneth...................26
Griffiths, Mark........................27
Guerrero, Juan........................13
Hammons, Jeffrey....................14
Harris, Kenneth......................27
Hill, Keith...............................27
Horsted, Shane.......................27
Jackson, Ervin.........................27
Jacobs, Jeffrey..........................14
Jaynes, Jerry.............................27
Johnson, Steven.......................14
Kelly, Christopher...................26
Likins, Zachary........................23
To The Medal Day 2007 Recipients,
Lumsden, John.......................27
Martinson, Jeremy...................27
Masson, Sacha.........................20
Matsumoto, Cary......................9
Mays, Jeremy...........................23
Maziarz, Kazimierz..................22
McKnight, Buren....................14
Miller, John.............................27
Mire, Michael..........................13
Mobley, Dennis.......................17
Musachia, John.......................27
Ng, Jia Wen..............................14
Noack, Steven.........................27
Parsons, Mark.........................27
Pauly, Randy............................19
Pavlat, Samuel.........................19
Pecht, Robert..........................22
Pierrel, Stephen.......................12
Ponte, Ennio...........................23
Richardson, David..................21
Robinson, Johnathan.............13
Salazar, Daniel.........................14
Sanchez, Alfonso.....................18
Schneider, Ronald..................27
Schulz, Pablo...........................14
Severance, William..................19
Smith, Keith............................27
Smith, Mort............................13
Smith, Christopher.................18
Sopchak, William....................17
Stakes, Joe...............................18
Taska, Joseph..........................27
Thomas, Allen........................13
Trimble, William....................26
Villanueva, Raul.....................27
Walterbach, James...................13
Warfield, Gregory...................21
Wedgeworth, Doyce ................27
Whitehead, Stephen..........13, 26
Wilkey, Timothy.....................22
The citizens of Houston have come to expect and enjoy
the high level of dedicated performance delivered by
the members of the Houston Fire Department. The
members of this Department routinely go above and
beyond the call of duty to perform courageous acts and
yet consider it just “another day at the office”. These
members seek no recognition performing their duty in
what we consider a honorable way of life, but today, as a
department we take the time to acknowledge and honor
your outstanding acts of bravery.
This Department is considered very busy in any comparison utilized and Houston Firefighters respond to these calls with remarkable fortitude and valor. This
dedication is not limited to suppression, but includes members of the department’s administration, emergency medical services and support services.
As we acknowledge these brave and dedicated men and women today, let us realize that there are many more courageous acts that have taken place within this
city that do go unrecognized.
But you recipients are being singled out because you went the extra distance to
save a life, protect property and the livelihood of someone you do not even know,
and have dedicated yourself to the safety and service to the citizens of Houston.
You brave men and women are serving in the highest tradition of honor and
bravery and I am proud to be your chief. You are powerful models of courage
and bravery and I commend you.
Sincerely,
Phil Boriskie
Fire Chief
Medal Day 2007
Page 30
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 3
Houston Fire Department
To The Medal Day 2007 Recipients,
Mid-Rise Fire / 9343 N. Loop East
This year marks the 15th year of the Fire Department’s
Medal Day. It also marks the 9th year in which I have
had the distinct privilege and honor of serving in the
capacity of chairperson of the Valor Awards Committee.
radio identifier would show on the dispatchers screen.
Even though he was too exhausted to speak, the captain was still able to maintain enough rational thought to remember this very simple, life-saving technique.
Oftentimes citizen’s speed along with their lives and
never once witness or experience a tragic event such as a
house fire, building collapse or child injury; however as
public servants whose jobs are dedicated to helping others, Houston Firefighters
witness and at times become victim to these events on a daily basis. Without any
doubt, I know that no public servant shines brighter at times of tragedy than the
brave men and women of the Houston Fire Department.
As a District Chief, I have personally gone to many emergencies throughout
the city where, time after time, I witness the dedication and commitment of
Firefighters doing what they do best—helping fellow citizens in times of tragedy.
Tonight’s honorees have gone beyond the call of duty. For placing yourselves
in harm’s way to help others, on behalf of the Houston Fire Department Valor
Awards Committee, I salute you for your tireless dedication to protecting
Houstonians.
This Medal Day dinner is but a tiny gesture of our appreciation for the work that
you do and a most fitting occasion for the City of Houston to reflect with deep
and abiding gratitude on your good works.
Sincerely,
Josef Gregory
District Chief
HFD Valor and Service Awards Committee Chair
Medal Day 2007
Page 4 cont.
Everyone realized the desperate situation they were involved in. Faced with the
largest fire of their careers, three civilians and one firefighter missing, the stress
was obvious on their faces. Numerous failed attempts to ascend the stairs left
only one other possible solution. An order was given to use Ladder Co. 20’s
aerial ladder to ram the large windows on the side of the building. The engineer/operator of Ladder 20 skillfully maneuvered the ladder from one window
to another. After what seemed like and eternity, the captain of Engine 8 was
heard on the radio telling Ladder 20 to stop. The captain had been located.
Firefighters ascended the aerial ladder and assisted Engine 8’s captain out of
the building. He was lowered to the ground where EMS crews transferred him
to an ambulance and transported him to a hospital. Sadly, three civilians lost
their lives. HFD Arson Investigators arrested a female who worked in the building and charged her with setting the fire.
The men and women of the Houston Fire Department who worked this fire
should be proud of their performance. In the end their courage and efforts on
scene resulted in the rescue of 8 civilians.
For their outstanding performance and courage demonstrated during one of
the worst fires in the history of Houston, Texas, the Houston Fire Department
awards Firefighter Shane Horsted and Firefighter Brad Ascenzi the Medal of
Valor.
For their courageous efforts to rescue civilians and firefighters under great
stress and extremely adverse conditions, the Houston Fire Department proudly
presents the Unit Medal of Valor to Senior Captains John Miller, Doyce Wedgeworth, Keith Smith, Raul Villanueva; Captains Jeremy Martinson, Steve Noack;
Firefighters John Lumsden, Terry Amaro, Nicholas Buonarosa, Gentry Camp,
Kenneth Harris, Ervin Jackson, Daryl Cloud, Robert Graham, Mark Parsons,
Jerry Jaynes, Ezequiel Alvarez, Aaron Bond.
The Unit Meritorious Medal is presented to Engineer/Operator John Musachia, Tim Drews, and Jason Cano.
For their supporting role in the operation, a Letter of Commendation is presented to Engineer/Operator Joseph Taska, Keith Hill, Ronald Schneider.
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 29
Houston Fire Department
Mid-Rise Fire / 9343 N. Loop East
Master of Ceremonies
cont.
This also made it impossible for the firefighters to use them for rescue purposes.
Minutes after the Incident Commander began implementing his plan of action,
the OEC informed him that they were receiving calls from civilians trapped on
the 5th floor. At the same time Ladder Co. 45 was in the process of rescuing 7
civilians while Ladder Co. 44 brought another civilian safely to the ground. But
there were still 3 civilians unable to escape the raging inferno.
The crew of Engine Co. 8 ascended the stairs, attempting to make it to the 5th
floor to rescue those 3 civilians. Several other firefighting crews attempted
this same operation but each one ran low on air and was forced to abort their
mission. The captain of Engine 8 and his crew made it to the 5th floor; the
fire floor. The captain, realizing they would need the protection of an attack
line, sent his two firefighters to retrieve a fire hose on the level below. When
the firefighters returned, their captain was not where they left him. The two
firefighters attempted to locate their captain but they were nearly out of air.
Reluctantly, the two firefighters turned and descended the stairs. As they made
their way down, they attempted to inform the Incident Commander of their
situation. Meanwhile, the captain was declaring a “May Day.” He informed
the Incident Commander that he had a fire victim in his grasp but was unable
to move the body alone. The captain stayed with the fire victim so long that he
actually ran out of air.
Firefighters are trained different ways to escape and survive many different
situations. The only problem is, there are no two fires alike. Each one presents
its own unique problems. The captain did exactly what he was trained to do: he
found a position that he felt would provide him the best opportunity for survival.
As the two firefighters from Engine 8 stumbled out of the building their captain
attempted to remain in contact with the Incident Commander. The firefighters
were insistent upon getting a new air supply and returning to assist their captain. Knowing that the two firefighters were in no condition to make such an
attempt, the Division Officer ordered Emergency Medical Crews to take them to
an ambulance for treatment and transport to a hospital.
Meanwhile the captain, nearly unconscious, tried desperately to remain in
contact with the Incident Commander. At times the radio went silent. Those
listening thought the captain was gone, then OEC informed the Incident Commander that the captain was letting them know that he was still alive by pressing
the “Talk” button on his hand-held radio. Each time he pressed the button, a
Medal Day 2007
Page 28
Houston Fire Department
Elizabeth Scarborough joined KPRC Local 2 in
May 2007 as a general assignment reporter.
She comes to KPRC from WCMH-TV in
Columbus, Ohio, where she specialized in
enterprising stories with law enforcement
agencies about everything from youth violence
and gangs to drug dealer round-ups and crime
patterns. Elizabeth also spent a year at WNYTTV in Albany, N.Y., where she covered everything from the first gay marriage in the state to abuse of racehorses. One of her
favorite assignments was to cover the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
She said the excitement and energy of covering a worldwide event was a unique
experience that made her a stronger reporter.
“I love telling people’s stories,” she said. “My job is a new adventure every day
-- meeting new people, traveling to new places and then sharing my discoveries
with all of our viewers.”
Elizabeth grew up in New York City and Jacksonville, Fla. She attended Vassar
College and graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science and art history.
When she’s not working, Elizabeth loves to be outside. She likes to bike ride,
swim and soak up the sun. She also enjoys checking out Houston’s art museums -- the Menil Collection is her favorite.
Elizabeth also enjoys a good book. Siddhartha is one of her favorites. She’s also
a movie buff -- she’s seen Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid too many times
to count!
Elizabeth is passionate about volunteering. She volunteered at an animal shelter in Albany and ended up adopting two cats, Cronkite and Chloe. She also
gave her time to a youth shelter and volunteered as a mentor in Columbus and
plans to get involved in children’s organizations in Houston.
Medal Day 2007
Page 5
Houston Fire Department
2007 HFD Valor Awards
Executive Board Members
Chief Josef Gregory - Preseident
Captain Russell Harris - Vice President
Sr. Captain Donald Hoyt - Financial Director
Engineer/Operator Douglas K. Barber - Treasurer
Captain Kenneth Rammrath - Awards Director
Chris Whitehead - Recording Secretary
Michael Mires - Trustee
2007 Medal Day Subcommittee
Barbara Barber
Tina Harris
Lynne Schmidt
Stephanie Rammrath
Leah Clemons
Doug Clemons
Special Thanks To:
Alicia Whitehead
Chris and Stephanie Whitehead
Ruth Christian
Chuck Buschardt, Lonestar Resorations
The Houston Firefighters Foundation
The Houston Fire Museum
HFD Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association
Marriott Houston Westchase
Medal Day 2007
Page 6
Houston Fire Department
Mid-Rise Fire / 9343 N. Loop East
March 28, 2007
Every firefighter will respond to one fire that he/she will never forget. Such is
the case for the Houston Firefighters who responded to a building fire at 9343
N. Loop East. This fire, now commonly referred to as the “Mid-Rise Fire,”
occurred during rush-hour traffic on March 28, 2007. Smoke from the blaze
could be seen for miles and commuters traveling along the North Loop 610 were
witness to one of the most spectacular fires in Houston in several years.
Tall buildings present many challenges for firefighters. Entry, egress, ventilation and water supply are of great concern from the standpoint of controlling
the fire. Occupants of such buildings are unable to evacuate as quickly and
safely due to elevator shutdown. When the elevators stop working the only
other means of egress for the occupants are the stairs. Smoke will quickly fill the
hallways. Unable to see where they are going and, unable to see, the occupants
begin to panic. This all leads to the need for firefighters to move quickly; the
one thing that is not possible for firefighters in this situation. A fire, large or
small, in this type of building, has the potential to kill dozens of people in a very
short time.
By now virtually everyone in the Houston area has heard about this fire. Three
civilians lost their lives and several Houston Firefighters narrowly escaped from
the blaze themselves. District 45 arrived on scene, reporting heavy fire visible
on the 5th floor of a 6-story mid-rise building. Frantic civilians immediately
swarmed the Incident Commander’s vehicle. They were informing him that
people were still in the building and might be trapped. The chief immediately
prepared for a large-scale rescue incident.
As firefighting companies arrived on scene, the chief assigned them a task. Even
with people trapped, the firefighters still needed to develop a water supply.
Some of the companies were sent to attempt a rescue via the stairs while the
aerial ladders were positioned at points around the building. The firefighters
entering the building at ground level were confronted with what many of them
described as “the most hostile conditions they had ever seen”. Normally heat
and smoke will rise, making the upper regions of any structure uninhabitable.
What these firefighters found was absolute zero visibility as soon as they set foot
into the building. From top to bottom thick, black smoke filled the building.
The heat was unbelievably intense, even at ground level. These conditions made
it impossible to establish a Lobby Control or, to move equipment into position
inside the building. The stairwells were completely filled with smoke, making it
impossible for civilians inside, to utilize the stairs for an exit.
Medal Day 2007
Page 27
Houston Fire Department
House Fire / 1037 Walling
July 11, 2007
On the night of July 11, 2007, the Office of Emergency Communications
received reports of a house on fire at 1037 Walling. District 31 arrived on scene
finding a 1-story residential home with heavy smoke and fire visible from the
front of the structure. Tower Co. 6 received orders to initiate a primary search
of the home. The crew of Tower 6 made their way to the rear of the residence,
assessing the building as they went. The firefighting crew located a door at
the back of the house. Forcible entry tools were needed to gain access to the
interior.
With the back door open, Senior Captain Stephen Whitehead, Firefighter
Andrew Trimble and, Firefighter Christopher Kelly, entered the home to begin
their search. Visibility inside the structure was “Zero” and it was extremely hot.
Engineer/Operator Kenny Grayson retrieved the necessary tools and started
ventilating the home to release some of the heat and toxic gases. This helped
improve the interior conditions tremendously. Captain Whitehead and his
crew worked their way through each dark, smoke filled room. Firefighter Trimble located a female lying on the floor, unconscious. Whitehead and his two
firefighters worked quickly, maneuvering over and around numerous obstacles.
They carried the woman to the same door through which they entered. Emergency Medical personnel were waiting to take the victim from the firefighters
as soon as they emerged from the burning home. Initially, the woman was not
breathing and had no pulse. The paramedics were able to resuscitate her.
This fire exemplifies the Courage, Compassion and Commitment evident of
Houston Firefighters. Without their quick and professional actions under
extreme circumstances, the woman may not have had a chance for survival.
It is with honor that the Houston Fire Department presents the Unit Medal of
Valor to Senior Captain Stephen Whitehead, Firefighter Andrew Trimble and
Firefighter Christopher Kelly.
Order of the Program
Processional
HFD Pipes and Drums
Presentation of Colors
HFD Honor Guard
Invocation
HFD Chaplain Captain Garry Blackmon
National Anthem
Richard Reeves
Introductions
District Chief Josef Gregory
Dinner
Chef - Tim Healy
Remarks
Fire Chief Phil Boriskie
Award Presentations
Elizabeth Scarborough - KPRC Channel 2 News
Closing Remarks
Fire Chief Phil Boriskie
Engineer/Operator Kenny Grayson will receive a Letter of Commendation for
his support and assistance during this incident.
Medal Day 2007
Page 26
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 7
Houston Fire Department
The Medals
Office of Emergency Communications
9343 N. Loop East
Medal of Honor-Awarded to a member who performs a
personal act in a courageous manner in the protection of a life or lives while engaged in the mediation of a fire, medical emergency, rescue, hazardous material incident or other type response.
Medal of Valor- Awarded to a member who performs a personal act in a courageous manner in the protection of a life or lives while
engaged in the mediation of a fire, medical emergency, rescue,
hazardous material incident or other type response.
Unit Valor Medal- Awarded to a unit such as a company, station, division, or group of individuals who, while operating as a team under hazardous conditions, performed their duties in an exemplary manner significant enough to warrant an award of valor.
It is impossible to imagine how difficult it must be to hear the call for help
and not be in a position to reach out and assist the person. Captain Eric
Abbt’s “May Day”, along with his gasping breaths for fresh air, were heard
by an entire city. The Communications Officers and OEC Call Takers were
on the telephone with civilians unable to escape the inferno up to their last
breath. There cannot be many situations more gut-wrenching than those.
Yet, through it all, we heard the calm voice of the Communications Officer
on the radio. That calm voice was often the very thing that helped a victim
survive a seemingly hopeless situation.
Purple Heart- Awarded to a member who has become victim to a
serious injury or death while engaged in an emergency operations
incident, or training evolution.
For their outstanding performance under extreme pressure, the Houston Fire
Department is honored to award Senior Dispatcher Richard Chandler and
Captain Mark Griffiths with the Fire Chief’s Commendation Medal.
Distinguished Service Medal- Awarded to members who
have distinguished themselves by exceptional service and/or performance while assigned to a unit, company, task force division, or special project.
Fire Chief’s Commendation Medal- Awarded to recognize
single acts of merit or service in a non-emergency function such as
training, administration, education, prevention, public and community
service. Presented to an individual who has increased their unit, division,
or department’s efficiency or effectiveness.
Dennis Holder Memorial Medal-Awarded to classified
members who have distinguished themselves while performing voluntary duties within the scope of the Houston Fire Department.
Unit Meritorious Achievement Medal- Awarded to a unit
such as a company, station, division, or group of individuals who worked
as a team in the accomplishment of a common goal, other than valor.
Medal Day 2007
Page 8
Houston Fire Department
March 28, 2007
cont.
Medal Day 2007
Page 25
Houston Fire Department
Office of Emergency Communications
9343 N. Loop East
March 28, 2007
A “Great Debate” has been raging for many years in Houston, Texas: should
the Houston Fire Department replace Classified Firefighters with civilians in
the Office of Emergency Communications? The Mid-Rise fire at 9343 N. Loop
East on March 28, 2007, demonstrated why the answer to that question is, quite
simply, “NO!”
Fire Alarm Dispatch is far different than any other form of dispatching. The
job entails more than simply receiving a call for assistance, electronically alerting a fire station and, transmitting the location and type of call. Fire Alarm
Dispatchers are far more aware of the level of urgency and equipment required
to complete a given assignment. They know this because they too are certified
professional firefighters. These men and women have worked as firefighters on
the streets. They know and understand what is happening at the emergency
scene. They possess the knowledge to envision the hazards suppression personnel face with every sound of the station alarm.
Emergency incidents do not allow firefighters the luxury of time. The officers
in charge are often forced to make life or death decisions “Right Now!” There
is no time to sit and think about his/her actions; they assess the situation, make
a decision and perform the task automatically to the best of their ability. The
men and women on the other end of the radio pay close attention to all that is
taking place on scene. The HFD Communications Officer may make a subtle
comment that will remind an Incident Commander to ensure the completion
of certain benchmarks. Attentive Communications Officers may hear the call
for “May Day” when no one else does.
City of Houston SAP Program
Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) was founded in 1972.
SAP employs more than 39,000 people in over 50 countries. In 2005, the City of
Houston purchased certain business applications from SAP to replace the myriad
of outdated and non-connected Finance, Human Resources, and Payroll applications used by the city’s 19 central and operating departments. Implementing the
citywide conversion to SAP was divided into two phases. Phase I was Finance, and
Phase II was Human Resources and Payroll.
Senior Captain Cary Matsumoto was designated as HFD’s Business Readiness
Lead for Phase II. The role of BRL entailed the following:
•Manage all department implementation activities and resources
•Responsible for departmental execution of all elements of the Go Live Checklist
•Identify, assess, and manage all key stakeholders in their department.
•launch and train department deployment team, including extended team
members.
•Support and coach local project sponsors.
•Localize communication tools and templates for department audiences
•Cascade communications
•Support departmental role mapping activities
•Collect and share feedback
•Provide department status to the ERP Project team using identified tools.
Captain Matsumoto has distinguished himself through his hard work and dedication as the Business Readiness Lead for Phase Two of the City’s SAP implementation. Captain Matsumoto accepted this assignment with enthusiasm and has spent
the better part of the last year and one half working with personnel from HFD,
most other City departments, Local 341, Pension Office, Credit Union, and SAP
outside consultants to ensure the members of HFD are paid accurately in the new
system. In every instance, when an issue arose, the welfare of the firefighters was
Captain Matsumoto’s constant concern.
Senior Captain Cary Matsumoto is hereby awarded the Houston Fire Departments, Fire Chief’s Commendation Medal.
Medal Day 2007
Page 24
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 9
Houston Fire Department
Dennis Holder Memorial Medal
It goes without saying that fighting fire is a very dangerous business. A firefighter’s survival is dependant on many things, all of which revolve around
health and safety issues. Firefighters must be well trained and properly outfitted with Personal Protective Equipment. The fire apparatus must be durable
and dependable. The importance of having a hand-held radio for every
firefighter was made obvious with the Line of Duty Deaths of Lewis Mayo
and Kimberly Smith at the McDonald’s restaurant fire. The list is simply too
long to name everything. There are numerous committees and organizations
that operate behind the scenes and allow our members to be involved in very
important issues and events. One such committee is the Houston Fire Department’s Joint Labor/Management Safety and Health Committee.
There have been numerous close calls for our members recently. Burns to the
hands have been on the increase and there have been numerous Scott Air Pak
facepiece failures. Firefighters have experienced some problems with thermal
imagers under certain conditions. All of these issues must be investigated as to
cause and solution.
Another task of the Safety Committee is research and development of new gear
and equipment. Before any piece of equipment can be placed in service, it
must be tested for safe operation. Equipment such as handheld radios, Personal Alert Safety Systems, turnout gear and compressed air cylinders must all
be tested in extreme conditions. Captain Joel R. Calfee is the Chairman of this
committee. Calfee is assigned to Fire Station #10, one of the busiest stations in
the City of Houston. He is dedicated to making firefighting as safe as it possibly can be. As Chairman of the committee, he investigates near-miss incidents, problems and failures of firefighting gear and equipment and reporting
his findings to the command staff, as well as the rank and file members. His
work will make all of his Brothers and Sisters much safer and less likely to be
seriously injured.
It is with great honor that we award the Dennis Holder Memorial Medal to
Captain Joel R. Calfee.
Medal Day 2007
Page 10
Houston Fire Department
Apartment Fire, 4463 N. MacGregor Way
January 27, 2007
I do not often feel compelled to nominate a crew for acts of bravery, but what I
witnessed on January 27, 2007 goes far beyond normal expectations.
On January 27, 2007 at 07:24, Engine 25 was dispatched to an apartment fire at
4463 N. MacGregor Way. Upon arrival, Captain Atchison observed heavy fire
coming from the first floor, lapping up to the second floor. He and his crew immediately started a primary search down a common hallway. He observed heavy
fire and smoke in the hallway coming from one of the apartments. Crawling
approximately 50 feet, the firefighters could hear someone moaning. Not knowing where the victim was and, in zero visibility, Captain Atchison elected not
to turn the nozzle on. He instructed Firefighter Mays to stay on the nozzle and
protect Firefighter Likins and himself as they continued searching for the victim.
After crawling past the fire, they located a female in a wheelchair. Likins and his
captain had to move the patient and wheelchair down the hallway in smoke so
thick, they could not see their hand in front of their face. The two firefighters
exited the other end of the building with the victim.
There is no doubt the victim is alive today because of the actions of Engine 25’s
crew. So often crews like Engine 25 are ridiculed by other firefighters for being
“Gung Ho” or “Crazy”, but if the crew doesn’t run to the apparatus when the
alarm comes in or, if the E/O doesn’t drive quickly enough to the location or, if
the crew doesn’t know that particular building, the victim dies; plain and simple.
If anyone ever deserved HFD’s highest honor, these men do. I am sure the lady
they rescued would agree. In closing, the highest compliment I could pay these
men would be to tell them, “If my family were trapped in a fire, I would hope
that Captain Atchison and his crew would be there.
(Written and submitted by District Chief Fred Hooker)
For their willingness to perform their duty under the most adverse conditions,
the Houston Fire Department proudly awards the Unit Medal of Valor to Captain Terry Atchison, Firefighter Jeremy Mays and Firefighter Zachary Likins.
Engineer/Operator Ennio Ponte is receiving a Letter of Commendation for his
supporting role during this incident.
Medal Day 2007
Page 23
Houston Fire Department
Mobile Home Fire, 927 Gregs Way
May 4, 2007
At 09:35 hours on the morning of May 4, 2007, OEC received calls reporting a
mobile home on fire with people trapped. The distance between Station 65 and
the other responding apparatus meant that 65’s crew would be working this fire
alone for quite some time.
Engine Co. 65 and Medic 65 were the first arriving units. Engine 65 reported
smoke showing from a doublewide mobile home. Bystanders were using a
garden hose to spray water into the burning trailer house. As Captain Jimmy
Bull exited the cab, civilians informed him that someone was inside the burning
house. The husband of the victim was frantically screaming for someone to help
her. Captain Bull, Firefighter Thomas Atkinson and Firefighter Robert Pecht
stretched a 1 ¾” attack line to the front door.
Captain Bull and his crew entered the front door of the home to begin their
search for the missing woman. The firefighters found thick smoke and a small
fire in the living room. The victim was located just few feet inside the front
door, badly burned, conscious but unresponsive. As the firefighters attempted
to lift her, she became combative, making the rescue extremely difficult. Atkinson and Pecht were able to move the victim to the front door where other firefighters were waiting to administer medical care. Engineer/Operator/Paramedic
Kaz Mariaz, Firefighter/Paramedic John Delbosque and Engineer/Operator Tim
Wilkey rushed their patient to the medic unit and transported her to an area
hospital. Unfortunately, she passed away days later.
Dennis Elkins Memorial Medal
Each year one Firefighter is selected to receive the Dennis Elkins Memorial
Medal for making significant improvements in the operations of the Houston
Fire Department while working in a staff position. This year’s recipient, Senior
Captain Kevin Alexander, has spent many hours rewriting the curriculum,
refining scheduling, and creating/designing new training evolutions for Cadet
Firefighters. This has made the job much safer and much more efficient. Cadet
Firefighter training time is now spent on more meaningful, challenging, training
evolutions while lost time injuries have decreased to a 10-year low. Safety is the
highest priority.
Kevin also provides the leadership to a team of instructors dedicated to excellence
and safety, while instilling pride and character in the hearts and minds of young
firefighter cadets. He has helped develop and maintain a consistent and fair
disciplinary process that has eliminated headaches for all from the Class Officers,
to the Legal Staff, all the way to the Fire Chief’s Office. Kevin’s goal to build a
better product through hard work and setting and maintaining high standards
has been a long hard process that starts early in the day and often late into the
evening hours.
It is with great honor, the Houston Fire Department presents the Dennis Elkins
Memorial Medal to Senior Captain Kevin Alexander.
The Houston Fire Department proudly presents Captain Jimmy Bull, Firefighter Robert Pecht and Firefighter Thomas Atkinson with the Unit Medal of Valor.
Engineer/Operator/Paramedic Kaz Mariaz, Engineer/Operator Timothy Wilkey
and Firefighter/Paramedic John Delbosque are receiving a Letter of Commendation for recognition of their supporting role in this incident.
Medal Day 2007
Page 22
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 11
Houston Fire Department
Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence
How do you tell someone “thank you” for saving your life? How do you tell
someone “thanks” who comes to you at your darkest moment and offers you a
ray of hope when you need it most? How can the words “thank you” even come
close to being enough for someone who will visit you at any time of the day or
night when your life is in crisis?
House Fire, 1118 Montour Drive
December 10, 2006
At approximately 1:30 A.M. on December 10, 2006, Medic 93 was dispatched
to an “Unknown Problem” at 1118 Montour Drive. As the crew of Medic 93
approached the front door of the residence, the smell of smoke struck them.
They immediately requested OEC to send an Engine Company to investigate.
Dr Pierrel has been the Houston Fire Department on-call psychologist for over
10 years and he is the director of the Houston Fire Department CISM team. He
has dealt with many of us, from members of the Command Staff to Cadet classes
at the Training Academy and members of the HFD Citizens’ Fire Academy.
Nearly all firefighters know him and all respect him.
Engine Co. 71 arrived on scene at approximately 01:45 reporting smoke from
a 1-story residence. The captain of Engine 71 stated that he would be making
an offensive attack and initiating primary search. As the captain and his crew
made their way through the house, Ladder Co. 71 requested an update on the
conditions. Engine 71’s captain reported extremely hot conditions with heavy
smoke.
Most firefighters have seen him in action at the big events, the Line of Duty
Deaths, where he is helping, listening, encouraging and explaining the situationto those firefighters who were involved. However, many don’t know of all
the follow-up visits and the trips to fire stations and homes in the middle of the
night. They don’t always know the times when he drops by just to say “Hi” and
see how you are doing, how you are coping.
Ladder 71 arrived on scene and assumed command of the incident. Senior
Captain Nathan Jilek instructed his crew to ladder the house and cut a hole
in the roof to ventilate the interior. The captain of Engine 71 then informed
Captain Jilek that he located the fire and stated that he would not need a hole
cut in the roof. Captain Jilek ordered his two firefighters, David Richardson
and Greggory Warfield to disregard their orders to ventilate. The two firefighters acknowledged the new instructions and left the roof, returning to
Captain Jilek.
More often, firefighters will use his distinctive talents at less newsworthy events.
Perhaps the death of a child. Or the victim that we tried so hard to save but
could not. The close call that leaves us facing, maybe for the first time, our own
mortality. But for those who have had first hand experience with Dr Pierrel,
they know how he can turn the most confusing, angry or bewildering moments
of their lives into something a little more understandable, maybe a little more
tolerable. They know how he approaches each one of us with respect and a sincere desire to help.
It is impossible to truly honor a man who has devoted so much of his time, his
heart and his own tears to help us to make sense in a sometimes-senseless world.
But tonight we have the opportunity to show Dr Pierrel that the Houston Fire
Department is very grateful for all he has done for us. It is an opportunity to
show him that we have in fact noticed his tireless efforts on our behalf and to
let him know that, above all, we appreciate him. We are fortunate tonight to be
able to bestow the Fire Chief’s Award for Excellence to Dr Stephen Pierrel, the
epitome and living example of Courage, Compassion and Commitment.
Medal Day 2007
Page 12
Houston Fire Department
Captain Jilek, Richardson and Warfield then entered the burning home to
continue the primary search. Visibility was zero and it was very hot inside the
structure; two conditions that make survival unlikely for anyone without an
air pack.
As they made their way through the smoke, Richardson called out to his captain that he located a victim, an adult male. The man was unconscious but he
was coughing, indicating that he was still alive. Jilek and Warfield turned back
to assist Richardson. Warfield found Richardson attempting to lift the man
but the “dead weight” was making the task nearly impossible. Richardson and
Warfield worked together, carrying the victim to the front door where they
turned him over to the paramedics. The victim, Mr. Hartley, is alive and well
today, due to the skill, determination and bravery of these two firefighters.
The Houston Fire Department honors Firefighter David Richardson and Firefighter Greggory Warfield with the Unit Meritorious Medal.
Medal Day 2007
Page 21
Houston Fire Department
Apartment Fire, 10881 Richmond
April 21, 2007
Building Collapse, 941 Oxford
June 7, 2007
In the early morning hours of April 21, 2007, District 83 was dispatched to an
apartment fire at 10881 Richmond #1410. The first unit to arrive on scene was
Squad 83. Firefighter/Paramedic Sacha Masson reported heavy fire and smoke
visible from a 2-story apartment building. Civilians were stating that there
may be people still in some of the apartment. Firefighter Masson retrieved the
Haligan Tool from Squad 83 and immediately started forcing entry into one
apartment after another. He entered each apartment and searched for occupants
before moving on to the next unit.
The call originated from apartment #1410, the unit of origin. Masson was not
able to enter and search that apartment unit due to the amount of fire and
smoke inside. Firefighter Masson’s partner stated, “The most impressive part of
Masson’s actions was the fact that he was able to enter and search the two units
directly beneath the units on fire. The smoke and heat were intense and burning embers were falling all around him as he forced the doors open and entered
the apartment to search for victims.” Firefighter Masson was able to rescue 5
civilians in all, including 1 infant, from their units. It is very likely that numerous civilians would have been seriously injured or killed had it not been for the
courageous efforts of Firefighter Masson.
For his unselfish act of Courage, the Houston Fire Department hereby awards
Firefighter/Paramedic Sacha Masson the Medal of Valor.
Old homes are a very popular purchase among those interested in restoration
projects. There are several companies in and around Houston that specialize in
moving these old homes from one piece of property to another. On June 7, 2007,
two men working for one of these companies were trapped under one such home
as they were preparing to move it from the Heights.
Houston firefighters, responding to the call for help, arrived to find one adult
male trapped beneath a 1-story house that was being prepared for moving. The
original call for help indicated that there were two men trapped. Firefighters
soon learned that one worker was able to free himself before they arrived. The
second man however, was not so fortunate.
Blocks were being driven into the ground to provide a solid surface to aide in the
lift. Both men were working underneath the house, attempting to level it when
it slipped off the jacks and fell down and sideways 18 – 24 inches. Firefighters
believe the muddy, unstable ground may have contributed to the collapse.
Firefighters from Tower 6 and Technical Rescue 11 used air bags to lift the house
approximately 1 inch, taking the weight of the structure off the victim. With stabilizing devices in place, two firefighters from Rescue 11 crawled under the house
to assist in pulling the man out. Both of the construction workers were treated
and released from an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Houston Fire Department is honored to present the Rescue 11 Firefighters
Michael Mire and Juan Guerrero Jr. with the Unit Meritorious Medal.
A Letter of Commendation is awarded to Rescue 11 Senior Captain James Walterbach and Engineer/Operator Mort Smith; Tower 6 Senior Captain Stephen
Whitehead, Frank Flores, Johnathan Robinson and Allen Thomas
Medal Day 2007
Page 20
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 13
Houston Fire Department
House Fire, 6120 Collingsworth
Apartment Fire, 8039 Boone Road
March 6, 2007
November 24, 2006
At approximately 11:05 p.m. on March 6, 2007, the Houston Fire Department
responded to a reported house fire at 6120 Collingsworth. While en route,
OEC informed the responding companies that the occupants at the residence
were trapped. Upon arrival, Engine 27 found a 1-story residence with heavy fire
showing from the left side. Engine 27 stretched an attack line into the front
door while Ladder 19 initiated a Primary Search of the structure and Engine 39
brought an attack line to back up the other companies. Firefighters took note
of the fact that there was a vehicle parked in the front yard, an indicator that
someone may indeed be home.
Time is not often a friend to firefighters. The crew of Engine Co. 73 would realize that fact on the night of November 24, 2006, the night after Thanksgiving.
Ladder 19’s crew entered the front door, taking with them a thermal imager.
Senior Captain Richard Baker noted that there were two attack lines leading
into the burning structure. Captain Baker ordered his Engineer/Operator to
start the ventilation fan. The captain stated that visibility quickly went to zero
making the thermal imager useless. He and his crew, Firefighters Mason Appel
and Pete Ng, continued moving forward until they ran into several other firefighters. The small confines of the room prevented the crews from advancing
any further and the heat was rapidly becoming unbearable.
With conditions deteriorating, the Incident Commander ordered all companies
to evacuate the building and prepare for defensive operation. As the air horns
sounded, the ceiling inside collapsed. Fire rolled over the firefighters and out
the front door. Captain Baker and Ng made their way to the front door. Two
firefighters ran past Captain Baker, one of whom was on fire. Engineer/Operator Jeff Jacobs retrieved a hand line and quickly extinguished the firefighter’s
burning turnout gear.
Captain Baker knew there were more firefighters still inside. He and Firefighter
Ng reentered the structure to help their Brothers. They soon located Firefighter Appel, who was also searching for the missing firefighters. Seconds later, Appel passed an injured firefighter to Captain Baker and Ng and they carried him
to the front door where other crews were waiting. No sooner than Baker and
Ng turned to continue their search, Appel found Captain Hammons. Hammons had no regulator attached to his mask. Appel, Baker and Ng carried the
injured captain to EMS crews waiting outside.
District 68 responded to a reported apartment fire at 8039 Boone Rd. OEC
was receiving reports of people trapped. Engine 73 was the first HFD unit to
arrive on scene. They reported having heavy fire visible from the second floor
of a 2-story apartment building. The captain initiated a primary search and
offensive attack on the fire. As they approached the burning building, civilians
were screaming that there were people still in the apartment. Acting Captain
Ricky Burleson looked up and saw an adult female dangling a baby out of a
second floor window, holding the baby by its arm. Thinking she was going
to jump, Burleson tried to reassure her that they were coming to her rescue.
Burleson instructed his crew, Firefighters Sam Pavlat and Pauly, to retrieve
a ground ladder from the pumper. As the two firefighters ran back to their
engine, the woman turned and ran away from the window. She returned moments later and, in her arms, she held a small child. Before Burleson had time
to think, the woman held the child in the air, outside the bedroom window,
and dropped her. Captain Burleson caught the toddler and handed her to
another firefighter. Burleson turned his attention back to the window. The
young mother returned with another child, this one a bit older. The woman
was too frightened to listen and reason with anyone. She hoisted the child over
the windowsill and dropped her. Burleson again caught the child and passed
her along to his crew. Once she saw that her child was safe, the mother jumped
from the window. Luckily, the mother and her two children escaped the ordeal
uninjured.
The Houston Fire Department proudly awards Acting Captain Ricky Burleson
with the Distinguished Service Medal.
Engineer/Operator William Severance, Firefighter Samuel Pavlat and Firefighter Randy Pauly are receiving a Letter of Commendation for recognition of
their supporting role in this incident.
As the incident unfolded, Firefighter EMT Javier Benavidez could see a firefighter down from outside the burning home. Benavidez was assigned to
Ambulance 39, riding in charge of patient care. With no firefighting gear or air
Medal Day 2007
Page 14
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 19
Houston Fire Department
House Fire, 6120 Collingsworth
High Water Rescue
cont.
October 16, 2006
Fire Station #46 is located on Corder near Scott, in southeast Houston and is one
of the busiest stations in the United States. The men and women assigned to this
station are no strangers to facing danger and responding to extraordinary calls.
On October 16, 2006, storms hit Houston causing widespread flooding. More
than 5 inches of rain fell in the area of Highway 288 and Loop 610. When such
weather strikes, the Houston Fire Department, as a whole, experiences a surge
in calls for help. Many of these calls result in nothing more than reassuring the
people that everything will be fine while others may need assistance with moving
to high ground.
Engine 46 responded to numerous calls to assist motorists stranded in the high
water on Highway 288. While assisting these motorists, the firefighters witnessed a compact car skidding out of control on the slick southbound lanes. The
car came to rest in extremely high water and started swaying from left to right as
if it were about to roll over. Captain Maurice Davis instructed Firefighters Chris
Smith and Joe Stakes, to assess the condition of the driver. Firefighter Stakes
could see that the driver was an elderly woman who appeared to be in severe
distress. With no time to spare, the crew of Engine 46 made their way to the
car. There was no time to retrieve and set up a tagline, but they did take life vests
with them. The water was chest deep with a swift current. Captain Davis and
Firefighter Smith were able to stabilize the vehicle long enough to allow Firefighter Stakes to place a life jacket on the victim and remove her from the car. Once
the elderly woman was a safe distance away, Davis and Smith released the car. It
floated approximately 50 yards away as it was sinking. In a matter of minutes the
car was completely submerged.
The Houston Fire Department proudly awards Captain Maurice Davis, Firefighter Chris Smith and Firefighter Joe Stakes, the Unit Meritorious Medal.
pack, Benavidez quickly entered the home and dragged Firefighter Cordoza to
safety.
The chilling cry of a PASS device was emitting from inside the burning home.
Appel, followed by Captain Baker, reentered the structure to continue their
search. Another firefighter was soon located, lost and stumbling through the
debris. Appel and Baker attempted to lead the firefighter to the front door
but he knocked the captain to the floor and made his way out the front door.
As they prepared to reenter the house, the Incident Commander informed all
companies that all members had been accounted for.
Captain Hammons and Firefighters Cardoza and Johnson of Engine 39 along
with Captain Salazar and Firefighter Goldstraw of Engine 27 were transported
to the hospital. Captain Hammons and Captain Salazar experienced a lengthy
recovery due to injuries sustained in the fire. Eventually, all of the firefighters were able to return to duty, thanks to the quick action and bravery of their
comrades.
The Houston Fire Department proudly awards the Medal of Valor to Firefighter/EMT Javier Benavidez for his selfless act of courage during the rescue
of Brother Firefighter Cardoza.
The Houston Fire Department proudly presents the Unit Valor Medal to
Senior Captain Richard Baker, Firefighter Mason Appel and Firefighter
Pete Ng.
For injuries sustained while selflessly searching for civilians reportedly trapped
in the burning home, the Houston Fire Department awards the Purple Heart
to Captain Jeffrey Hammons, Captain Salazar and Firefighter Goldstraw.
Engineer/Operator Jeff Jacobs and Engineer/Operator Pablo Schulz are
receiving a Letter of Commendation for recognition of their quick actions and
outstanding care provided to the injured firefighters.
Engineer/Operator Al Sanchez is receiving a Letter of Commendation for recognition of his supporting role.
Medal Day 2007
Page 18
Houston Fire Department
Medal Day 2007
Page 15
Houston Fire Department
Man Arrested For Reporting False alarms
August 31, 2006
February 1, 2007
One August 31, 2006, HFD received a call reporting a house on fire with people
trapped at 1301 Sampson. While en route to the location, Engine Co. 508 was
involved in an accident. The apparatus rolled over injuring all 4 firefighters on
board. Out of concern for the crew on E-508 and how this accident could affect
the outcome of the house fire, Senior Captain Ricardo Everett started monitoring
the event. Engine Co. 18 arrived on location and immediately tapped the fire out.
With an apparent false alarm, 4 firefighters injured and, an overturned pumper,
Captain Everett decided to investigate. Everett pulled the tape of the original
911 call to review the information provided by the caller. During his research, he
discovered that there had been numerous false alarms reported for the same address on Sampson. There were 5 false alarms made for 1301 Sampson from April
14 thru August 2, 2006. The calls were clearly being made by the same person.
Captain Everett had the caller’s phone number traced. The number was identified
as a cell phone. Everett then contacted the cell phone company and obtained the
name of the subscriber.
After completing his investigation, Captain Everett contacted the Houston Fire
Department Arson Division. The detailed information provided by Everett was
all the Arson investigators needed to arrest the individual responsible. It should
also be noted that between the date of Engine 508’s accident and the date that the
arrest was made, the suspect reported 3 additional false alarm calls for 1301 Sampson. HFD Arson Investigators arrested the man on September 6, 2006.
There is no way of knowing how many false alarm calls this man
has made, nor is there any way to determine how many more he
would have made. It is also impossible to determine how many
lives were placed in jeopardy by his carelessness. We do know
however, that his criminal actions on August 31, 2006, very
nearly took the lives of 4 Houston Firefighters.
The Houston Fire Department is proud to recognize the
diligent effort of Senior Captain Ricardo Everett by
awarding him with the Fire Chief’s Commendation Medal.
Fire Chief’s
Commendation
Medal
Senior Captain
Ricardo Everett
Medal Day 2007
House Fire, 5826 Silverforest
Page 16
Houston Fire Department
In the early morning hours of February 1, 2007, OEC received a call from a
civilian who stated that he was standing on his balcony and could see a house on
fire in a nearby neighborhood. He estimated the distance to be approximately
one mile from his location. Not having the exact address, OEC dispatched a Box
Alarm to 5700 Tidwell @Antoine. Arriving companies could see a column of
smoke coming from a neighborhood about 1 mile away, just as the caller stated.
District 4 advised all responding companies that the fire appeared to be near
Golden Forest and Antoine. OEC received more information from other callers
and updated District 4 with the correct address.
Engine Co. 13 was the first arriving unit and reported heavy smoke and fire
showing from a 1-story residence. Engine 13 initiated an offensive attack on the
fire. Ladder Co. 4 arrived on scene and conducted a 360° visual of the burning
home to further assess the situation and look for secondary access and egress
points. District 4 arrived on scene and ordered Ladder Co. 4 to conduct a primary search while Ladder Co. 67 ventilated the roof. The smoke was so thick, at
this time, that the house was no longer visible from the street just a few feet away.
Ladder 4 advised the Incident Commander that there was a victim trapped in
the structure and they were forcing entry into the home. Ladder 4’s crew located
the trapped occupant in the rear of the structure and quickly removed him from
the house.
It took the collective efforts of all responding companies
to locate the burning home. The lack of information
provided only complicated the operation and placed
the occupant in greater danger.
Thanks to the fast actions of Ladder Co. 4, the male
victim survived the ordeal. For their quick work
and courageous effort, the Houston Fire Department
hereby awards the Unit Medal of Valor to Senior
Captain Douglas Berry, Firefighter Dennis Mobley
and Firefighter William Sopchak.
Engineer/Operator
Rock Graham
is receiving a
Letter of
Commendation
for recognition
Engineer Operator
of his
Rock Graham
supporting role.
Medal Day 2007
Medal of Valor
Firefighter
Dennis Mobley
Firefighter
William Sopchak
Page 17
Houston Fire Department