DC Department Replaces Late FF's Valor Medal Lost in Fire

When a late Washington, D.C., firefighter's valor medal was destroyed in a house fire, his family thought the treasured honor was lost forever. But the department replaced the medal in a ceremony Tuesday.

Firefighter John  Bruton Sr. earned the gold medal for valor—the department's highest honor—for his actions during a house fire in 1978, WUSA-TV reports.  Bruton had gone through the second-floor window of a burning home without breathing gear in order to rescue a seriously burned woman.

Years later, the medal was severely damaged during a fire at Burton's home. He had wanted to pass it down to his children and grandchildren, and his family reached out to the department about a replacement, the firefighter's son, John  Bruton Jr., told WUSA.

That was enough for D.C. fire officials to provide another valor medal for the family and honor the late Bruton Sr. a second time with a special ceremony. Although Bruton Jr. could not attend the event because of health reasons, Chief John Donnelly presented the medal and a certificate and letter of remembrance to retired Capt. Donald M. Mahew, who had been in command during Bruton's rescue.