NASHVILLE—The top winners in the 2016 Firehouse Valor & Community Service Awards were recognized during this morning’s opening ceremonies at Firehouse Expo in Nashville.
Worcester District Chief (ret.) Michael McNamee—the award namesake—presented the 2016 Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor to Firefighter James P. Lee, Jr. of FDNY Rescue 1. Anne Carr—on behalf of her late husband, Fire Chief Thomas Carr—presented the 2016 Thomas Carr Community Service Award to Chief Gary Bird, representing the Streator IL, Fire Department.
Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor – James P. Lee Jr.
Lee is recognized for his actions during a structure fire in a five-story multiple dwelling in Manhattan on Oct. 27, 2016. With an elderly civilian trapped at a top-floor window and conditions deteriorating, Lee was lowered from the roof to the victim with a lifesaving rope (LSR). Operating in zero visibility, Lee used the victim’s yells as a beacon. The victim was crouched below the windowsill with fire lapping out over his head. Using all his strength, Lee reached into the window and got one arm around the victim’s back and one under his knees. The man could not hold onto Lee due to cuts and burns to his hands and arms. The LSR began to burn as Lee and the victim were lowered past third floor. When they reached the ground safely, the LSR burned through and fell to the ground. Firefighters Lee and Francis Rush carried the man through exposure 4 to the front of the fire building where he was handed off to EMS personnel.
For his bravery, Lee was presented with $3,000 cash award, a medal provided by Blackinton, and a custom bronze trumpet provided by Liberty Art Works.
Lee expressed his pride in being a member of the FDNY and said he felt honored to receive the Award of Valor. “With so many selfless and brave acts that take place every day, to be chosen for this award is truly humbling,” he added.
Thomas Carr Community Service Award – Streator IL, Fire Department
With an above-average structural fire rate and civilian fire fatality rate, the Streator Fire Department—a career department with 16 members—developed several projects to build a safer community. Some of the projects improved commercial business fire inspections, EMS service and training opportunities. The department also implemented a citywide smoke detector program and a Vial of Life project for members of the community, greatly improving the firefighters’ access to vital medical information during an emergency.
Sendelbach lauded the department’s efforts: “Despite financial limitations and limited staff, the Streator Fire Department has exercised tireless creativity and tenacity to implement community-focused projects that enhance the safety of the citizens they protect. The Streator Fire Department truly exemplifies the selfless service and passion of Chief Thomas Carr, and we are proud to recognize them for their efforts.”
Chief Bird was presented a bell provided by Liberty Art Works and will receive a cash award for the honor.
“I am truly honored and humbled to accept this award for the department,” Bird said. “I want to thank my firefighters for their hard work in making Streator a safer place.”
Firehouse would like to thank the 2016 Valor Awards Program corporate sponsors: 5.11 Tactical, Aladtec, Alert-All, Blackinton, Circul-Air, CMC Rescue, eDispatches.com, Fire Station Outfitters, Fol-Da-Tank, Liberty Art Works, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Paratech, Phenix Technologies, and Waterway Cooperative. Their support and generosity help us honor America’s Bravest.
To learn more about the Valor Award honorees, visit firehouse.com/valor-awards.
