HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – Heroes in Uniform. The Hartford “Chief’s Award of Excellence” will soon be given to eight outstanding firefighters who have gone above and beyond the call of duty by showing “service before self.”
Lt. Anthony Healis, Firefighter Timothy Mathis, Firefighter Travon Nickson, and Firefighter Bryan Riddick came to a women’s aid who was being attacked by a would be robber. On May 12th, Lt. Healis heard a woman screaming through an open second floor window at the fire station. He ran downstairs and alerted fellow firefighters under his command. Just across the street, they saw a woman being hit in the face in an apparent robbery attempt. The four firefighters ran across the street and chased the suspect two blocks, catching him and holding him down until police arrived.
“The actions of these dedicated professionals demonstrates the “service before self” mentality that embodies the Hartford fire department. They put themselves in harm’s way to help a citizen who was being violently assaulted. I couldn’t be prouder of them and their actions, as Chief of Department,” said HFD Fire Chief, Reginald Freeman.
Then on Sunday, May 22nd four firefighters found themselves coming to help a woman about to give birth. A call came into Engine 16 saying a woman was giving birth. Lt. Lewis Daniels, P.O. Martin Quirk, Firefighter Renaldo Rivera and Firefighter John Rodriguez arrived at the home within minutes and successfully delivered the newborn girl. The firefighters cared for both the Mom and the newborn baby until the local ambulance arrived.
“I turned to grab our delivery kit out of our EMS bag and as I was turning back to the mother, the baby was crowning already,” said Acting LT Lewis Daniels. Annually, 80-85% of the fire department’s 24,000 calls for service a year are EMS calls. “EMS is an important part of our mission here at HFD and I am proud that our trained professionals have once again, demonstrated their professionalism and multi-role expertise in the delivery of this beautiful baby girl,” said Fire Chief Reginald Freeman.
Personnel from Engine 2 who delivered a baby last month will also be recognized with the same awards in their fire station.
