FRESNO (KMJ) — Life-saving acts and a dozen new promotions were all part Fresno Fire’s celebration of service inside Fresno City Hall Tuesday morning.
“It’s the easy part of the job – recognizing the excellence of this department”, started Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
The ceremony saw personnel celebrated for their efforts with the Medal of Bravery the first one awarded.
“The Medal of Bravery is second only to the Medal of Honor”, explained Deputy Chief Richard Cabral.
He told the audience about what he described as the “heroic rescue of a fellow public safety professional – local CHP Officer Tanner Bean” on the evening of June 21st 2016. Fire Captain Reginald Zellous, and Firefighter Specialists Randy Dennis and Darian Jackson were all brought to the front to be recognized for their actions.
CHP Officer Bean was severely injured after he was hit on Highway 180, and the motorcycle he was riding burst into flames starting a grass fire.
“Without regard for their own safety, the firefighters started rescue measure for Officer Bean protecting him with their bodies while fighting the fire”, explained CHP Captain Craig Kunzler.
“It is clear the heroic actions of these firefighters saved Officer Bean’s life”.
He was there to present the CHP’s own award to the three crew members.
“For Officer Bean and for our department and just for public service in general”.
Awards for Meritorious Service, Life Saving, and Clinical Save (Star of Live), were also handed out by Fresno Fire Department.
Additionally four new Fire Captains and eight new Firefighter Specialists were also sworn in.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
