FRESNO (KMJ) – Numerous Fresno Firefighters were honored inside Fresno City Hall, recognizing their dedication and heroism in the line of duty.
The crew of Engine 17 was given the Meritorious Service Award Tuesday morning, and seven others were awarded the Star of Life.
“I don’t think there’s any question as to the value of our firefighters each and every day of the work that they do, and Mr. Durazo is a fine example of just that; he got a second chance,” explained Deputy Fire Chief Richard Cabral.
The Deputy Chief was referencing an event on January 15th, when the crew of Engine 12 responded to a call outside a grocery store at Shaw and Marty. The four team members were told that a man had collapsed, and they arrived to find that he was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
“The patient was turned over to the hospital and later made a full recovery. In fact, we have that person here,” added Deputy Chief Cabral.
Alphonso Durazo credits his second chance at life to the crew of Fresno Fire Engine 12.
“They’re my heroes. They’ll be my heroes for the rest of my life. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be talking.”
The ceremony also included 15 personnel promotions.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
