Two Members of the Star Hose Company #1 Recognized
At the recent Star Hose Company appreciation banquet, two members were recognized for exemplary actions in 2025.
While at work on August 15th, Firefighter Arron Austin and some of his co-workers saw a significant vehicle accident near their place of employment. With smoke visible from the area, they obtained several portable extinguishers and rushed to the scene as fire department units were being dispatched. FF Austin observed one of the vehicles over an embankment with a growing fire endangering two occupants who were unable to remove themselves. Other bystanders removed the first patient, but the fire became too large for them to reach the second. Without hesitation, and without the protection of turnout gear or SCBA, FF Austin used portable extinguishers to knock down the fire and enable the removal of the second occupant. Without any doubt, the actions of FF Austin contributed to saving the life of this patient. For exhibiting outstanding bravery involving significant personal risk, FF Arron Austin was awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
On June 2nd Star Hose Company was dispatched to a residence on Wilson Avenue for a cardiac arrest. Arriving ahead of any other units, Assistant Chief Andrew Johnson found a bystander performing CPR on a pulseless and apneic male patient and took over resuscitation efforts. After performing CPR, the patient regained spontaneous circulation. Without any doubt, the actions of Assistant Chief Johnson contributed to saving the life of the patient. For his actions at this incident, Andrew Johnson received the Life Saving Award.
