Latest news with #FireServiceValorAward
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Medina fire chief honored for saving woman trapped in burning home
MEDINA, Ohio (WJW) – Medina Fire Chief Larry Walters is being honored by the state of Ohio for his heroic actions to save a woman trapped inside her burning home. It was in October 2024 when authorities in Medina County responded to a house fire on Branch Road in York Township. Among them was Walters, who said at the time that firefighters knew they had to move quickly after learning that a 31-year-old woman was trapped in the smoke-filled basement. Community leaders hold roundtable against hate after Beachwood library books burned Some of the first responders found a basement window that they smashed out and spoke with the victim, who warned them that she was not tall enough to reach the window. Unfortunately, because of the small window, their first rescue attempt was unsuccessful. With the flames closing in, Walters volunteered to climb down into the basement, where he told the terrified victim that he would make sure that she got out safely. The rescue team outside handed the chief a firefighter's tool called a Halligan bar that he used to help pushed the woman up and out the window into the waiting arms of the other first responders. 'The fact that she was out was a big relief,' said Walters. The chief remained in the basement as he tried in vain to save the victim's dog, but he soon realized that he was running out of time. That's when he used the Halligan bar to step up toward the window. His fellow rescuers helped him climb out and then pulled him away from the burning house just before it became fully engulfed in flames. Walters said the rescue of the victim is a testament to teamwork. 'All of the right people were there at the right time in the right places, doing the right things and we had a good outcome as a result of it,' he said. Raccoon breaks into box truck for Pop-Tarts: Photos For his courage under fire, the state of Ohio honored Walters with its Fire Service Valor Award. As part of the ceremony in Columbus, the woman saved by the chief , 31-year-old Gina Curie, appeared in a video about the rescue and was able to express her gratitude. 'The award is definitely well, well deserved. Never did I think that I was going to be in this situation but I can't be more thankful for the whole department, York Township and Medina, and saving me so I can be there for my children every day,' she said. That means much more to Walters than any award. 'Knowing that she has two young children and a family that she gets to continue to watch grow and be a part of, that's very satisfying, very rewarding,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Firefighters reflect on Realty Tower Explosion one year later
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- A lot has happened over the past year since that deadly Realty Tower gas explosion. The blast claimed the life of Akil Drake and injured nine others. It happened one year ago, around 2:45 p.m. Crews worked for weeks, trying to clear some of the debris and piece together what happened. But there were questions over the building's stability. That's why city officials made the call to evacuate International Towers starting June 20. That building sits right next to where the explosion happened. After a lot of debate on whether the Realty Building could be saved or needed to be torn down, the decision was made to demolish it. Demo began July 12 and officially finished September 25. Many businesses near the blast site had to be closed while all of this was happening. A phased reopening of that area started August 19. One week ago, the NTSB released the explosion investigation docket to the public. It includes preliminary reports, accident summaries, field notes, maps, interviews, images of the damage, and much more. Several area departments stepped up around the Valley one year ago today when the Realty Building exploded. But three men were given higher honors at the statehouse. Youngstown firefighters Scott Thomas, Tommy Gibbs, and Joseph Koziel received the Fire Service Valor Award for their heroic actions following the explosion. According to the State Fire Service Hall of Fame, they were inducted based on their efforts that reflect the core values of the fire service: courage, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to protect and serve. Captain Gibbs explained that he thought at first this was just a nuisance call. Something that was going to just turn into nothing. Then they heard the explosion, seeing the smoke. 'It's changed the way I look at the training and how you go about things. If I'm always, you can't train for every call, but we can train for how we're going to act on these calls,' said Captain Tommy Gibbs 'Everybody now realizes that, you know, any time that tone hits, it can be anything,' said Batt. Chief Timothy Frease. One of the injured was a woman whom Captain Gibbs and Battalion Chief Frease pulled from the rubble in the basement. One thing each man shared about that day was how much worse it could have been. 'Some divine intervention definitely played a key role in that,' said firefighter Scott Thomas. 'Especially with the time of the day and the occupancy of the building. We figured there was going to be a lot more people in there. Thankfully, a fire alarm got pulled and people got out,' said firefighter Joseph Koziel. Meanwhile, a settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Akil Drake. Drake's estate will receive $6.1 million. After attorney fees, the family will receive just over $3.6 million. Y-O Properties 47 LLC paid $3 million in the settlement. Enbridge/Dominion paid $2.9 million, while Niedler Architecture and MS Consultants paid $100,000 each. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local firefighters honored for lifesaving acts
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) – The 44th Annual Hall of Fame and Fire Awards ceremony took place Wednesday in Columbus, honoring heroes across Ohio's fire service. Out of 50,000 firefighters statewide, 22 were recognized this year, including three from Youngstown. Scott Thomas, Tommy Gibbs and Joseph Koziel were honored for their bravery during the Realty building explosion last May. They risked their lives to save others inside the crumbling structure and received the Fire Service Valor Award for their courage. 'I think some divine intervention definitely played a key role in that,' Thomas said. 'Especially with the time of day and the occupancy of the building. We figured there were going to be a lot more people in there. Thankfully, you know a fire alarm got pulled and people got out,' Koziel added. 'It's changed the way I look at training and how I go about things… you can't train for every call, but we can train for how we're going to act on these calls,' Gibbs said. In Trumbull County, Fowler firefighter and EMT Travis Birch was also recognized. In July 2024, he rushed to a house fire in Vienna Township. Birch wasn't on duty, but that didn't stop him. He jumped into action and rescued a woman trapped inside. 'I was cooking dinner for my kids when they got off of school. We got called for an occupied house fire, so I responded from home in my personal vehicle. I had to pass the residence to get to the station, so I ended up stopping,' Birch said. Birch didn't hesitate. Without any protective gear, he broke through a glass door and pulled the woman to safety. He also received the Fire Service Valor Award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
