MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Fire Department recapped courageous acts executed by its personnel over the last five years during an awards ceremony Thursday night.
Lt. Troy Reed, chair of the awards committee, said the last awards ceremony was held in December of 2010.
“Shortly after that, things weren’t going so well for the city and I don’t think anyone was in the mood to celebrate too much at that point; however, the calls continued to come in, and our trucks continued to roll out the door, and the firefighters of the Mansfield Fire Department continued to provide outstanding service to the citizens of Mansfield,” he said.
Chief Steve Strickling approached Reed, saying he’d like to see the awards committee up and running again so the department could honor its members for noteworthy acts that they have performed over the past five years, Reed said.
Strickling pointed out that the awards committee is made up of nine members of the fire department. “These awards are researched by the individuals on the awards committee and given out by (the recipients’) peers,” Strickling said. “It’s important to remember that because it’s not myself giving these awards, it’s not my chief officers…”
And even though the awards are granted on an individual basis, he reminded the audience of the value of teamwork. “It takes all of us to get the job done,” he said.
Below are the names of the honorees and a description of their deeds.
Capt. Dan Krizan and Firefighter Duane Debo were awarded a Bronze Star. On Feb. 28, 2011, Engine 7 was dispatched to a report of a person trapped in high water. On arrival, Krizan and Debo found two victims trapped on the roofs of two different cars in high water. Disregarding their personal safety, the two entered the ice cold, swift-moving water and brought both victims to safety.
Firefighter Mike Carey and Firefighter Rob Garn were awarded the Legion of Merit. On March 25, 2012, the assistant chief, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 4, Engine 6 and Rescue 1 were dispatched to a structure fire at 100 Blymyer Avenue with a report of a handicapped person who was trapped. The first units on the scene found heavy fire on the first floor of the structure. While crews worked to extinguish the fire, Carey and Garn made their way above the fire to search for the trapped occupant. Through hot and smoky conditions, Garn and Carey were able to locate and extricate the trapped occupant.
Firefighter Corey Volz was awarded a Bronze Star. On Aug. 15, 2012, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 6, Ladder 4, Rescue 1 and Rescue 2 responded to a structure fire at 177 W. Third St. Engine 1, driven by Volz, arrived on scene to find several victims trapped on the second floor of the building. The apartment building’s only stairwell had been set on fire and second floor residents were unable to get themselves out. Volz set up a ladder to where a victim was trying to escape smoke and flames. Under intense smoke and progressing flames, Volz climbed the ladder, broke the window and guided the disoriented victim down the ladder to safety.
Firefighter Phil Dollish was awarded the Legion of Merit. On Jan. 9, 2013, the assistant chief, Engine 6, Engine 2 and Rescue 1 responded to a motor vehicle accident at Bowman Street and Crystal Springs Avenue. Engine 6, the unit Dollish was assigned to, arrived on the scene to find a car suspended by a chain link fence over a 30-foot culvert. Disregarding his personal safety, Dollish entered the vehicle and coordinated efforts to extricate the victim to safety. All personnel on scene worked as a team and developed a solid plan to safely extricate the victim from the car. Rescue 1 then transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.
Firefighter Tom Sneeringer was awarded a Purple Heart. On Aug. 12, 2013, the assistant chief, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 6, Rescue 1, Rescue 2 and Rescue 3 responded to a structure fire at 30 S. Park St. The first arriving units found heavy smoke coming from the first floor. During the course of fire operations, Sneeringer suffered an extensive injury to his wrist, resulting in significant treatment to repair it. Sneeringer endured his injury with honor in keeping with the highest standards and tradition of the Mansfield Fire Department.
Capt. Dan Krizan, Firefighter Billy Bays, Firefighter Tim Tingley and Firefighter Jarrod Durstine were awarded the Legion of Merit. On March 1, 2014, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Rescue 1, Rescue 2 and Rescue 3 were dispatched to a structure fire at 511 S. Main St. Units arrived to find smoke coming from the second story windows. Bystanders instructed personnel to the rear of the structure where access was gained. Upon making entry, an unconscious male in the living room area was found. The victim was removed from the structure and placed in the front yard where resuscitation was initiated. The victim was placed in Rescue 3 and transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. The victim began breathing on his own on the way to the hospital. All personnel worked effectively as a team to provide the victim with the best possible care.
Lt. Troy Reed and Firefighter Mike Woods were awarded the Legion of Merit. On June 23, 2015, the assistant chief, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 6 and Rescue 2 were dispatched to a structure fire at 267 Brookwood Way North. Engine 2 arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke at the back of the apartment building. Bystanders advised that there might be someone still in the apartment. Reed and Woods entered the structure without the protection of a hose line and in low visibility. They were able to locate the victim and remove him from the structure. Rescue 2, with the aid of personnel from Engine 6, began treatment of the victim, who still had a pulse, and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The conduct and actions of all personnel involved upheld the highest standards and tradition of the Mansfield Fire Department.
