Medal of Valor and Good Samaritans Among Awards Presented
Each year, the Newport News Fire Department recognizes the outstanding performance of nominated Firefighter-Medics and members of the community at the Annual Newport News Fire Department’s Recognition Ceremony. Last Thursday, March 23, at Jefferson Lab the Newport News Fire Department awarded this year's honorees which included the “Medal of Valor” award, the “Fire Chief’s Medal” award for employee of the year, firefighter of the year, EMS provider of the year, Youth Fire Academy Graduates and many more.
The prestigious “Medal of Valor” award was presented to firefighter/medic Tyler Hollingsworth who saved a fellow firefighter from electrocution last November. FFM Hollingsworth pulled the firefighter away from the shock, getting shocked himself, but saving his fellow firefighter from more serious harm.
The ceremony also honored members of the community for Good Samaritan acts of kindness that helped save a life. The Good Samaritan awards demonstrate the importance of community first aid and CPR/AED training. Dr. Jarrod Best, Sr., Mr. Kim Reaves, and Mr. Kirk Trader were awarded Good Samaritan awards for coming to the aid of a cardiac arrest victim. Mr. David Sallee was awarded a Good Samaritan award for assisting a workman who had been electrocuted while working on office lighting. Mr. Sallee, an employee of Calspan, rendered aid by performing CPR on the victim. Another Good Samaritan award was presented to Corporal John Foster, a Poquoson Police Officer who performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking victim.
The Firefighter of the Year is Lt. Sidney Lucas, EMS Provider of the Year is SFM Sean Williams and the Employee of the Year is I.T. Manager Greg Bever. Individual and Company Citations were also presented.
Medal of Valor FFM Tyler Hollingsworth, Chief R.B. Alley, Assistant City Manager Alan Archer, Chief Lee