Huntsville Fire & Rescue recognizes heroic rescues, promotions at annual ceremony
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Rescues of young children, including a 20-day-old infant, highlighted honors received by more than three dozen Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) personnel at the department’s annual Awards & Promotions Ceremony.
Altogether, 39 members of the department were recognized at the ceremony in addition to 20 promotions.
“The men and women who wear the HFR uniform are truly extraordinary,” Chief Howard McFarlen said. “Time and again, they have demonstrated their courage and resolve when facing dangerous situations or scenarios when the victims are fighting for their lives. It’s an honor to recognize them and celebrate their hard work and dedication.”
HFR personnel were recognized for heroic responses in seven incidents:
- Dec. 14, 2024: Station 15 responded to a full arrest of a 20-day-old infant. The baby survived due to the crew’s rapid response. Driver Heath Jones supplied the necessary equipment for Firefighter Weston Key and Capt. Scott Summitt to begin life-saving interventions. Firefighter Key and Capt. Summitt accompanied HEMSI to continue providing patient care, with Firefighter Key performing rescue breathing and Capt. Summitt administering chest compressions throughout the entire time the patient was in their care. The child survived due to their lifesaving treatment. Medical Life Saver Award: Scott Summitt, Heath Jones, Weston Key
- March 12, 2025: Stations 5, 2 and 1 were dispatched to a possible apartment fire. Upon arrival, Station 5 Engine B was notified by dispatch of a possible entrapment involving a child. Once they arrived, the crew saw a woman leaning out a second-floor window. She briefly disappeared and came back holding a child out the window. Driver Jesse Kistler immediately sprinted toward the window as it was clear the mother was preparing to drop the child. The mother released the child, and Driver Kistler safely caught the child and brought her to a secure area. Firefighters Satterfield and Mehok arrived right behind him with a ladder, which they positioned beneath the window where the mother was leaning out. As soon as the ladder was set up, Firefighter Satterfield climbed it and assisted the mother out of the window and down to safety. Both the mother and child were evaluated for injuries, and both were unharmed. Fire Life Saver Award: Jesse Kistler, Patrick Satterfield, Dave Mehok
- April 21, 2025: On April 21, 2025, Station 3 was at Parkway Place Mall when they were dispatched to a report of a 3-year-old male in full cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the crew immediately initiated life-saving measures. The patient was found to be pulseless and not breathing, and CPR was started without delay. Assisted by HEMSI, HFR Firefighters continued life-saving care while traveling to the hospital. Due to these efforts, the patient made a successful recovery and is alive today. Medical Life Saver Award: Cory Green, Jason Phillips, Ben Dickson, Harrison Karrh, Graham Hart
- July 11, 2025: On July 11th, 2025, Firefighter Christopher Johnson encountered a four-vehicle accident while traveling on U.S. 231. Observing an injured occupant and multiple vehicles in dangerous positions, he stopped to render aid, concerned that others may have been injured. After confirming the safety of one uninjured driver, he assisted an injured motorist to a safer location. During this effort, a passing vehicle struck the guardrail and over corrected, hitting both individuals. Chris was thrown into the guardrail, sustaining serious injuries. His actions demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness. Medal of Commendation: Christopher Johnson
- July 18, 2025: The response and actions by Station 1 directly contributed to saving the life of a critically injured motorcyclist who had suffered the traumatic amputation of one arm and both legs. Their swift, decisive actions and effective coordination with multiple agencies on scene stand as a testament to their professionalism and skill. Medical Life Saver Award Recipients: Jacob Pfeiffer, Richard Keslo, Jessica Carter. Medal of Commendation: Dea Calce. Company Performance Award: Chris Franklin, Brandon Frazier, Collin Gifford, Erick De La Pena, Clint Adams, Jeremy Pyle
- Oct. 15, 2025: Station 15 responded to a structure fire with reported entrapment. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was showing and entrapment was confirmed. Fire suppression was initiated while a ladder was placed at a bedroom window. Firefighter Tristan Stuckey entered the bedroom under zero visibility, located the victim and removed him to the window where Captains Blake Lawson and Nathan Reed assisted with removal. Additional crews arrived and continued ongoing fire suppression. The victim was found pulseless and CPR was initiated by multiple personnel. Rapid apparatus placement, water supply and medical support by personnel were instrumental in this operation. Medal of Valor: Tristan Stuckey. Fire Life Saver Award: Blake Lawson, Health Hulsey, Tristan Stuckey, Michael Allen, Nathan J. Reed, Nathan K. Reed, Daniel Thul, Jared Terry, Ben Howard, Taylor McNeese, Chip Towry, Andrew Moss
- Jan. 27, 2026: Stations 10 and 8 responded to a structure fire with confirmed entrapment. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and fire venting from the structure. A bedridden individual was removed to safety and survived. Fire Life Saver Award: Ryan Cagle, Will Roberson, David Doumar, Drew Albright, David Thomas
HFR also marked promotions to District Chief, Captain, Driver and Assistant Fire Marshal.
- Promotions to District Chief: Tyler Brewer, Johnny Cockrell, Jason Scheer
- Promotions to Captain: Jacques Cockrell, Joseph Hamilton, Jeremy Hughes, Health Hulsey, Sean Patrick, Brian Reed, Michael Wolfe
- Promotions to Driver: Jonathan Garcia, Julianne Hardin, Justin Hardin, Matthew Hatfield, Terrell Kelly, Stanley Laszacs, Thomas Lovett, Clint McGee, Darren White
- Promotion to Assistant Fire Marshal: Jack Watson