Pictured, from left, are Deputy Chief Barry Campbell, Councilor Tim Sherrick, Fire Chief H.C. Call, Councilor Aaron Kirkpatrick, Firefighter Derek Tampleton, Firefighter Daniel Barham, Firefighter Colby Williams, Vice Mayor Trevor Dorsey, Mayor Jim Curd and Councilor Larry East. Not pictured is A-Shift Station 4 Crew Captain Bryan Tate, who was also recognized.
Several Bartlesville fire fighters were recognized this week by the City Council for their efforts in helping a woman escape from a burning home in August.
The incident occurred on Aug. 17, when Bartlesville Fire Department crews responded to reports of a possible structure fire in the 1300 block of Southeast Greystone Avenue.
Upon arrival they were faced with smoke emerging from the eaves of the home, Fire Chief H.C. Call told the council on Monday.
“Engine 4 was the first arriving unit, with Capt. Bryan Tate, Fire Fighter/Equipment Operator Colby Williams, and Fire Fighters Derek Tampleton and Daniel Barham,” Call said.
He said Tampleton and Barham deployed a handline and entered the residence, “encountering thick smoke and reduced visibility.” During the fire attack, Barham heard a victim calling for help and moved quickly to rescue her, Call said.
“Despite near-zero visibility, he was able to locate the occupant and, with the help of Fire Fighter Tampleton, safely removed her through an exterior door,” Call said.
“As a result of their heroic actions, we are pleased to present A Shift Engine 4s crew with the Unit Award and Fire Fighters Derek Tampleton and Daniel Barham with the Gold Lifesaving Award.”
Unit Awards are presented to members of the Bartlesville Fire Department who as a group have overcome difficulties or obstacles under unusual or adverse conditions while performing their duty. Gold Life Saving Awards are presented to members of the Bartlesville Fire Department for performing acts in the line of duty through prompt and alert action and at great personal risk which specifically result in saving a human life.