MFRD Recognizes Firefighters' Achievements

MFRD Recognizes Firefighters’ Achievements

Mobile, Ala. – On October 16, 2018, the Mobile Fire-Rescue recognized 3 firefighters for their bravery and quick action. Fire Service Driver Bruce Cannella, along with Firefighters Sean McLaughlin and Benjamin Welborn responded in Engine 6 to an early morning apartment fire on September 11, 2018. The crew was dispatched to the Knollwood Apartments (1651 Knollwood Drive) at approximately 4:59 A.M. for an electronic alarm. Neighbors called 9-1-1, reporting what was thought to have been a smoke detector sounding in an adjacent apartment unit.

Upon arrival on scene, the crew (EA6) rendezvoused with the neighbor who called, where they were escorted to the location of the audible device. While approaching the apartment unit, the firefighters noticed through the sliding, glass door of the porch that black smoke was developing inside of the home. The assisting neighbor informed that he was certain that the tenant, an elderly woman, was inside.

            Led by acting Captain Bruce Cannella, the team immediately took action. They called for a full response for assistance, breached the door, and searched the apartment. The resident was found in the apartment living room and immediately carried from the dangerous environment to a nearby sidewalk for assessment and medical assistance. The victim was provided oxygen on scene and packaged for immediate transport to a local hospital for definitive care. In addition to the occupant, 3 cats were rescued and provided oxygen. Two of the cats have since been adopted. By the time other emergency crews arrived on scene, the patient was being loaded onto an ambulance, cats were being treated, and the fire was extinguished with smoke being ventilated adequately.

            District Chief Billy Roach was the Command unit on scene the morning of the fire. He expressed his admiration following the incident in stating, ”The professionalism and dedication to duty displayed by this first arriving crew, while under extreme duress, is commendable and deserving of recognition.” The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department is proud of the commitment to service and dedication to duty of its firefighters. Fire Chief Mark Sealy, Operations Chief James Frank, and Mobile-Fire Rescue present and honor Fire Service Driver Bruce Cannella, Firefighter Sean McLaughlin, and Firefighter Benjamin Welborn with the Firefighter Achievement Award.