Firefighter Honored for Bravery

Jun 27th, 2007

On May 1, 2007 Mobile Firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire located at 3304 Autumn Ridge Drive, West. The fire call was received at approximately 6:12 a.m. and when firefighters arrived shortly after at approximately 6:19 a.m. they discovered the fire, which was in the kitchen, had already been extinguished by the owners’ neighbor with a garden hose. It was later discovered that that neighbor was off-duty Firefighter-Driver Tommy Bishop, 51, a veteran with over 28 years with the department. Bishop was awakened by his neighbor pounding on his door and telling him his kitchen was on fire. Bishop quickly got dressed, only as a firefighter can do, ran across the street, grabbing the garden hose and extinguishing the fire.

Bishop's quick action kept damage to the stove, vent hood and wood cabinets above the stove. A couple more minutes would have allowed the fire to do much more damage to the interior of the residence.

Bishops actions exemplify what all firefighters have come to be known for, unselfish servants of the community. It has been said, “We may be paid for our knowledge while we are on duty but we’re firefighters 24/7.” Bishop’s Supervisor said he was a steadfast, hardworking and knowledgeable firefighter-driver. Bishop is a valued and dependable asset to the department and citizens we serve.

Because of this, Bishop was given the honor of June’s Firefighter of the Month, which is sponsored by Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club, at a breakfast on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at the Tiny Diny Restaurant.