Photography by Nancy Nolan | Produced by Ellen Scruggs
The Rotary Club of Little Rock honors the bravery and steadfast dedication of our city’s finest heroes at the Police and Fire Awards Banquet. At this year’s 24th annual event, these firemen were recognized for their courage and precision in response to an incident involving a tow truck that shifted and knocked the driver over the retaining wall on Interstate 440. The rescue required two firefighters to rappel over the wall to administer immediate emergency medical care to the driver. A team of experienced personnel provided additional support. For their efforts, Engine 13 and Rescue 2 earned Unit Citations at the Rotary Awards; Firefighters Jason Gammel and Jesse Clark of Rescue 2 received the Medal of Merit; Capt. Jeff Keen, Engineer Josh Hoelzeman and Firefighter Jason Gregory of Rescue 2 were also a part of the rescue, as were Capt. Jarrod Gray, Engineer Steven Davis and Firefighter Phillip Prater, all of Engine 13. Battalion Chief Jeff West was the Incident Commander.
This incident represents the countless acts of bravery performed by the Little Rock Fire Department that keep citizens safe and improve the lives of Little Rock residents. Fire departments are an integral force for good in every community – beyond fighting fires. From combatting hunger through cereal drives, to providing toys for children during the holidays, each department serves as a steward – protecting and promoting the welfare of the community.
Firefighter Phillip Prater, Captain Jarrod Gray, Engineer Steven Davis, Engineer Josh Hoelzeman,
Battalion Chief Jeff West
Captain Jeff Keen, Firefighter Jason Gammel, Firefighter Jesse Clark, Firefighter Jason Gregory
