BOCA RATON – Fire Chief Tom Wood presented awards and badges during recent ceremonies at the Fire Administration Building at 6500 Congress Avenue.
From left are Captain John Treanor, Assistant Chief Mike Gergora, EMS Captain Lloyd Putnam, Driver David Dipierro and Fire Chief Tom Wood.
The chief honored Michael Hawkins for assisting a driver who had been in an accident.
On April 30, Hawkins was working in the area of Texas Trail when he noticed a car drive by and, seconds later, the vehicle struck a pole.
Hawkins immediately activated the 911 system and ran over to the vehicle where he began using skills he learned just days earlier when he graduated from his Emergency Medical Technician class.
The rescuer checked the victim to see if he had a pulse, was breathing and if he was awake and could answer questions. The victim was unconscious so Hawkins held his head and neck to protect his spine and awaited the arrival of Boca Raton Fire Rescue Paramedics.
On May 29, David Hill, a city of Boca Raton employee, was at work when he witnessed a motor vehicle crash on North Dixie Highway near Hidden Valley Boulevard. The vehicle had rolled over three times and came to rest on the passenger side.
Hill quickly called 911 and made his way to the vehicle. Finding the victims still belted in, Hill gained access and assisted them out of the unstable vehicle.
For their “willingness to act and their selfless dedication to humanitarian needs” Hawkins and Hill received the Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services “Citizen Courage Award”.
Chief Wood also recognized the following members of Boca Raton Fire Rescue with the department’s “Excellence Award”:
EMS Captain John Treanor for receiving the Distinguished EMS Award from Palm Beach County EMS Providers.
Assistant Fire Chief Mike Gergora for his outstanding work in completing the Fire Department’s ISO Inspection.
Chief Wood presented badges to the following:
Firefighter / Paramedic Lloyd Putnam, promoted to EMS Captain; Firefighter/Paramedic David Dipierro, promoted to Driver / Engineer; Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Rupp, promoted to EMS Lieutenant.
Boca Raton Fire Captain Ken Bailes, who recently retired after 36 years of service, was on hand to pin the badge on EMS Lieutenant Jeff Rupp. When first hired, Jeff was assigned to Captain Bailes as a rookie firefighter/paramedic.