Peoria firefighter to receive national award for bravery
Jul 27, 2017, 6:03 PM | Updated: Jul 28, 2017, 11:35 am
(Photos courtesy Peoria Fire Department)
(Photos courtesy Peoria Fire Department)
PHOENIX — Public safety officials often work a thankless job, but one Peoria, Arizona, firefighter will get one of the highest awards possible in his field of work.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions named Peoria firefighter Stephen Gunn a recipient of the Public Safety Medal of Valor on Thursday.
He is one of 12 public safety officers who will receive the Medal of Valor from either President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence in Washington D.C. at a White House ceremony later. A date has yet to be determined.
The award recognizes extraordinary acts of heroism and bravery.
Gunn’s act of bravery in question happened in April of 2016 when he responded to a house fire near 75th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.
People were trapped inside because of an arson fire, started as part of a home invasion.
Gunn reportedly “headed right for the danger” and entered the house through a blown out window where he was able to crawl through “thick black smoke and flames,” a press release said.
He was in the burning house for nearly 40 seconds before being able to pass off one of the victims to his captain.
Gunn had to be treated at the Arizona Burn Center, but was back on his next shift.
He was named United Firefighter of the Year earlier this year at Arizona State Fire School.
