Cherokee County Firefighters Recognized for Saving Lives

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services held an awards ceremony Tuesday night at the Cherokee County Fire Training Complex, recognizing the exceptional accomplishments and dedication of 30 firefighters.

The firefighters were presented awards for their responses to five separate incidents over the past several years. Among the accolades were four Emergency Medical Services Lifesaver Awards and one Unit Citation.

EMS Lifesaver Awards were presented to Benjy Pearson, Anna Bowyer, Troy Kizer, Zach Bennett, Larry Stephenson III, Corey Wester, Beau Witcher, and Logan Woodall. According to the fire department, these firefighters were credited with exceptional patient care which resulted in saving the life of a newborn patient in cardiac arrest. Through their swift actions, the patient received necessary treatment, was transported to a hospital, and made a remarkable recovery. The patient and parents were present at the ceremony to thank the firefighters.

Also awarded with EMS Lifesaver Awards were Richard Jordan, Ben Phillips, Isaiah Powell, Ethan Sanders, and Mike Thomas. These firefighters were recognized for their efforts in saving another patient’s life, ensuring their safe transport to a hospital and subsequent recovery.

Another EMS Lifesaver Award was presented to Matthew Brooks, Nathaniel Croft, Ryan Laughridge, Brian Magill, Ben McGowan, Eric Parr, and Reggie Thurman. These firefighters provided lifesaving care to a patient in cardiac arrest, per the fire department. Due to their quick decision making and proper treatment, the patient made a full recovery and was able to visit the firefighters after being discharged from the hospital.

Also receiving an EMS Lifesaver Award were Shaun Allen, Corey Deal, Joe El-Bisi, Stan Ice, Matthew Malhoit, Nicolas Rodriguez, Ryon Nick, Cesar Saavedra and Michael Sims. According to the fire department, these firefighters responded to a patient that went into cardiac arrest on a golf course with limited access for responders. The firefighters were able to resuscitate the patient on the golf course and successfully transport them to the hospital for recovery.

Unit Citations were presented to Benjy Pearson, Zach Bennett, and Troy Kizer. While on an EMS call, they used their experience to discover lethal levels of carbon monoxide in multiple residents, the fire department reported. They successfully evacuated the homes and mitigated the emergency before the incident became fatal. Their work went beyond the call by influencing the improvement of department policies and equipment to assist in future calls.