Fire Rescue Crew of the Year:
Captain Dave Johnston, firefighters Ed Selinger, Ron Gunthner and Kelly Moss
On October 27, 2011, the crew of Richmond Engine 4 was conducting routine duties around their fire hall, when they were alerted to the fact that an airplane had crashed west of their location on Russ Baker Way.
The crew immediately responded to the scene and actually arrived on scene prior to the dispatch of the other fire department units. On arrival, the crew found a large fiery debris field, an airplane ablaze and many commuters in jeopardy.
Engine 4 immediately deployed hose lines to protect the crash survivors and began the job of extinguishing the fire, as it was contained, but not yet extinguished.
Firefighters Ed Selinger and Ron Gunthner, under the direction of captain Dave Johnston and the protection of firefighter Kelly Moss, moved inside the fuselage, believing they had heard a person in need.
The firefighters located a passenger trapped within the fuselage. Once located, the firefighters extricated the passenger from the entrapment hazard and carried him to safety.
The Engine 4 crew's bravery, dedication and attitudes towards service excellence make Richmond Fire Rescue a better place.
