Each year, the Springfield Fire Department hosts an awards ceremony to honor its personnel. At the annual event last night, dozens were recognized. Among them were several members of Springfield Water Rescue Team who performed dangerous swift water rescues during flooding over the last year. Two civilians who went into a burning house in January to rescue two young were also honored.
Assistant chief of operations, David Pennington, was named Fire Officer of the Year and rescue specialist, Jeff Elliott, was named Firefighter of the Year.
For the first year in the history of the Department, a Medal of Valor was awarded. Firefighter Michael Kuss received the honor for saving a family of 5 from floodwaters in May.
