MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Four firefighters with the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department were formally recognized Saturday for their heroic actions during a residential fire rescue that saved the life of an elderly man. Captain Jeremy McCullough, Engineer Marcus Cartwright, Firefighter Dillon Meyer, and Firefighter Ryan St. Peter received the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch Jerry Anderson Hero Award during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held January 17 at Middle Tennessee State University.
The award honors the firefighters’ lifesaving response to a house fire on East Burton Street on August 12, just before 6:00 a.m. Murfreesboro Fire Rescue units were dispatched after reports indicated an elderly man was trapped inside the burning home.
Rescue Company 1 was among the first units on scene. Captain McCullough directed Firefighters Meyer and St. Peter to enter the structure and conduct a search for the victim. The firefighters located the man inside the residence and carried him out to safety.
Once outside, MFRD crews immediately began lifesaving measures. The victim was suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, and firefighters provided emergency care until additional assistance arrived. Officials credited the rapid actions of Rescue Company 1, along with the coordinated response of seven additional MFRD fire companies and two battalion chiefs, with saving the man’s life.
“The actions taken by Captain McCullough, Engineer Cartwright, and Firefighters Meyer and St. Peter represent the very best of the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department,” said Mark McCluskey, Fire Chief of MFRD. “Their quick decision-making, teamwork, and commitment to serving others made the difference between life and death. We are incredibly proud of their service and grateful the NAACP has chosen to recognize their heroism.”
MFRD typically staffs each apparatus with teams of four to five personnel. Department officials said the actions of the Rescue Company 1-B crew reflect the high level of training, teamwork, and professionalism that firefighters bring to emergencies throughout the Murfreesboro community.
