Milwaukee Fire Department Firefighter Receives The Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award
Firefighter Anthony Rueda receives the most prestigious award in the fire service
Milwaukee—(April 22, 2009)—MFD Firefighter Anthony Rueda has received top honors as Fire Engineering Magazine’s 2009 Ray Downey Courage and Valor honoree. Today, the 25 year old received the award at the Pennwell Corporation’s Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. Firefighter Rueda won the award based on a submission that depicted the bravery he showed during a house fire on May 22, 2008, in which he dragged his unconscious fire captain to safety after they both fell through the floor of a burning home.As a Ray Downey Courage and Valor award recipient, Firefighter Rueda received a check for $35,000, a medal, roundtrip airline tickets and hotel accommodations for two to the FDIC, and a write-up with photo in the summer edition of the national publication Fire Engineering.
“It was with great honor that I witnessed one of the MFD’s own receive the most respected award in the fire service. The courageous act Rueda performed was worthy of this level of recognition, and this is a very exciting time for our department,” said MFD Chief Doug Holton. “This award further validates the caliber of personnel we have protecting the City of Milwaukee’s people and property. We are a world-class organization and we continue to show it every day.”
The Fire Engineering Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award Foundation was created to ensure that Americans “remember forever” the fallen firefighters of September 11, and in their memory, recognize other firefighters who demonstrate the same courage and valor in rescue missions. The award commemorates the life and career achievements of Deputy Chief Ray Downey, a 39-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York, who lost his life while commanding rescue operations at the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.
On May 22, 2008, Firefighter Rueda and his crew were dispatched to a home fire. On arrival, Rueda and Captain Theodore Stribling immediately went inside the home to perform search and rescue efforts. Seconds after searching inside the home, the floor caved in and Rueda and Captain Stribling fell ten feet from the first floor to the basement. Firefighter Rueda did not lose conscious after hitting the floor; however, Captain Stribling did. Rueda, who was without a radio, grabbed for Stribling’s radio and yelled “Mayday! Mayday! Firefighter down.” He then dragged the unconscious captain by the straps of his breathing apparatus to the back door, into the backyard, where they both were met by help. Rueda did all this in spite of injuries he sustained to his lower back, neck, and shoulder. Captain Stribling sustained a head injury and broken ribs.
Addressing a crowd of nearly 7,000 firefighters, PennWell Corporation’s President and CEO Robert F. Biolchini stated, “This morning, we gather to honor another true American hero, Milwaukee Firefighter Anthony Rueda. Last year, Anthony’s extraordinary act of bravery under difficult conditions resulted in saving the life of Milwaukee Fire Captain Theodore Stribling. Firefighter Rueda’s actions reflect on the fire service’s true values. Today we recognize him individually, but also in a greater sense and honor his actions which exemplify the spirit and servitude of the fire service enacted each and every day.”
Milwaukee Fire Department
The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) is the primary fire suppression, prevention, rescue and emergency medical service for the City of Milwaukee. The department’s motto is "Courage, Integrity and Honor." The MFD consists of approximately 1000 firefighters, many of whom serve simultaneously as paramedics providing emergency medical services. The MFD is known as one of the best fire departments nationwide for its response times and other quality services.
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