Firefighters honored at awards banquet

Mullen earns years top honors

By Hayli Fellwock, hfellwock@bgdailynews.com — 270-783-3240

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Sgt. Jim Mullen, a Bowling Green Fire Department firefighter of 13 years, won the departments first Firefighter of the Year Award at the first departmental awards ceremony Tuesday evening. He got the award for the many traits that make him an exemplary firefighter, including things such as efficient time management and good customer service, Chief Gerry Brown said before presenting the award. Mullen also won the Community Service Award for his involvement in the community, including coaching and coordinating tournaments for the city soccer league. Other award winners included the Service Excellence Award for Jerry Bridgeman, a fire apprehension officer and emergency medical technician. Norman Simpson, firefighter and EMT, won the Award of Merit for his part in fighting a July 19 magnesium fire. The Chiefs Award went to Company Commander Bob Sanborn, EMT.For over 20 years I have witnessed this firefighters commitment to serve as an example, Brown said in presenting the award. Sanborn has worked to establish contacts with other fire departments and to research equipment and technology and help educate his fellow firefighters, Brown said. Brown also took a minute to recognize the numerous retired firefighters, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. These firefighters didnt simply lay the foundation for us they built the house, Brown said. After recognition of the retirees, training Capt. Ed Moody, a former member of the Kentucky Air National Guard, presented the department with a framed American flag that flew over Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 19. Present at the awards ceremony were Bowling Green Police Chief Bill Waltrip, Lt. Col. Jerry Wells, City Manager Charles Coates and Mayor Sandy Jones. Coates commended the fire department for its skill and dedication. You do a very good job and I dont think we thank you enough for that, he said. Jones said she personally witnessed the competence of the departments firefighters when her sons home was on fire. I have a greater appreciation for our fire department than I ever have before, Jones said. Your work is extremely important to the community. Thank you for what you did for my family because that 4 a.m. phone call that says, Mom, my house is on fire is heart-stopping. I know you all know how that feels. The Unit Citation Award went to the crews of the pumper four, pumper three, pumper five and ladder one trucks for their response to a structure fire on Vine Street on May 2, 2003. A man and a woman were found inside the home, but the firefighters quick actions saved their lives. Those recognized with the Unit Citation Award were: FAO Donnie Frye, firefighter Damon Carlock, FAO Charlie Tomes, firefighter Tracey Kenney, firefighter Melvin Norris, Company Commander Garry Preston, FAO Eric Smith, Company Commander James Hudson, Company Commander Greg Elrod, firefighter Albert Bailey, firefighter Kevin Allen and FAO Jason Colson. Also given a Unit Citation Award was the crew of the pumper five truck that responded to the Hugh Poland Hall fire t Western Kentucky University on May 4, 2003. In that fire, freshman Katie Autry was raped, beaten and then set on fire. Emergency workers rescued Autry from the room, but she later died of her injuries. Sanborn, firefighter Matt Jones, Bridgeman and FAO Jim Morrow were recognized as part of that team.  Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700