Milwaukee Fire Department recognizes more than 100 heroes in awards ceremony

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire Department is honoring over 100 heroes at the Milwaukee Safety Academy. Some wear the uniform, others don't, but all answered the call when faced with a life-or-death situation.

The master of ceremonies detailed the stories behind why each was recognized -- truly inspirational stories. 

Fire Chief Aaron Lipski questioned out loud where we would be if we didn't step in to help each other.

A handful of award recipients brought the audience to their feet, including one which also elicited some tears. The victim herself was invited to hand the award to her coworkers. The team at Direct Supply saved her life this past August when she went into cardiac arrest.

"It will mean a lot to get to see her. Just knowing that she's still able to have a good, happy life, and I only had a tiny bit to do with it, but it means a lot," said Neesha Rutherford, a dispatcher who was honored.

Rutherford coached all three coworkers to give the 31-year-old woman CPR and an AED -- and it worked.

"But truly it was an all-hands-on-deck situation from what I've been heard, but truly they are selfless, and I owe my life to them," said Rachel Hennings, who was saved by her coworkers.

Chief Lipski said he finds it special to honor civilians who helped others with no equipment and no training to do so.

People also loudly applauded Lt. Jeff Gauthier. He's devoted much of his time to helping firefighters struggling with addiction.

And Engine 9 is credited with putting together one of the largest inter-agency training sessions in department history, with hands-on training for active shooter situations.

The final award went to Lt. Jacob Hinsenkamp and others for rescuing a child from a porch roof in what was described as the punishing conditions of a fire near 35th and Auer. 

This is the first awards ceremony for Milwaukee Fire since Covid prevented the gathering for two years.