Three first responders commended for life-saving actions

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Three local heroes were recognized Sept. 20 for saving a man’s life by pulling him from the window of a burning building.

Seward Police Chief Brian Peters, Seward Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Dan Brumm and Seward County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny May were commended by Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier and Sheriff Mike Vance for their efforts on the scene of an apartment complex fire July 29.

“The brave efforts of these first responders ultimately saved (the man) from certain death,” Eickmeier said.

He recounted the events that transpired the afternoon of the fire, when the three agencies responded to the scene at 428 N. Third Street.

“The house had five different apartments inside of it, so the difficult task of determining if anyone was inside was the number one priority,” Eickmeier said.

Initial reports and contact with other residents of the building made it seem as though everyone was out.

“It was then discovered that a male subject was trapped by the fire hanging from a rear window on the north side of the house,” Eickmeier said. “The window had been broken out, but the male subject was unable to exit by himself due to already suffering burns from inside.”

Peters, Brumm and May lifted the man from the window six feet to the ground.

He was transported to a Lincoln hospital, treated and eventually released.

Eickmeier said the man was interviewed following the fire investigation.

“He specifically noted how grateful he was for all of the lifesaving efforts, and noted that he would have been unable to get out of the rear apartment without the quick actions of three aforementioned first responders,” Eickmeier said.

The three were given a certificate of merit and commendation from the city and will receive ribbons to wear on their uniforms.

“Having the volunteer fire department and our police department as well as the sheriff’s department all working together, and all the other departments that were able to respond that day, it does take a group effort,” Eickmeier said, “especially when you’re talking about a structure fire. You just don’t know how that’s going to end up, especially in a building as unique as that particular apartment.”

Vance also presented them with a letter of commendation, and they will receive plaques.

“I’m proud to work with men like this that take their public service seriously, putting their lives in danger,” Vance said.

City Administrator Greg Butcher also spoke to the recipients.

“I was on scene, and I personally got to view the police video that showed the activity as it happened. It was a scary scene,” Butcher said. “(The man) could not relay enough how thankful he was for the grace under pressure it took to get him out of there. You activated and did exactly what this community asked of you.”