Honored Gastonia firefighters receive bravery award – WSOC TV

Lina PortmanMay 29, 2024

0 1 minute read

GASTONIA, N.C. — On Tuesday, members of the Gastonia Fire Department received the NC Office of State Fire Marshal Valor Award for their extraordinary acts of courage and bravery in the line of duty.

This prestigious award is the highest honor bestowed by the organization and serves to recognize exceptional heroism.

Captain Barron Summey and Firefighter Michael Chafin were recognized for their heroic actions during a high-altitude rescue that took place earlier this year.

On January 14, Ranlo Fire and Rescue was dispatched to assist the Ranlo Police Department with a woman who was climbing a 150-foot cell tower on Burlington Avenue.

[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Crews rescue woman who climbed 175 feet up cell tower in Ranlo ]

Upon arrival, it was clear the woman was in distress, unresponsive to commands, bleeding and at risk of hypothermia due to the cold.

When negotiations failed, the decision was made to send rescuers into the tower. Captain Barron Summey and Firefighter Michael Chafin of the GFD High Rescue Units then began their climb.

Despite the woman's resistance and dangerous conditions, Captain Summey and Firefighter Chafin executed a daring rescue. Captain Summey managed to secure the individual as she let go of the tower, thus preventing a fall. Together, they lowered her safely to the ground using a complex rope system.

Their quick thinking, teamwork and courage saved the individual's life and exemplified the highest standards of the fire service.

VIDEO: Only the 9th: Firefighters Describe Daring Rescue of Woman Who Climbed Cell Tower

This browser does not support the video element.