In the fire and rescue service, positive outcomes after emergencies are rare — although treasured when they occurred.
Two South King Fire and Rescue firefighters recently received the Medal of Valor honor from the department for their exceptional efforts and successful water rescue of a female victim last October.
Firefighters Greg Graka and Dean Bastin were recognized at South King’s fire commissioner meeting on Aug. 27.
“The performance that occurred that night was absolutely incredible,” incoming fire Chief Vic Pennington told the Medal of Valor awardees. “The work that you and your partner did absolutely did save this woman’s life and gave her a second chance. Second chances don’t come around often.”
Capt. Mike Lawson, who was the acting battalion chief on shift the night of Oct. 28, shared the rescue story at the meeting while showing footage from the actual rescue scene, captured by Evergreen Media Production.