Rescues involving young children, including a 20-day-old infant and a 3-year-old in cardiac arrest, were among the life-saving efforts recognized Thursday as Huntsville Fire & Rescue honored 39 members of the department at its annual Awards and Promotions Ceremony.
In addition to the awards, 20 firefighters were promoted to leadership roles within the department.
“The men and women who wear the HFR uniform are truly extraordinary,” Chief Howard McFarlen said. “Time and again, they have demonstrated their courage and resolve when facing dangerous situations or scenarios when the victims are fighting for their lives. It’s an honor to recognize them and celebrate their hard work and dedication.”
One of the most critical calls came on Dec. 14, 2024, when Station 15 responded to a full cardiac arrest involving a 20-day-old infant. Driver Heath Jones supplied equipment while Firefighter Weston Key and Capt. Scott Summitt began life-saving interventions. Key performed rescue breathing while Summitt administered chest compressions during transport with HEMSI. The child survived.
Summitt, Jones and Key received the Medical Life Saver Award.
On April 21, 2025, Station 3 responded to Parkway Place Mall for a report of a 3-year-old boy in full cardiac arrest. Firefighters Cory Green, Jason Phillips, Ben Dickson, Harrison Karrh and Graham Hart immediately initiated CPR and continued advanced life-saving measures alongside HEMSI en route to the hospital. The child recovered and is alive today. The crew received the Medical Life Saver Award.
During a March 12, 2025 apartment fire response, crews from Stations 5, 2 and 1 were alerted to a possible child entrapment. A mother was seen leaning from a second-floor window holding her child.
Driver Jesse Kistler ran toward the building as the mother released the child from the window. Kistler safely caught the child before firefighters Patrick Satterfield and Dave Mehok positioned a ladder and helped the mother down to safety. Both were unharmed.
Kistler, Satterfield and Mehok received the Fire Life Saver Award.
Firefighter Christopher Johnson was awarded the Medal of Commendation for his actions on July 11, 2025, after encountering a four-vehicle crash on U.S. 231 while off duty. After helping an injured motorist to safety, a passing vehicle struck the guardrail and hit both Johnson and the injured driver. Johnson sustained serious injuries.
On July 18, 2025, Station 1 crews responded to a crash involving a motorcyclist who suffered traumatic amputations. Firefighters Jacob Pfeiffer, Richard Keslo and Jessica Carter received the Medical Life Saver Award. Dea Calce was awarded the Medal of Commendation. The Company Performance Award was presented to Chris Franklin, Brandon Frazier, Collin Gifford, Erick De La Pena, Clint Adams and Jeremy Pyle for their coordinated response.
On Oct. 15, 2025, Station 15 responded to a structure fire with confirmed entrapment. Firefighter Tristan Stuckey entered a smoke-filled bedroom under zero visibility, located a victim and removed him to a window where Captains Blake Lawson and Nathan Reed assisted. The victim was pulseless and CPR was initiated on scene.
Stuckey received the Medal of Valor. Lawson, Heath Hulsey, Stuckey, Michael Allen, Nathan J. Reed, Nathan K. Reed, Daniel Thul, Jared Terry, Ben Howard, Taylor McNeese, Chip Towry and Andrew Moss received the Fire Life Saver Award.
On Jan. 27, 2026, Stations 10 and 8 responded to a structure fire with confirmed entrapment. Crews encountered heavy smoke and fire venting from the home and removed a bedridden individual to safety. The victim survived. Ryan Cagle, Will Roberson, David Doumar, Drew Albright and David Thomas received the Fire Life Saver Award.
The ceremony also included promotions across the department.
Promoted to district chief were Tyler Brewer, Johnny Cockrell and Jason Scheer.
New captains include Jacques Cockrell, Joseph Hamilton, Jeremy Hughes, Heath Hulsey, Sean Patrick, Brian Reed and Michael Wolfe.
Promoted to driver were Jonathan Garcia, Julianne Hardin, Justin Hardin, Matthew Hatfield, Terrell Kelly, Stanley Laszacs, Thomas Lovett, Clint McGee and Darren White.
Jack Watson was promoted to assistant fire marshal.
McFarlen said the ceremony reflects the department’s commitment to professionalism and service.
“These recognitions represent not only individual bravery,” he said, “but the teamwork and dedication that define Huntsville Fire & Rescue.”
