Firefighters Honored For Lifesaving Effort

Tuesday, April 26th, 2022

Three Dalton firefighters were honored Tuesday for their heroic actions that saved a resident from a house fire in March. The firefighters of Squad 1-A were presented a unit citation at the monthly meeting of Dalton's Public Safety Commission. 

At right: Chief Todd Pangle (left) stands with the firefighters of Squad 1-A (L to R Lt. Josh Townsend, Firefighters Anibal Moran and Austin Payne) after presenting them their unit citation Tuesday

The incident happened Sunday, March 20th shortly after 6:30 pm. Firefighters were dispatched to the residence at 323 Chestnut Street and when crews arrived, they found heavy smoke pouring from the rook of the house. Squad 1 was ordered onto the roof to cut holes to ventilate the structure for the fire crews working inside to search for victims and put out the fire. Lt. Josh Townsend and firefighters Austin Payne and Anibal Moran were able to quickly ventilate the roof after using a thermal imaging camera to determine the best place to place holes in the roof. Because of cramped conditions inside of the house, Squad 1 was next ordered inside to help with search and rescue. The crew entered and was able to find a victim and pull him from the house. They performed CPR on the porch of the home before handing the patient off to EMS. 

Lt. Townsend and firefighters Payne and Moran were presented to the Public Safety Commission on Tuesday morning by Chief Todd Pangle and were given their unit citation. Chief Pangle pointed out that their bravery and actions reflect great credit not just to themselves, but also to their company and the fire department.