Murfreesboro Fire Rescue crew honored with NAACP Jerry Anderson Hero Award
Four Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) firefighters were recognized for their heroic actions during a residential fire rescue.
They received the Murfreesboro Branch of the NAACP Jerry Anderson Hero Award at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held Saturday, January 17, at Middle Tennessee State University.
The honorees include:
- Captain Jeremy McCullough
- Engineer Marcus Cartwright
- Firefighter Dillon Meyer
- Firefighter Ryan St. Peter
The award recognizes their lifesaving efforts during a house fire on August 12, just before 6:00 a.m., on East Burton Street. MFRD units were dispatched to the scene with reports of an elderly man trapped inside the burning home.
Rescue Company 1 was among the first units to arrive. Captain McCullough directed Firefighters Dillon Meyer and Ryan St. Peter to enter the structure and search for the victim. The firefighters quickly located the man and carried him to safety.
Once outside, MFRD crews immediately began lifesaving measures as the victim was suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Their rapid actions, combined with the coordinated response of seven additional MFRD fire companies and two battalion chiefs, were instrumental in saving the man’s life.
“The actions taken by Captain McCullough, Engineer Cartwright, and Firefighters Meyer and St. Peter represent the very best of the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department,” said Fire Chief Mark McCluskey. “Their quick decision-making, teamwork, and commitment to serving others made the difference between life and death. We are incredibly proud of their service and grateful the NAACP has chosen to recognize their heroism.”
MFRD typically operates with teams of four to five personnel per apparatus. The teamwork, training, and decisive actions of the Rescue Company 1-B crew exemplify the department’s commitment to protecting lives and serving the Murfreesboro community.
