2013 Meritorious Conduct Awards - Class C Medal

Class C Medals are awarded for acts of exceptional character and associated with unusual ability, personal initiative and courage. Recipients also receive a monetary award in the amount of $100.

On July 14, 2011, while off duty and at home, Rescue Captain Robert Kuzma heard what sounded like a vehicle collision. Immediately going outside, RC Kuzma observed a vehicle into a three story building. The vehicle had rolled over and landed upside down on top of a parked car. The building and vehicles were unstable, there was a strong odor of gasoline and utility lines were down. Without the benefit of personal protective equipment and with total disregard for his own safety RC Kuzma entered the unstable environment to administer care to the seriously injured driver.
 

On May 25, 2012, Engine 51 responded to a report of a young boy in distress in the frigid bay waters. While enroute, Lt. Dennis Sullivan instructed his crew to ready the long board for his immediate entry into the water. Lt. Sullivan observed the child approximately 50 yards off the shore of Crissy Field struggling to keep his head above water. Understanding the critical circumstances and with total disregard for his own safety, Lt. Sullivan entered the water without the benefit of a wet suit and quickly paddled out to the 12 year old child, returning him safely to the shore.
 

On July 7, 2011, while vacationing at Lake Tahoe, FF/PM Kenneth Dunn and FF Mark Macias noticed a boat in distress approximately 30 yards off-shore, with several panicked passengers, none of who were wearing life-jackets. The Firefighters, with total disregard to their own safety, swam out to the boat in the 52 degree water to save a family of seven, three adults and four children. All seven were brought safely back to the shore. The Firefighters then returned to the frigid waters and dove to the bottom of the 30 foot lake inlet to retrieve the family’s personal belongings.
 

On July 4, 2011, Engine 32 responded to a Street Box. Upon arrival, Engine 32 reported the working fire as they observed fire and heavy smoke coming from the garage of a 3-story building located at 4020 Mission Street. The crew was met by several hysterical civilians telling them that an elderly woman was on the second floor. With disregard for her own safety, FF Theodora Reilly proceeded to the second floor without the benefit of a hoseline and with smoke and fire below her to locate the woman. Upon reaching the second floor landing, FF Reilly encountered an unconscious female at which time other members of the crew met up with her and assisted in removing her from the building. The woman survived her critical injuries.