2015 Meritorious Conduct Awards - Class D Certificate of Commendation

A Class D Certificate of Commendation is awarded to an individual for performing beyond normal expectations in an emergency situation.

 

Captain - Anthony C. Robinson                                            Airport Division

On July 6, 2013, Capt. Anthony Robinson, first Officer in command at the crash of Asiana Airline Flight 214, implemented the Incident Command System for fire operations at this unprecedented Level III Multi-casualty incident, enabling the incoming Incident Commander to seamlessly take over command of the scene upon his arrival. The initial command of any incident determines, in many ways, the final outcome. [CASE 13-17]

 

Captain - Stuart E. Beach                                                      Airport Division
Captain - Antenor S. Molloy                                                  Airport Division

On July 6, 2013, EMS Captains Stuart Beach and Antenor Molloy responded to the crash of Asiana Airline Flight 214. At this unprecedented Level III Multi-casualty incident, the two EMS Captains, working together with agencies from outside jurisdictions, organized EMS Operations from the beginning to the end. These two members are to be commended for their skillful implementation of the medical component of the ICS System leading to the successful triage, treatment and transport of more than 300 patients. [CASE 13-17]

 

Firefighter - Brian D. Barden                                                  Truck 3
Firefighter - Josh J. Wilson                                                    Engine 3

On January 14, 2007, while Truck 3 & Rescue Squad 1 were responding to a dispatch to a fire on Sutter Street they observed the smoke coming from a building located at 736 Jones Street. Both units immediately made entry to the building without the protection of a hose line as an Engine company had not yet arrived. Firefighters Josh Wilson and Brain Barden of Truck 3 hooked up the house line in an effort to secure a protection line for members that were conducting Search and Rescue operations. Upon making the connection, and with heavy smoke banking down to the ground FF Hayes & Lt. Crispen emerged from an apartment unit which was fully involved at the rear and pulled the unconscious man out and handed him off to FF’s Brian Barden and Josh Wilson. The two Firefighters carried the man out of the building for medical treatment. [CASE 13-21]

 

Fire Investigator - Machael Thomas                                     Bureau of Fire Investigation

On March 23, 2013, at the scene of an intentionally set fire at a restaurant at 554 Commercial Street, members of T13 found a tip jar outside, leading them to believe that a burglary was involved. In questioning a homeless man as a witness he pointed out a man on a bicycle as the perpetrator. Arson Investigator Machael Thomas, along with several members of T13, chased and apprehended the suspect until police arrived. Their intuition and brave actions contributed to removing a criminal from the streets of San Francisco. [CASE 13-02]

 

EMS Captain - Ray Crawford                                                 Rescue Captain 1
Battalion Chief - Steven M. Bokura                                      Battalion 4

On September 27, 2013, during the morning commute hours, units were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at Gough and Pine Streets. First on-scene, E38 observed 2 vehicles rolled over with 4 people trapped inside and a third vehicle with 3 people injured. E38 immediately called for additional resources and began patient treatment. Truck 3 stabilized the vehicles and began extricating the patients with the assistance of the crew of Rescue Squad 1. Rescue Captain 1 coordinated triage, treatment and transport of 7 patients, one of whom, despite the valiant efforts of Firefighters, sadly succumbed to his injuries. This was a true team effort in the finest tradition of the San Francisco Fire Department. [CASE 13-12]

 

Firefighter/Paramedic - Scott D. McFall                               Off-Duty

On June 30, 2013, while at home, FF/PM Scott McFall’s Mother witnessed her neighbor collapse. Immediately directing someone to call 9-1-1, FF/PM rushed to the patient’s side. FF/PM McFall, being familiar with cardiac arrest symptoms, knowing that the 79 year-old man was going to code, provided comfort care until the moment occurred. Scott immediately began CPR. A police officer arrived shortly thereafter, bringing with him an AED. By the time the ambulance arrived, the 79 year-old neighbor was conscious. He left the hospital 10 days after his cardiac arrest. [CASE 13-22]

 

Captain - Thorin Shattuck                                                     Engine 51

In the early evening hours of January 18, 2014, Captain Thorin Shattuck, responding on Engine 51, jumped into the frigid waters of the San Francisco Bay when he saw a number of people struggling in the water at the end of a Pier. Two civilian men were attempting to rescue an unresponsive female tourist who had fallen into the water. Upon arrival of the Coast Guard vessel, Captain Shattuck hoisted one of the men and the woman onto the boat. The other man swam back to shore. Captain Shattuck then conducted a swim search of the area for other potential victims. [CASE 14-01]

 

T/Captain - Kenneth W. Hupke                                              Battalion 9
T/Incident Support Specialist - Damon M. Robertson         Battalion 9

On June 15, 2014, at a working fire at 384 Ellington Ave., fire had spread into the Bravo exposure. T/Capt. Kenneth Hupke of T15 and T/ISS Damon Robertson of B09 conducted a search of the Bravo building in hot and smoky conditions. The pair located an elderly occupant and led him to safety. [CASE 14-08]

 

Firefighter - William A. Wycoff                                              Engine 1
Firefighter/Paramedic - Brent C. Marks                               Engine 1

On August 13, 2014, while at an incident at 995 Market St., FF William Wycoff and FF/PM Brent Marks, both of E01, witnessed a male strike a woman and rob her of her purse. Without hesitation and, without knowing if the perpetrator was armed, they chased and apprehended the assailant until police arrived. Their brave actions led to the arrest of the perpetrator and the return of the stolen belongings to the woman. [CASE 14-15]

 

Firefighter/Paramedic - James F. MacDonell                       Engine 3

On September 15, 2004, while conducting building inspections, E03 was waved down by a group of civilians who pointed out a woman on the roof of 345 Jones St. who appeared emotionally distressed and was preparing to jump. FF/PM James MacDonell and T/Lt. Stephen Engler made their way to the roof with an Officer from SFPD. The Officer and T/Lt. Engler engaged the woman in conversation while FF/PM MacDonell positioned himself behind the woman. As she made an attempt to jump FF/PM MacDonell, in a quick decisive moment and with total disregard for his own safety, grabbed the woman and pulled her back over the parapet wall. FF/PM MacDonell, in the finest tradition of the San Francisco Fire Department, save the distressed woman’s life. [CASE 14-16]