2015 Meritorious Conduct Awards - Class A Medal

Class A Medals are awarded for acts voluntary in nature in relation to the saving of human life under the most adverse conditions and extreme personal risk. Recipients also receive a monetary award in the amount of $500.

Lieutenant - David J. Monteverdi                                         Airport Division
Lieutenant - Christine E. Emmons                                        Airport Division
Firefighter/Paramedic - Michael D. Kirk                              Airport Division

On July 6, 2013, Rescue 33 and Rescue 88 were among the first San Francisco Fire Department Airport Units to respond to the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214. Upon arrival, Lt. David Monteverdi, Lt. Christine Emmons and FF/PM Michael Kirk, having been advised that there were passengers who were unable to evacuate still aboard the burning aircraft, made their way up the evacuation chute to perform search and rescue operations. Fuel continued to pour from both sides of the aircraft and active fire was present. With complete disregard for their own safety, these members entered the plane, knowing that the only chance of survival the remaining passengers had was in their hands. If not for the bravery and selfless actions of Lt. Monteverdi, Lt. Emmons and FF/PM Kirk the death toll from this unprecedented Level III multi-casualty incident would have been much larger. Three hundred and four of three hundred and seven people survived that day.

[CASE 13-17]   Asiana Airline Flight 214 Crash