The Rapid City Fire Department earned national recognition for its response to a major car crash and resulting gas leak.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs and Motorola Solutions awarded four firefighters the Ben Franklin Award for Valor.
“The Ben Franklin Award for Valor, named after Benjamin Franklin, our nation’s first volunteer fire chief, is our most prestigious award, honoring firefighters who go above and beyond in the name of public safety,” said Chief Josh Waldo, president and board chair, IAFC.
They were nominated for their actions responding to an incident the night of April 9, 2024. Authorities say a vehicle traveling over 100 miles per hour went airborne and crashed into an apartment building, causing serious damage to the building and creating a large gas leak. Firefighters worked quickly to save the vehicle’s surviving occupant and get 50 residents out of the building.
A statement from the organization said the firefighters "performed above and beyond the call of duty by providing crucial life-saving measures without protective gear or breathing apparatuses."
Those receiving the award include firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch, Morgan Helton and Fire Chief Jason Culberson. They received medals at a ceremony Thursday at a conference in Orlando.
“The heroes of the Rapid City Fire Department chose to put themselves at great risk to save lives in an extraordinary display of selflessness,” said Frank Galvin, vice president, Motorola Solutions.