15 Madison first responders recognized with life-saving awards

These 11 Madison first responders earned the Maltese Cross Award—we will cover their story later. (City of Madison)

The City of Madison recently honored 15 members of Madison Fire & Rescue (MFR) and HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc.) with awards for saving lives on duty—these being the Star of Life Award & the Maltese Cross Award.

The Star of Life Award is a prestigious recognition within the EMS community, being given out for saving a life through medical intervention.

The Maltese Cross Award is only given out to recognize extraordinary acts of bravery or valor, and are rarely handed out.

Read the incredible stories of the life-saving work done by the first responders down below👇

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5 Madison/Huntsville first responders earn Star of Life Award

Captain Eddie Richardson, driver Cody Nowakowski, and firefighter Chris Barnes. (City of Madison)
Driver Tyler Drew and firefighter Matthew Fetner. (City of Madison)

Five first responders first responders were honored with the Star of Life Award for their lifesaving efforts.

On March 10, a crew was dispatched to a patient who called complaining of chest pain. Shortly after the crew’s arrival, the patient entered cardiac arrest. The patient was stabilized enough to be transported to the Madison Hospital. Captain Eddie Richardson, driver Cody Nowakowski and firefighter Chris Barnes were recognized for their efforts.

On March 27, a call came in of a patient complaining of face numbness. Upon the crew’s arrival, the caller experienced chest pain and shortly entered cardiac arrest. Driver Tyler Drew and firefighter Matthew Fetner immediately began defibrillation, which saved the patients life as they became responsive afterwards.

11 Madison first responders earn Maltese Cross Award

On March 31, Madison Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a house fire with an entrapment. Remarkably, the call was made by a child, who warned of a bed-bound parent stuck in the burning house.

Firefighters Adam Greenley and Christopher Weiss entered the home before the initial line of attack. The fire was successfully extinguished and the victims were properly attended to.

For their life-saving work, the 11 first responders listed above were awarded with the Maltese Cross Award.

We want to specially recognize firefighter Matthew Fetner, who was awarded both the Star of Life Award and Maltese Cross Award. Congratulations to all award recipients!

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