PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Fire Department celebrated their own Wednesday as the city awarded the Firefighter and EMS Provider of the Year awards as part of the beginning of Fire Prevention Month.
Dressed in their finest, firefighters and EMTs stood side-by-side applauding their brothers and sisters at the Fireman’s Museum in Old City. They honored Firefighter of the Year Sean Frazier and two EMS Providers of the Year, paramedic Asia Johnson and emergency medical technician Amanda Matthews.
“These members of the Fire Department displayed incredible courage under difficult circumstances,” said Mayor Jim Kenney, who led the ceremony.
“I’d like to thank them for their bravery and compassion and for their continued dedication and service to our city.”
“People that did really incredible, sometimes over-the-top things, more so than what they do every day,” added Battalion Chief Gustav Baumann.
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Fellow firefighter Brian Anderson reminded the crowd of why the awards were so well-deserved. He recounted the harrowing rescue of a person threatening to jump from a ledge.
“In an outstanding example of courage and dedication, the members of Medic 11, paramedic Johnson and advanced EMT Matthews were able to grab onto the patient and bring them back over the ledge,” said Anderson.
Johnson said she was just doing her job, but she’s thankful for the recognition and is proud to be a role model for her son Adrien.
“Being a paramedic for a whole year, and she got honored,” Adrien said. “I call her every night to say goodnight.”
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“It feels pretty good. I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot,” said Johnson.
Then, the Firefighter of the Year award was presented for the rescue of two people during an apartment fire in West Philly.
“While encountering fire and heavy smoke, firefighter Frazier found two occupants and guided them to the stairs so they could safely exit the building.”
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Accepting his award, Frazier humbly took no credit.
“This would have never happened if it wasn’t for the group effort of everyone I work with,” Frazier said.
“Thank you.”