VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — On Wednesday, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2023 Governor's Fire Service Awards. The awards are part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach.
Engine Company 17 of the Virginia Beach Fire Department was recognized for "Outstanding Fire Department Response."
According to a statement from the Governor's office, in July 2023, Retired Fire Department Captain Rob Valentine noticed a nearby home was on fire. When he went over to help, one of the neighbors said there were two people on the back side of the house on a third-story balcony. Shortly after, Engine 17 arrived to help with a rescue operation.
While helping the occupants to evacuate from the home, the fire spread to the balcony, forcing the second occupant to climb over the railing to escape. Firefighters were able to help break the fall.
Medics took the victims to the hospital with minor injuries.
Retired Captain Valentine assisted with hose movement and logistics through the accident.
"Without quick actions of all parties involved, the outcome of this incident may have been vastly different," the Office of Commonwealth said.
