FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gov. Mike Parson will award the Governor’s Medal to members of the Springfield Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team at an Oct. 7 ceremony in Jefferson City. On Sept. 7, 2018, the Water Rescue Team responded to the Fair Grove area to rescue a Greene County Sheriff’s Office deputy during a flash flooding incident. The incident commander, Fair Grove Fire Chief Erich Higgins, nominated the team for their rescue efforts.
Those who will receive the medal are:
- Lieutenant Daniel Tscherny
- Captain Jason Bogema (now retired)
- Rescue Specialist Tony Fields
- Firefighter Josh Bravestone
- Firefighter Zach Keller
- Firefighter Garett Olson
- Firefighter Tyler Nevins
- Firefighter Dustin Matney.
The Governor’s Medal is awarded to a group of public safety officer in recognition of acts above and beyond the call of normal duty during a critical incident or life-threatening situation in which the collective performance or teamwork of the group was essential to the successful resolution of the incident. Award nominations are reviewed by the Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board, which recommends individuals to the director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
“I am proud of the efforts by our Water Rescue Team under very difficult conditions. I am appreciative of Chief Higgins for his nomination, and Department of Public Safety Director Karsten and Gov. Parson for this honor in recognition of our responders,” said Fire Chief David Pennington.
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For more information, please call the Fire Department’s media line at 417-874-2301.