FORNEY, Texas — Several Forney Fire Department firefighters were awarded Certificates of Merit for their actions saving two bee sting victims earlier this year as well as a Fire Service Award for service resolving a black mold incident at Forney’s Central Station.
FORNEY, Texas — Several Forney Fire Department firefighters were awarded Certificates of Merit for their actions saving two bee sting victims earlier this year as well as a Fire Service Award for service resolving a black mold incident at Forney’s Central Station.
The Fire Service Award was presented to Firefighter Josh McCreary for leading an effort to address and remove a moisture problem at Forney Fire Department’s Central Station that was contributing to black mold inside an office area of the station.
McCreary volunteered to lead Public Works Department employees and several other firefighters in removing years-old landscaping adjacent the building which prevented proper drainage and ventilation.
His efforts, according to Forney Fire Department Chief Rick Townsend, likely resulted in a savings of several thousand dollars for the fire department and resolved future black mold concerns.
Lieutenant Russell Bannister, Driver-Operator Colt Fisher, and Firefighters Tiger Butler and Josh Mosley were presented Certificates of Merit for their actions saving two bee sting victims earlier this year.
In March 2017, the crew was dispatched to a pasture in the 600 block of Farm-to-Market (FM) 740, south of Interstate 20, for a man who had been stung more than 100 times and another who was trapped inside a vehicle.
The two men were working on the property when they attempted to move a bee-infested travel trailer and were attacked.
Firefighters donned their full protective gear and breathing apparatus, knocked down the bees with a compressed air foam system (CAFS), and were able to safely evacuate the bee sting victim to an awaiting ambulance and assisted the other man in detaching the bee-infested travel trailer from his truck so he, too, could safely evacuate the area.
“For your quick and resourceful action I am pleased to reward you with a Certificate of Merit,” stated Townsend. “These actions reflect your dedication, training, and commitment to the citizens of the Forney community.”
