Capt. Terrence Smith received the highest honor of the evening, the Purple Heart, for burns he suffered while fighting a blaze in February.

Smith was trying to evaluate the spread of a fire in the attic of a three-story home when he was engulfed in a flash of flames. He suffered second- and third-degree burns to his neck and head, but the protective suit he was wearing saved his life, Durham fire Capt. Sean Boone said.

The organization, with about 250 employees, also presented 19 workers with awards for saving lives through their medical training, and honored three dozen more who have completed advanced training.

State Sen. Jeanne Lucas lauded the award-winners in a keynote speech, joining Mayor Bill Bell and Interim City Manager Patrick Baker, who were also scheduled to speak at the event.