The Medal of Valor shall be awarded for an act of heroism that is clearly above and beyond the call of duty and exemplifies the highest degree of bravery. This is the second highest award an individual can receive.

Medal of Valor
Sean Boone
Rescue Company 1

On 5 February 1998, Rescue Company 1 arrived first at a working house fire at 112 South Hyde Park Avenue with one subject confirmed trapped. The crew encountered heavy heat conditions without the protection of a hose line while trying to affect a rescue. The crew was forced to dive out the window as the room became untenable. The crew of Rescue Company 1 again made an attempt at rescuing the victim and was able to pull him out of the house suffering from severe burns. The victim is alive today because of the heroic and courageous actions of Technician Sean Boone and the crew of Rescue Company 1. For his bravery and heroic actions, Technician Sean Boone is awarded the Department’s second highest medal, the Medal of Valor.

The Fire Fighters Pledge

I promise Concern for others. A willingness to help all those in need.

I promise Courage - courage to face and conquer my fears.
Courage to share and endure the ordeal of those who need me.

I promise Strength - strength of heart to bear whatever burdens might be placed upon me.
Strength of body to deliver to safety all those placed within my care.

I promise the Wisdom to lead, the Compassion to comfort, and the Love to serve unselfishly whenever I am called.

-Author Unknown-

"What is a Fireman?"

He's the guy next door - a man's man with the memory of a little boy.
He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.
He's a guy like you and me with warts and worries and unfulfilled dreams.
Yet he stands taller than most of us.
He's a fireman.

He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.
A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.
He's a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.
He's a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control.

He's responsive to a child's laughter because his arms have held
too many small bodies that will never laugh again.

He's a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life - hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers - a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling - the camaraderie of brave men - the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.

He doesn't wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.
When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.
He doesn't preach the brotherhood of man.
He LIVES it.

-Author Unknown-





"Meanings"

Standing for what you believe in,
Regardless of the odds against you,
and the pressure that tears at your resistance,
...means courage

Keeping a smile on your face,
When inside you feel like dying,
For the sake of supporting others,
...means strength

Stopping at nothing,
And doing what's in your heart,
You know is right,
...means determination

Doing more than is expected,
To make another's life a little more bearable,
Without uttering a single complaint,
...means compassion

Helping a friend in need,
No matter the time or effort,
To the best of your ability,
...means loyalty

Giving more than you have,
And expecting nothing
But nothing in return,
...means selflessness

Holding your head high,
And being the best you know you can be
When life seems to fall apart at your feet,
Facing each difficulty with the confidence
That time will bring you better tomorrow's,
And never giving up,
...means confidence.

~Author: Oscar Wilde

~This page is dedicated to my son of whom I am so proud.
He is a Captain for the City of Durham Fire Department in N.C.~

   


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