Jackson Professional Firefighters

Firefighter Ryan Casper was honored as the Jackson Township 2008 C-Shift Firefighter of the Year.  Firefighter Casper was nominated by several other C-Shift Jackson Township firefighter for his actions in February 2008 at the scene of an apartment fire on Wales Avenue.  Firefighter Casper spotted a person trapped on a second story balcony.  The fire was in this person’s apartment and they could not get to the front door.  Firefighter Casper placed a ground ladder and rescued the person seconds before the sliding glass door shattered and flames consumed where the man had been standing.  The actions of Firefighter Ryan Casper saved the life of this individual.  Firefighter Casper was recognized at the C-Shift Christmas Party.

Captain Greg Leopold and Gary Harrison were recently named B-Shift Firefighters of the year.  The pair were nominated by others on their shift for their November 18th heroic rescue of Christine Habony.  Their actions, along with those of paramedic Thom Ross and firefighter James Anderson allowed the family of Christine Habony to say goodbye.  Ms Habony, sadly, passed away as a result of her injuries several weeks after the fire.  The family of Ms Habony was very grateful for the additional time that they were given to spend time with their beloved family member.  

Captain Greg Leopold, Firefighter Gary Harrison, Firefighter James Anderson, and Paramedic Thom Ross were all recently recognized at a Jackson Township Trustees’ meeting for their actions.  Jerry Valentine, the Jackson Township snow plow driver who reported the fire was recognized as a hero.  His actions allowed the Jackson Township Fire Department to respond quickly to rescue Ms Habony and her dog, then extinguish the fire.  The photos in this story are from the Jackson Township Trustees’ meeting where these individuals were recognized.

Firefighter pictured are from left to right: Captain Greg Leopold, Paramedic Thom Ross, Firefighter Gary Harrison, and Firefighter James Anderson.