Firefighter of the Year honored at luncheon

Houston firefighter Jared Keith was recently named the department's Firefighter of the Year at an awards luncheon July 18, in Houston.

This was the 34th year the Houston Fire Department has worked with the luncheon's sponsor, Independent Insurance Agents of Houston, to recognize the commitment of firefighters and paramedics who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in emergency situations, according to a press release.

Keith was chosen for the honor due to an incident where he rescued a man from his burning vehicle. When he was told by the driver that there was a weapon still inside, Keith donned his bunker coat and entered the vehicle again, retrieving the gun. Fire Chief Terry Garrison gave brief remarks and presented the award at the luncheon.

Other finalists for the annual award include Scotch Blair, who helped rescue 25 children from a flooding school; David Pate, who rescued a young girl from her burning home; and David Keller Jr., who helped track down an unknown caller who was subsequently arrested and found in possession of stolen Houston Fire Department property. All of these incidents took place in the past year.

The Houston Fire Department Valor and Service Awards Committee also presented the Medal of Valor to Keith on April 28.

For more information, call 832-394-6700 or visit houstontx.gov/fire.