COLUMBUS — Three veteran members of the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) were formally recognized on Tuesday, July 21, for their swift, lifesaving actions during an emergency response involving a critically injured factory worker.
During a meeting of the Board of Public Works and Safety at Columbus City Hall, Deputy Chief of Administration Mike Kutsko presented the Exceptional Medical Care Commendation to Lieutenant Andrew Jordan, Firefighter Paramedic Jordan Hite, and Firefighter Paul Chapple. Official documentation of the honor will be placed in each firefighter’s permanent personnel file.
Rapid Emergency Response
The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. on June 15, when dispatchers sent CFD Engine Company No. 6 to a local manufacturing facility following reports of an unconscious woman who had sustained severe burn injuries.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within five minutes of dispatch and immediately identified that the victim had suffered second- and third-degree burns. The crew initiated advanced emergency medical interventions, including specialized burn treatment and pain management.
Recognizing the critical nature of her condition, the crew quickly coordinated with an air medical transport service to evacuate the patient directly to a Level 1 trauma and burn center for advanced care.
Praised for Clinical Excellence
Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay commended the crew’s professionalism, teamwork, and clinical expertise during the high-pressure response.
“Their dedication, clinical excellence, teamwork, and commitment to public service reflect the highest standards of the fire and emergency medical profession and bring great credit to themselves and their department,” Chief Lay stated.
