During the deadliest disaster on record in Nepal, two Urban Search and Rescue teams from opposite ends of the United States came together to perform at their best. Their courageous lifesaving actions have earned them the prestigious 2016 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)/Motorola Solutions Ben Franklin Award for Valor.
This award recognizes firefighters around the world for their expert training, leadership, heroic actions and safe practices. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the nation’s first fire chief, it is the highest honor bestowed by IAFC.
The award will be presented at the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) general session on August 18 in San Antonio, Texas. The honorees include: USA-1, Fairfax County (Va.) Fire and Rescue Department Urban Search and Rescue. Team members are Lieutenant Robert Garza, Lieutenant Lawrence Mullin and Technician Ryland Chapman. USA-2, Los Angeles County (Calif.) Fire and Rescue Department’s Urban Search and Rescue. Team members are Captain Gerald Gonzales, Firefighter Daniel McKeen and Firefighter-Paramedic Matthew Prasch.