Dawson County Firefighters Receive Life Saving Valor Award

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FF/EMT Tim Pastore and FF Eli Kesting were awarded the Life Saving Valor Award by the Georgia State Firefighters Association.

“Every year, GSFA recognizes outstanding firefighters through our awards program,” said GSFA President Dean King. “We congratulate all recipients and are thankful for their service to ensuring the safety of Georgia’s citizens.” Since 1972, GSFA has recognized firefighters through its annual recognition program which includes the following awards: Firefighter of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Educator of the Year, Training Officer of the Year, Company Officer of the Year, and the Life Saving Valor Award. King presented the Life Saving Valor Award on Saturday, August 13, 2016 to Pastore and Kesting at the annual fire conference awards ceremony in Augusta.

Pastore and Kesting were nominated for their actions following a horrific two vehicle crash on October 2, 2015 involving the fire engine they were operating. While responding to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest, Engine 2 was struck head on by an oncoming motorist. Following the impact, the fire engine traveled off the shoulder of the road and came to rest at the bottom of a fifty foot embankment. Pastore and Kesting were able to free themselves from the wreckage and immediately retrieved their extrication equipment to assist in freeing the other motorist. Even though both were visibly shaken from the crash, both refused medical care until the other driver was freed and cared for.

The pair was awarded the Life Saving Valor Award by Dawson County Emergency Services in December of 2015. The occupant of the other vehicle, who was seriously injured in the crash, and her family were on hand to assist in the presentation.

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