Selfless acts of heroism by first responders and civilians at the multi-casualty train-charter bus incident in downtown Biloxi in 2017 dominated the Biloxi Fire Department’s inaugural awards ceremony Monday night, but also saw firefighters recognized for off-duty gallantry and volunteerism.
Nearly 200 awards were presented during the 90-minute ceremony at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center.
Biloxi firefighters were honored for their response to the March 2017 incident where four people were killed when a charter bus was hit by a CSX freight train at the Main Street rail crossing. Firefighters, along with supporting agencies and civilians, were recognized for responding to a catastrophe of “monumental proportions that involved mutual aid from numerous agencies. Within the span of one hour and six minutes from the time the first responder arrived on scene, 50 patients had received treatment and were loaded for transport to a medical facility.”
Several firefighters were awarded Medals of Merit for specific actions at the incident – two firefighters (Brodie Fontaine and Justin Lopez) for assisting a victim trapped under the still-running locomotive – and others for helping coordinate the overall response. Clergy members were acknowledged for their response at the scene, and the audience applauded when Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney presented an award to Biloxi resident John Kemp, who witnessed the incident and positioned his new car next to the crippled bus to serve as a platform for those evacuating.
But it was also a night where firefighters were recognized for off-duty acts of heroism and volunteerism: There was the firefighter Charlie Hebert who rescued a family of four whose boat had capsized in the Bay of Biloxi; Fire Capt. Matt Powell, who, while on a family outing, revived a child who had drowned nearby, or the team of firefighters who, after responding to a Woolmarket medical call, returned the next day, off duty, to repair a rotting kitchen floor with materials they had purchased.
Members of the department’s swift water rescue team – Shane Breland, Kenny Matlock and Charles Parker – were honored with Medals of Bravery for saving two lives at Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park as the Hurricane Nate’s storm surge rolled in, and Battalion Chief Tony Murphy was awarded the chief’s award for his exemplifying the departmental values of strength, honor, excellence, dedication and service.
Here is the complete list of awards, as presented, Monday evening during the inaugural Biloxi Fire Department Awards Ceremony, held at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Community Center.
Certificate of training
Presented to members of the department or other organizations who successfully completed training courses approved by the department. This award consisted of a certificate.
Members receiving Certificates of Training are:
Michael Woods, Military Active Duty service
Michelle Crowley, Bachelor of Science Degree, Occupational Safety
Jim Davis, Associate of Science degree, Fire Science
Wes Small, Associate of Applied Science degree, Fire Science
EMT recognition
Presented to those employees who have been nationally certified as Emergency Medical Technicians. This award shall consist of a lapel pin.
Members receiving recognition for becoming an EMT in 2017 are:
Bradley Blaylock
Matthew Bozeman
William Coffell
Jason Davis
Brian Dawkins
Aaron Dorcik
Jacob Fairley
Jeremiah Fowler
Jeremy Knapp
Ryan Knobf
Justin Lopez
Jason McEldowney
Christopher Paszek
James Steed
William Sudduth
Donald Tillman
Bryan Williamson
Paramedic recognition
Presented to those employees who have been certified as Paramedics. This award shall consist of Lapel Pin and a certificate.
Member receiving Recognition for becoming a Paramedic in 2017 is: Joseph Bates
Certificate of commendation
This certificate is awarded to members and/or citizens who have made a significant contribution to the Department and the City that merits recognition from the Fire Chief. This award shall consist of a letter and/or certificate.
Members and/or citizens receiving a letter and/or Certificate of Commendation for the Train vs Charter Bus incident are:
Biloxi Police Department
Biloxi Dispatch
Vincent Creel, City of Biloxi Public Affairs Manager
Cecilia Dobbs Walton, City of Biloxi Public Affairs Specialist
D’Iberville Fire Department
Gulfport Fire Department
Harrison County Fire Service
Harrison County Sheriff’s Department
Keesler USAF 81st Medical Group
Keesler USAF 81st Security Forces
AMR
Merit Health
Flight Care Rescue-1
Flight Care Rescue-5
Flight Care Rescue-7
Father Steve Benden
Father Dennis Carver
Pastor Eric Dickey
Father Gilbert Enderie
Monsignor Dominick Fullman
Pastor Jason Johnson
Father John Thang Pham, clergy
Father Adam Urbaniak, clergy
Keitha Pollard McClellan, Beau Rivage
John Kemp, civilian who positioned his car adjacent to charter bus to help evacuate victims from bus
Members and/or citizens receiving a letter and/or Certificate of Commendation for making a significant contribution to the Department and the City that merits recognition from the Fire Chief are:
West End Hose Co. No. 3, the fire museum (for support to Biloxi Fire Department)
B Shift, Sta. #8 crew: Captain James Drennan, Charles Hawkins, Craig Kuhn, Brian Mount, Brian Dawkins (replacement of floor for woman who couldn’t afford improvements)
On Jan. 15, 2017, while on duty at Station 8, the crew of Capt. James Drennan, Charles Hawkins, Craig Kuhn, Brian Mount, and Brian Dawkins responded to a medical call in Woolmarket. During the course of the call, the crew noticed that the homeowner’s floor was rotten in the kitchen area. The homeowner explained that she couldn’t afford to have it repaired.
After the medical incident was mitigated the crew returned to their station. However, the next day while they were off duty, these firefighters purchased the required building materials, returned to the homeowner’s house, and repaired the floor without any cost to the homeowner. The conduct of firefighters James Drennan, Charles Hawkins, Craig Kuhn, Brian Mount, and Brian Dawkins exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment to duty and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the City it serves.
Quinn W. Chastant (for continuing support to the Biloxi Fire Department, performing the bagpipes for many department events.)
At the request of Sherry Bell, Director of Parks & Recreation, the following firefighters are being recognized for their assistance to her Department with Christmas events this past year:
Jeremy Knapp
Darren Endris
Dwayne Leleaux
Michael Woods
Jeff Hinton
Matt Powell
Jesse Richard
Kevin Dill
Ray Romero
Daryle Bradley
Certificate of appreciation
Any officer of the department may send a letter of appreciation to any member, citizen, and/or group, organization, etc. for their contribution and/or support in various events approved by the department. This shall consist of a letter and/or certificate.
Members and/or citizens receiving a letter and/or Certificate of Appreciation:
Sean Shoemake (U.S. Select Insurance; for support of Kid’s Academy)
Greg Stewart (White House Hotel, Margaritaville; continuing support of Biloxi Fire Department)
Vernon Smith (Harrah’s Casino Resort, for support of Kid’s Academy and continuing support of Biloxi Fire Department)
Louis Pellissier (Walmart, for continuing support of Biloxi Fire Department)
At the request of Fred Randle, LeFlore County EMA Director, the following firefighters are being recognized in their capacity as Task Force members who responded to the crash of a Military KC 130 plane that occurred on July 10, 2017:
Nick Geiser, Anthony McGee, Charles Parker
Longevity ribbon
Presented to those employees of the Biloxi Fire Department recognized for their commitment of 20 years or more of service to the City of Biloxi. This award shall consist of a uniform ribbon.
Members receiving a Longevity Ribbon are:
Wagner, Andrew, 46 years
Wiley, William, 39 years
Boney, Joe, 33 years
Broussard, Ray, 30 years
Dronet, Mark, Sr., 30 years
Murphy, Tony, 29 years
Shook, Anthony, 29 years
Hall, Chester, 28 years
Rodolfich, John, 28 years
Jennings, John, 27 years
Mount, Bryan, 27 years
Swetman, Roy, 27 years
Hampton, Al, 26 years
Capehart, Keith, 26 years
Courtney, Clay, 24 years
Crowley, Michelle, 24 years
Foreman, Jeremy, 24 years
Kelley, Scott, 24 years
Howe, Glen, 23 years
Williams, David, 23 years
Endris, Darren, 23 years
Merrill, Jeffrey, 23 years
Strickler, Steve, 23 years
Leitenberger, Chad, 23 years
Capehart, Brian, 22 years
Fournier, Mike, 22 years
Mason, Andy, 22 years
Montiforte, Richard, 22 years
Parker, Darren, 22 years
Payne, Vincent, 22 years
Conine, Richard, 21 years
Davis, Jim, 21 years
Downs, Mike, 21 years
Giardina, John, 21 years
Haynes, Gabe, 21 years
McCormack, Tony, 21 years
McCravey, Steve, 21 years
Trosclair, Anthony, 21 years
Waltman, John, 21 years
LeGrand, John, 21 years
Royal, Dan, 21 years
Hudson, Terry, 21 years
Unit Citation Ribbon
Presented to those employees recognized as a functional unit who performed in a superior manner during an emergency incident. This award shall consist of a uniform ribbon and certificate.
Members receiving a Unit Citation Ribbon: B Shift, Engine-3 crew: Pat Ladner, Charles Hebert, Joshua Yarbrough
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train vs charter bus incident. The crew of Engine 3 from the Carl Ohr Fire Station (Station No. 3) were among the first to respond to the scene of the emergency. Firefighter III Patrick Ladner, the acting supervisor, with Firefighter IIIs Charles Hebert and Joshua Yarbrough, were the crew on duty this day. Their quick thinking, professionalism, and skill aided in the swift overall mitigation of the incident. Their conduct exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Firefighter of the year
Presented to those employees who have been awarded this citation by outside organizations. This award shall consist of a uniform ribbon and certificate.
Member(s) receiving recognition for being chosen Firefighter of the Year are:
Charles Hebert (2017 Elks Lodge 606 Firefighter of the Year)
On April 23, 2016, while off-duty, Firefighter Charles “Charlie” Hebert was returning home in his boat from a day of fishing when he noticed something in the distance and decided to go back to take a closer look. He soon discovered a family of four in the water near their capsized boat. Firefighter Hebert quickly retrieved the young children and parents. The father was a Biloxi Police Officer and was certain he and his family would not have survived had Charlie not arrived when he did. Firefighter Charlie Hebert’s decision to investigate what he had seen and to quickly rescue the people from the water resulted in saving the lives of four people.
Significant event ribbon
Keesler Federal Credit Union presented a First Responder of the Year Award to the Biloxi Fire Department, on behalf of those who responded to train-charter bus incident.
The text of the certificate:
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train-vs.-charter bus incident. The size and scope of response was of monumental proportions that involved mutual aid from numerous agencies. Within the span of one hour and six minutes from the time the first responder arrived on scene, 50 patients had received treatment and were loaded for transport to a medical facility. For your professionalism, skills, and life-saving endeavors during this event, you are being recognized with the Significant Event Ribbon. Your actions exemplify the department’s commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the City it serves.
This award shall consist of a uniform ribbon. Presented to those employees who were a member of the Biloxi Fire Department during the event and who participated in the event.
Members receiving a Ribbon for this “Significant Event” are:
Bates, Joe
Bigelow, Mathew
Boney, Joe
Bozeman, Matthew
Broussard, Ray
Capehart, Keith
Courtney, Clay
Crowley, Michelle
Dement, Irvin
Denton, Michael
Dill, Kevin
Dronet, Mark, Sr.
Dubuisson, Nick
Fairley, Jacob
Fontaine, Brodie
Gable, Jason
Gillespie, Wesley
Hall, Bryan
Hardy, Larry
Hawkins, Charles
Haynes, Gabe
Hebert, Charles
Hicks, Robert
Howe, Morgan
Kuhn, Craig
Ladner, Patrick
Lopez, Justin
Mason, Andy
Massey, John
McGee, Anthony
McLeod, Brian
Meadows, Charles
Merrill, Jeff
Mooney, Cory
Morales, Edgar
Mount, Bryan
Parker, Darren
Parker, John David
Paszek, Christopher
Payne, Vincent
Powell, Aaron
Powell, Matt
Reed, Stephen
Richard, Jesse
Rodolfich, John
Romero, Ray
Shook, Anthony
Strickler, Rodney
Swetman, Roy
Thibodeaux, Christopher
Welch, Mike
Worzella, Mickey
Yarbrough, Joshua
Zeigler, Curtis
Life-saving award medal/ribbon:
Presented to those employees recognized for this specific citation. The Life Saving Award may be granted to any member of the department for a fire or non-fire emergency who rendered services that directly resulted in the saving of a human life or lives. This award shall consist of a medal, uniform ribbon, and certificate.
Those receiving this award:
Mike Welch, Roberts Hicks
On March 7, 2017 Firefighters Mike Welch and Robert Hicks responded to a medical incident involving the laceration of a victim’s bicep. The firefighters applied a tourniquet, which had been provided by a police officer, and thus, this life-saving effort directly resulted in the survivability of the patient. Firefighters Welch’s and Hicks’s training and skills exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Matt Powell
On July 30, 2017, while off-duty, Capt. Matt Powell and his family were at the IP Casino Resort swimming pool when a child drowned. Capt. Powell immediately jumped into the pool and assisted in CPR efforts, and these efforts resulted in the child’s recovery. Capt. Matt Powell’s professionalism and skill exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Medal of merit
Presented to those employees recognized for this specific citation. The Medal of Merit may be granted to any member of the department who has demonstrated an extreme degree of skill or professionalism; or for an outstanding accomplishment that brought credit to the Fire Department; or who consistently displays excellent skills, attitude, and professionalism in the performance of his/her duties. This award shall consist of a medal, uniform ribbon, and certificate.
Those receiving the Medal of Merit award:
Brodie Fontaine, Justin Lopez
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train-vs.-charter bus incident. Firefighters Brodie Fontaine and Justin Lopez were among the first to respond to the emergency scene and were directed by their captain to assist a victim still trapped beneath the train. The firefighters provided the initial care of the patient and assisted in the completion of extrication. Although the train had stopped, it was still running; therefore, Firefighters Fontaine and Lopez displayed tremendous courage in climbing underneath the train, and exceptional professionalism in staying with the patient until extrication was complete. Their conduct exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment to duty and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Rodney Strickler
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train-vs.-charter bus incident. Capt. Strickler was the first Company Supervisor on scene, and he immediately advised Dispatch of the enormity of the situation which facilitated the response of other emergency units. He and his crew began extrication and evacuation of the charter bus victims and he assisted in triaging efforts. Capt. Strickler demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities in a chaotic environment. His conduct exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Matt Powell
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train-vs.-charter bus incident. Upon arrival, Capt. Powell assisted with the extrication of two trapped patients on the charter bus. The extrication was a very tedious and labor-intensive task, but Capt. Powell and the others accomplished it as quickly as possible while maintaining safety protocol. In an extremely chaotic environment requiring the utmost level of skill and competency, Capt. Powell demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities. His conduct exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment to duty and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Mark Dronet Sr.
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train-vs.-charter bus incident. Chief Dronet responded to the scene and began evacuation and triage of the patients from the charter bus and also assisted in extrication efforts. In his capacity as an EMT, he provided medical attention to patients and assisted in their preparation and transport to area hospitals. Chief Dronet’s EMT skills and professionalism were extremely instrumental in the timely mitigation of the incident. His conduct exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Jeff Merrill
On March 7, 2017, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to a multi-casualty train-vs.-charter bus incident. Chief Merrill responded to the scene and immediately provided an assessment of the incident, which facilitated the emergency response. He assumed the role of forward command. In this capacity, Chief Merrill established triage procedures and coordinated the overall rescue efforts with fire crews, AMR, and Life Flight helicopters. Chief Merrill’s leadership skills and professionalism were extremely instrumental in the timely mitigation of the incident. His conduct exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Robert Hornsby
As a member of the Biloxi Fire Department’s Honor Guard, Firefighter Robert Hornsby often participates in ceremonial events and funerals requiring such a presence. He has taken on this responsibility both on and off-duty, always with the utmost decorum, solemnity, and dignity that is so crucial for such occasions. Firefighter Hornsby’s conduct upholds the Department’s proud tradition of service to the community and promotes our motto: “Always ready with willing hearts.”
Medal of bravery
Presented to those employees recognized for this specific citation. The Medal of Bravery may be granted to any member of the department who distinguish themselves for an act which exhibits disregard for personal safety in an effort to save lives and property. This will be considered for members acting above and beyond the call of duty and within safe operating policies and procedures of the Biloxi Fire Department. This award shall consist of a medal, uniform ribbon, and certificate.
Members receiving the Medal of Bravery award:
Task Force members Shane Breland, Kenny Matlock, Charles Parker
On Oct. 7, 2017, members of the Task Force were dispatched to a swift water rescue incident on Causeway Drive just west of the Popp’s Ferry Bridge. A child and adult were in their vehicle and became stranded as Hurricane Nate waters began to rise. Firefighters Shane Breland, Kenny Matlock, and Charles Parker successfully entered the vehicle and rescued the stranded individuals. Firefighters Breland, Matlock and Parker demonstrated exceptional courage and skill in an extremely hazardous situation exacerbated by hurricane flooding. The result was the saving of two lives. Their bravery exemplifies the highest ideals of the department in its commitment and dedication to the citizens and visitors of the city it serves.
Phil McCabe 5 Bugle Award (Chief’s Award)
Presented to those employees recognized for this specific citation. Phil McCabe was the first Chief of the Biloxi Fire Department (September 1883 to September 1894). He helped to organize the first fire company, Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, which formed on Sept. 19, 1883, the date generally considered to be the beginning of the Biloxi Fire Department.
The Phil McCabe 5 Bugle Award may be granted to any member of the department who models the mission and vision of the department, exemplifies the departmental values of strength, honor, excellence, dedication and service, and lives the department motto: “Always ready with willing hearts.” The selection will be at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief based on observed behavior and attitude during the previous year. This award shall consist of a medal, uniform ribbon, and certificate.
Receiving the chief’s award is Battalion Chief Tony Murphy.
Thank you, sponsors
West End Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum
The Biloxi Firefighter Relief Fund
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The IP Casino Resort and Spa
Firefighter’s Prayer
Capt. Jason Earl Davis, Fire Chaplain
Program closed with “Amazing Grace,” performed by Bagpiper Quinn Chastant
