Emerald Society: Baltimore City Fire Department

Established in 1997, the Thomas Burke Courage Medal, was named after Chief Burke.  Chief Burke was a true friend to the firefighters, known for his honesty and fairness.  Chief Burke was Chief of Fire Department 1972-1980.  The award is bestowed upon a member of the department who displays an outstanding act of courage in the line of duty.

The award is presented at the annual Baltimore City Fire Department Medals Day Award Ceremony for acts performed throughout the previous year.  Congratulations to the following winners of the Thomas Burke Award:

1997 Winner

           Lieutenant Wayne Nowojieski,

                                            Truck Company #15

                      For the rescue of a three year old girl from a dwelling fire despite adverse heat and smoke conditions

1998 Winners

           Captain Ronald Baker, Engine Company #6

           EVD John Neuberger, Truck Company #5

           FF Bernard Muller, Truck Company #16

                      All three members rescued a family of four from the third floor of a well involved dwelling via ground ladders

1999 Winner

           Firefighter Charlie Campbell

                                            Truck Company #10

                      While climbing a ground ladder, to vent the upper floors of a dwelling fire, caught (with one hand) the Captain of Truck Company #10, who dove through the window of a room flashing over

2000 Winners

           EVD Ray Edsall,    Truck Company #5

                      While searching the fire floor of a high rise fire, located and removed an elderly female from the apartment next to the fire (with the assistance of EVD Neuberger T5) then continued to search the remainder of the fire floor, and led several people to the safety of the roof.

* AND *

           EVD Marty Loftus, Truck Company #16

           EVD Larry Koriecky, Truck Company #6

                      Rescued an elderly male from the second floor bedroom of a dwelling fire via ground ladders.

2001 Winners

           Lieutenant Ronald Hudgins, Jr.,

                                            Truck Company #5

           Firefighter Keith McGee,

                                            Engine Company #19

                      Upon arrival companies found a two story brick dwelling with a heavy volume of fire coming from the second floor.  Police advised there was a woman trapped on the second floor. Lt Hudgins immediately initiated a search. After locating the woman, Lt. Hudgins and FF McGee removed the unconscious woman for medical care.

2002 Winner

           Lieutenant Michael Meyers,

                                            Truck Company #1

                      For the rescue of a young boy trapped in the rear basement apartment, with a heavy volume of fire in the front of the apartment.  Lt Meyers entered the apartment through a window without the protection of a hose line

2003 Winner

           Firefighter Donald Waugh,

                                            Engine Company #13

                      Removed a wheelchair bound elderly male from the second floor of a dwelling fire without the protection of a hose line

2004 Winners

           Lt Kennet Hyde, HAZ MAT Coord.

           EBO Robert Sebeck, Fire Rescue Boat #1

           FF Bernard Muller, Truck Company #16

                      For their heroic efforts during the rescue/recovery of the Harbor Water Taxi Incident.  An additional thanks to Sam Burrell who was the diver who rescued FF Muller, who was trapped under water entangled in debris during the rescue operations.

2005Winner

           EVD Jack Kamps,   Truck Company #5

                      For the rescue of an unconscious male from the 12th floor apartment of a high rise fire.  EVD Kamps entered and searched the apartment without the protection of a hose line.

Michelle Brown Photo

2006Winner

           Firefighter William Beegle,

           Engine Company #50

                      For the rescue of an unconscious woman from a dwelling fire and performed CPR on the patient until arrival of EMS Units