Special Report: Firefighter awards

A deadly crane collapse in Quincy...

A dump truck slams into an ambulance...

An elderly woman is trapped in a burning building

Just three of several dangerous accidents where firefighters put their lives at risk, helping others survive. For their bravery, 32 Massachusetts firefighters were awarded certificates and medals of honor from governor Mitt Romney.

Firefighter John Kivlan - Chelmsford Fire Dept.
It's overwhelming, it's a really nice thing.

Last year, Chelmsford firefighter John Kivlan disregarded the smoke and flames at this elderly residence and rescued a woman.

Firefighter John Kivlan - Chelmsford Fire Dept.
I heard a woman inside and was able to force a door open, go in and find her and was able to get her out of the building.

In another potential tragedy, Kivlan's fellow firefighters were honored for saving the life of this teenager, Michael Sheridan, after a fiery car crash.

Michael Sheridan
I would have died. It still doesn't hit me how bad it actually was.

More words of gratitude from fire survivor, Kimberly Mooney.

Kimberly Mooney
Thankful that they saved me.

Mooney's clothes and back caught fire outside a jimmy buffet concert, when someone threw gas on a grille. These three firefighters, who were off-duty at the time, put out the flames.

James Huska - Sandwich fire dept.
The nicest part of the award was to see the person we helped be here, and see that she's doing well.

Just a few stories from many heroic tales, when most in the audience can relate to confronting danger, while the rest of us are fleeing from it.

Related links:
Firefighter of the Year Award

(Copyright (c) 2005 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)