Firefighters recognized by the 100 Club for heroic rescue during house fire
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Four members of the Huntsville Fire Department have been honored with the Firefighter of the Year award by the 100 Club, a nonprofit that supports first responders. The recognition was awarded to Firefighter Fernando Gutierrez Jr., Firefighter Jordan Weber, Firefighter Tyler Koonce, and Captain Ethan Hardy for their courageous, coordinated, and life-saving actions during a dangerous residential fire in October 2024.
Rapid Response to a Life-Threatening Scene
On the evening of October 24, 2024, Engine 62 of the Huntsville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire with a possible victim trapped inside. The call came in as a high-priority emergency, and the crew responded immediately.
Upon arrival at the single-story duplex, they encountered heavy smoke and flames showing on multiple sides of the building. This kind of structural fire presents critical challenges, including reduced visibility, heat hazards, and limited entry points. Fire conditions can deteriorate rapidly, especially when there’s a known victim possibly inside.
Quick Assessment and Team Assignments
Captain Ethan Hardy conducted a fast but strategic scene assessment. He then assigned roles to the team based on the unfolding situation. Firefighter Gutierrez joined him in a search and rescue operation, Firefighter Koonce deployed a hose line to begin fire suppression through the rear entrance, and Firefighter Weber placed the truck into pump gear to provide consistent water supply. Weber also staged tools and secured a water source, vital steps in a structure fire where timing and support are critical.
Entering the Burning Structure
As the team moved to the back of the home, a police officer on scene informed Firefighter Gutierrez that the missing resident had last been seen in the front living room or a bedroom. Smoke was pouring from the open back door. Without hesitation, Gutierrez entered through the smoke-filled entrance and began conducting a primary search.
Inside the bedroom, he located the victim lying on her side. She was unresponsive. Gutierrez immediately notified the rest of the crew. Captain Hardy and Firefighter Koonce, now inside, had begun fire suppression and made their way to Gutierrez’s location. The team radioed command to report they were bringing the victim out.
Life-Saving Measures Begin Outside
Outside the structure, Firefighter Weber stood ready. As the three firefighters carried the victim, who was not breathing, through the back door, they immediately initiated CPR. Weber assisted as the team worked to stabilize the woman. When EMS arrived, they utilized a LUCAS device, a mechanical chest compression system that delivers consistent and uninterrupted CPR, increasing the victim’s chance of survival. The victim was placed on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to the emergency room.
Back Into the Fire to Finish the Job
After transferring patient care to EMS, the firefighters returned to the structure to fully suppress the fire. They used a thermal imaging camera to detect remaining hot spots, which can reignite if not properly extinguished. The team also pulled down portions of the ceiling drywall to check for fire extension, an essential step when flames travel through hidden voids in the structure. A positive-pressure ventilation fan was placed at the front door to force smoke out of the building and improve interior visibility. Once the building was confirmed safe and cleared of smoke and heat, the crew was relieved by incoming units and returned to service.
Courage and Precision Under Pressure
The crew’s actions were not just heroic, they were executed with professionalism and precision. Entering an active fire scene to search for a victim is among the most dangerous responsibilities firefighters face. Their willingness to take immediate action, coupled with seamless teamwork, directly contributed to the successful rescue and prevented further tragedy.
From first arrival to fire suppression and medical response, every step taken by Captain Hardy, Firefighter Gutierrez, Firefighter Koonce, and Firefighter Weber was deliberate and effective. Their performance reflects the highest standards of training, courage, and dedication to public safety.
Part of a Larger Celebration of Heroism
The awards were presented during the 100 Club’s 71st Annual Heroes Awards Banquet, where 25 peace officers and 23 firefighters from across the region were recognized for outstanding courage and service in 2024. Many of these honorees were credited with saving lives and protecting their communities under extreme conditions. The Huntsville firefighters were among those highlighted for their bravery, professionalism, and life-saving efforts. The event served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and the importance of supporting those who serve.
About the 100 Club
The 100 Club is a nonprofit organization founded in 1953 to support the families of first responders who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. The organization provides financial support, life-saving equipment, scholarships, and training to enhance safety and preparedness across Texas. For more information about their work or to contribute to their mission, visit the100club.org.
