There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community. I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

There are many brave men and women throughout Central Ohio working hard to protect public safety every day. Among these individuals are our firefighters. This month, I would like to recognize a group of firefighters for their heroic service in rescuing two people from a burning home in Canal Winchester.

Last month, Madison Township honored sixteen firefighters from the township and the Columbus Fire Division for their efforts on June 1. Two firefighters, Fire Lt. Pamela Price and Firefighter Jessica Borden, received the department’s highest possible honor, the Medal of Valor.

When Price and Borden arrived at the burning Canal Winchester home on the early morning of June 1, the roof had collapsed and the home’s only entrance was on fire. The two made their way past the flames in order to rescue Josh Coyle and Jessica Moore. The other residents of the home had already escaped, but Coyle and Moore were trapped, unconscious and experiencing carbon-monoxide poisoning.

With the assistance of other fire crews from Madison Township, Bloom and Violet Townships, and the city of Columbus, Price and Borden successfully rescued the pair.  

I am very thankful for the courage and dedication of Pamela Price, Jessica Borden, and the many other firefighters in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District in protecting our communities. They are truly an inspiration. To read more about their story, please click here.