| The
drama began at 2:00 AM on October 10, 1995. A mobile
home was ablaze with a blind resident entrapped.
William Ferguson responded directly from his home
three blocks away.
The
smoke, the heat--and the risk--were extreme. Yet, this
bold firefighter entered the inferno alone and without
protective gear. Ferguson dared to defy danger with
only his skill and spirit as safeguards. He
engaged without turnouts as Page FD volunteers leave
all gear at the station.
The
scene was highly charged and chaotic. After forced
entry, the firefighter crawled toward the fire room
searching for the victim. This was a race against
death as the fingers of flame danced about. The odds
of survival dwindled with each millisecond.
Ferguson
found the victim collapsed with labored breath. With
all his concentration focused, the firefighter pulled
the man to safety.
Thanks
to William Ferguson the promise of a future still
lives with the man so fearlessly rescued.
The
Firefighter of the Years presentation was held at the
Opening Ceremonies of the 23rd Annual Arizona State
Fire School. Over 1,000 firefighters cheered
Ferguson's selection for they know he was best among
equals.
|
