Decorations

Below lists all of the extraordinary actions from the members of Municipal Fire & EMS.

Rio Paiken

Medal of Honor | Medal of Gallantry

10/09/2024

"Earlier today, Station 2 was set alight, and tragically, the station could not be saved. During this call, one of our own lost consciousness while inside the fully engulfed structure. A fellow firefighter heard the sound of his pass alarm but was unable to locate him. 

In turn, EMS Captain Rio Paiken decided to go beyond what was required of him as EMS scene command and donned his fire gear. Doing something he doesn't normally do, he entered the structure with a second firefighter and through their heroic efforts, located the downed firefighter. 

As a result of his efforts, I, EMS Superintendent Duncan Norton, have decided to award EMS Captain Rio Paiken the Medal of Honor and the Medal of Gallantry. Because Captain Paiken went above and beyond his call of duty, and because of his bravery and commitment, the firefighter was found and brought to safety. 

Everyone within Municipal Fire & EMS takes immense pride in our work, and Captain Paiken stands tall as a shining example of the values we hold dear: courage, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to protecting one another. Let us all look to him as a beacon of what it means to serve, and strive to follow in his footsteps, both on and off the field of duty." - EMS Superintendent Duncan Norton

Jason Parker & Charlie Night

Medal of Bravery | Medal of Gallantry

11/16/2024

"Last night, a devastating fifth-alarm fire tore through the construction site in downtown Santos, leaving individuals trapped on a crane high above the ground. The response from everyone on the scene was nothing short of extraordinary, with countless efforts made to combat the flames and assist the victims. Among these heroes, two individuals demonstrated remarkable courage and selflessness that went above and beyond.

EMS Lieutenant Charlie Night, who is not typically involved in firefighting, carried a victim down multiple flights of stairs to safety and refused to leave his injured colleague’s side until he was finally convinced to seek safety himself. Fire Lieutenant Jason Parker, despite recovering from an injury sustained just days prior, fearlessly strapped into a helicopter and executed one of the most challenging rope rescues we have ever witnessed, saving the injured colleague’s life.

Without the collective efforts of everyone on the scene that night, more lives could have been lost. However, the bravery displayed by these two individuals was truly extraordinary. It is with great honor, as Head of this department and EMS Superintendent, that I present the Medal of Bravery and the Medal of Gallantry to Lieutenant Night and Lieutenant Parker for their heroic actions. Their dedication and courage will forever stand as an inspiration to us all." - EMS Superintendent Duncan Norton

Joe Billy

Medal of Distinguished Service

01/31/2024

"On January 27, 2025, Fire Station Officer Joe Billy demonstrated extraordinary dedication when he stepped up to lead a basic training session after the original trainer was unexpectedly unable to attend. Without his immediate action, a group of recruits would have been left without the ability to complete their training and become full members of our department. His willingness to take on this responsibility when it was not asked of him ensured the recruits success and upheld the high standards we pride ourselves on.

Station Officer Billy has always been someone who consistently goes above and beyond, not because he has to, but because he cares deeply about the department. In recognition of his hard work, dedication, and the notable act of service he performed, I am proud to award Fire Station Officer Joe Billy the Medal of Distinguished Service. This honor is reserved for those who exemplify integrity, dedication, and exceptional commitment to duty, and Station Officer Billy’s actions have proven him more than worthy." - EMS Superintendent Duncan Norton