Firefighters honored for heroic rescue amid deadly Texas blaze

On February 26, a significant wildfire known as the Smokehouse Creek fire ignited north of Stannett, Texas, rapidly escalating to become the largest wildfire in Texas history and the ninth largest in the United States. By February 28, the fire had consumed over 1 million acres, destroying more than 500 structures and severely impacting local agriculture, particularly cattle ranching.

In response to the emergency, a strike team comprising firefighters from various Texas cities, including Duncanville, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth, was deployed to combat the blaze. The firefighters faced extreme weather conditions, including high winds, low humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, which complicated their efforts.

During their deployment, the team also assisted at the Fritch Fire Department, allowing local volunteers to rest and attend to personal matters, as many had lost their homes in the fire. On March 5, while preparing for duty, the team responded to a structure fire where French Fire Chief Zeb Smith was reported missing. Upon arrival, they discovered Chief Smith unresponsive inside the building. Despite their life-saving efforts, Chief Smith ultimately succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a family.

In recognition of their bravery and professionalism during this tragic incident, Captain Lance Wilkinson, Captain Jared Usry, Driver Engineer George Guerrero, and Firefighter Justin Slovak were awarded a unit citation for their teamwork and dedication. Additionally, Captain Usry and Firefighter Slovak received the Medal of Valor for their courageous actions in the face of imminent danger. The awards highlight the profound challenges faced by firefighters and their commitment to saving lives, even under the most harrowing circumstances.