The Evansville Fire Department Merit Commission on Oct. 14 recognized members of Quint 8 C shift with individual bronze merit awards for their response to a June 28 motorcycle crash on Tulip Avenue that left two people with serious injuries.

Commissioners said the shift — Firefighter Michael Goldman, Firefighter Ryan Valandra, Lieutenant Matt Turley and Captain Adam Biggie — split into two teams after arriving at the scene to care for both patients and stabilize them for transport. The department’s account of the incident says the motorcycle driver, Donald Cupp, was thrown from the bike after striking a deer and then struck by the bumper of a parked pickup; passenger Chelsea Boar became trapped and was dragged roughly 20 feet before reaching a sidewalk and calling 911.

The commission’s recognition followed a subcommittee review. Commissioner Dickinson led the subcommittee and, the commission record shows, the full Merit Commission voted to confirm bronze merit awards for each member of Quint 8 C shift. The commission temporarily suspended regular business to hold the award ceremony; the suspension was approved by voice vote.

According to the department’s report presented at the meeting, Goldman, Valandra and Turley reassured and treated Boar at the scene; Goldman and Captain Biggie removed and stabilized Cupp. At hospital evaluation, Cupp was reported to have three broken vertebrae, several broken ribs, a shattered forearm and bruising and fluid on his lungs. The report said Boar later experienced injuries that resulted in loss of her lower leg. Both patients were transferred to AMR for transport to the hospital.

During treatment at the scene, commissioners relayed that Boar told responders, “Oh, you guys are doing a pretty good job,” while medics bandaged and splinted her leg.

Goldman was not present for the ceremony; Valandra, Turley and Biggie accepted awards during the meeting. Commission records show family members and guests were invited forward for photos. The commission did not record any further formal direction or policy change tied to the awards.

The Merit Commission noted the awards as recognition of training and professionalism and closed the agenda item with no additional action requested of staff.