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Shreveport fire personnel receive state and local commendations; bomb squad and Engine 7 honored
Summary
The council and civic groups recognized fire department personnel: Michael Hood received a VFW explosives ordnance disposal award and three Engine 7 firefighters were commended for a June 7 rescue at a Stoner Avenue structure fire.
At the June 24 council meeting the Shreveport Fire Department received two recognitions: a national/state Veterans of Foreign Wars award presented to Chief of Fire Prevention Michael Hood, and certificates of accommodation for Engine 7 personnel who rescued an occupant from a Stoner Avenue structure fire on June 7.
Why it matters: The awards publicly acknowledge potentially life-saving actions and specialized bomb-squad work that require training and city investment in equipment and staffing.
VFW award: Randy Campbell, post commander for VFW 4588 (Bossier) and state safety chairman, read a VFW National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Award honoring Michael Hood for “dedication and selfless service” in EOD duties. The plaque and slate award were presented on behalf of the VFW national and state leadership; Hood accepted the award and emphasized it as recognition for the entire bomb squad and the training and support provided by the city.
Engine 7 commendation: Fire officials presented certificates to Fire Engineer Austin Harrell, Firefighter Joshua Wilcher and Fire Captain Clint Rushing for their “exceptional courage, swift decision making and dedication to duty” during incident number 2541449 on June 7, 2025, at 653 1/2 Stoner Avenue. On arrival the crew performed a rescue in a smoke-filled two-story apartment by scaling a wooden fence and removing burglar bars from a window to extricate and transfer a victim to emergency medical care. The chief noted the victim was transported and is out of the hospital.
Ending: The council and the VFW encouraged continued support for training and equipment; the fire chief and award recipients thanked their families and city leadership.
