Morgan County presents lifesaver award to animal-control officer Ivory Brown

Morgan County commissioners on Jan. 7 presented Animal Control Officer Ivory Brown with a certificate of heroism after a local fire department recommended her for the Morgan County Lifesaver Award.

In a letter read to the commission, Berkeley Spring Volunteer Fire Company detailed that on Dec. 29, 2025, Officer Brown arrived at a fully involved house fire on Fish Hatchery Road and, before fire personnel arrived, entered the structure and removed an adult male occupant, preventing what the letter described as a potentially fatal outcome. The letter, read by the fire chief, emphasized that Officer Brown is not a firefighter and is not trained or obligated to perform structure fire rescues but acted from “courage, instinct, and compassion.”

Fire Chief Justin Michael wrote the recommendation; the commission moved to and approved presenting a certificate recognizing Brown’s actions. During the meeting, Brown said she was "very thankful I was where I was supposed to be" and described acting to help someone she believed needed immediate aid.

Commissioners commended Brown and noted strong public support as community members attended the meeting and photographs were taken. The award is a formal recognition within county records; no additional administrative action or financial award was recorded in the meeting minutes.

The commission’s vote to present the certificate was recorded as a voice vote and carried.