Indianapolis, IN – On April 28, 2006, MSA awarded the 2006Fireslayer of the Yearaward to Lieutenant Jeff Kraft of the Calumet (IL) Fire Department. MSA created the award to honor the outstanding achievements by individual firefighters and departments that serve as role models for others.
On April 15, 2005, Calumet Park firefighters responded for a three-story apartment fire. Despite the limited resources available, and the many risks and uncertainties associated with multi-level fires, Lt. Kraft decided to quickly enter the building on the first floor to search for victims.
Other responding units were hindered by traffic conditions. Flames were now extending form the second floor to the roofline, and Kraft reentered the building multiple times. During his search, Kraft discovered a 70-year old woman on the third floor in serious condition suffering from smoke inhalation. He removed his face piece, shared his air, and carried her to safety. Returning to the building, he found a second victim and assisted in his evacuation.
During a ceremony in Indianapolis, MSA presented Kraft with a special leather helmet and commemorative plaque recognizing his act of heroism. MSA will also make a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Calumet Park Fire Department to the International Association of Fire Fighters’ (IAFF) Burn Foundation. MSA has donated $30,000 to the IAFF Burn Foundation in conjunction with theFireslayer of the Year Award.
Nominations are submitted viahttp://www.msafire.com, and the award recipient is selected by a committee comprising fire service industry experts and MSA associates.
