A firefighter/paramedic in Manitowoc has received the Medal of Valor after he helped some people during a walleye tournament in Michigan.
During the Manitowoc Common Council meeting last night (October 18th) Mayor Justin Nickels read a letter written by Fire Chief Todd Blazer, which described the heroic actions performed by Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Valleskey on July 16th.
He explained that Valleskey along with two others were participating in the fishing tournament near Alpena Michigan when they noticed a boat was on fire.
“When they approached the boat, they were able to visualize two people in the water, waving and calling for help,” Nickels said. “The two occupants of the boat were rescued from the water. There were obvious severe burns to one victim on both legs. In addition, both individuals were shivering, and moderately hypothermic from the cold Lake Huron waters.”
In the statement, it was said that Valleskey provided “comfort and reassurance” to the injured individuals as they were raced back to shore to receive medical attention.
Valleskey said his role in the situation was “no big deal,” saying, “Anybody else would have done the same thing. Right place right time. My buddies that were fishing with me…were just as big a part of it as I was.”
Chief Blazer disagreed, saying, “It’s one thing when you are working your job, [but] what really takes this up a level is the fact that he was enjoying some free time, and his training, put it to use.”
Blazer also noted the humility that can be found in the Firefighters, Paramedics, and Police Officers in Manitowoc.
The two victims in the incident survived, and have since recovered.
