Charlotte's Engine 15 fire crew was recognized with the Hometown Hero Award for their actions during an April 2024 incident where they courageously assisted law enforcement under active gunfire. The award was given by Modern Woodmen of America, a financial services organization known for acknowledging exceptional acts of service within the community, as reported by the City of Charlotte.
The four members of Engine 15, Captain Nathan Jones, Engineer Justin Barringer, Firefighter William Costello, and Firefighter Jonathan Moore, were involved in the notorious Galway Drive shootout. On that day, their routine medical call turned into a valorous effort to save two downed officers, amidst a harrowing exchange of gunfire. According to a City of Charlotte article, the team donned ballistic vests, collaborated with CMPD for protection, and successfully extracted the injured officers, providing critical medical care.
In the Fortunate words of Brendan Helms, a senior financial advisor with Modern Woodmen and descendant of firefighters, "When we consider who to recognize each year, we look at what stood out—not just in the fire department, but in the community," he told the City of Charlotte. Helms stressed that their response to the incident was "beyond extraordinary," making them a standout choice for the honor.
Despite their bravery, the crew maintains a humble perspective. Captain Jones stated it plainly: "No, no. Nobody calls us heroes. We make sure to squash that," he told the City of Charlotte. He believed their actions that day are what any firefighter in any part of the city would have done. For them, it was a testament to their training and the trust within their team.
Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson didn't shy away from praising the team. “The members of Engine 15 displayed the highest level of professionalism and courage that day,” Johnson said, recognizing the exceptional circumstances and the crew's decisiveness, as informed by the City of Charlotte's release. The rest of the department was also commended for its collective response during the emergency.
Modern Woodmen's Helms aligned with this sentiment, emphasizing that the recognition is about bringing visibility to the often-unsung heroes in the community. “Firefighters don’t do this job for recognition,” he mentioned to the City of Charlotte, “But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve it. We want them to know their bravery, their sacrifice—it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
While the crew of Engine 15 might view their actions as just another day on the job, their commitment and heroism were certainly viewed as extraordinary by the residents of Charlotte. The Hometown Hero Award serves not just as a token of appreciation but as a reminder of the selflessness and courage that defines true public service.
