Two Columbus firefighters have been recognized for the swift life-saving measures they took in the aid of a gunshot victim. Firefighters Simon Bonerigo and Cody Jenkins from Columbus Fire Station 20 were honored last Friday for their actions that assisted in saving a gunshot wound victim's life on June 10 of this year, as reported by the Columbus Division of Fire’s social media post.
While preparing to leave the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s OSU East after transporting another patient, Bonerigo and Jenkins were drafted into action upon a security call about the incoming gunshot victim arriving by private vehicle. In a ceremony held at their station, Michale Duncan, Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Ohio State University Center for EMS, presented the two firefighters with challenge coins and certificates, which celebrated their exceptional efforts. “For actions taken on Tuesday June 10th, 2025, in assisting security and OSU East nursing staff by removing a critically injured patient from a private vehicle and helping transport them into the trauma bay, this challenge coin is presented,” the certificates reflected, according to the social media acknowledgment by the Columbus Division of Fire.
Heather Bagent, a nurse with the OSU East Emergency Department, nominated the firefighters and detailed the victim's dire state, "He was paralyzed from the waist down. He couldn’t have been removed from the car without them, wedged as he was between the back seat and the front seat.” Bagent praised Bonerigo and Jenkins saying in her nomination, “These guys didn't hesitate. They just jumped in and offered their cart," underscoring the quick response and imperative contribution to the patient's transport.
The sentiment that these actions were above and beyond the call of duty was echoed by Reid Zarnoch, another Senior Outreach Coordinator for the OSU Center for EMS. "This might seem like an 'ah shucks' moment. You might think it's just part of your job but being with the health system and seeing say 60 agencies that come in and out, not everyone has that immediate action or thought to run towards danger,” according to the Columbus Division of Fire, Zarnoch commended the firefighters and highlighted the leadership at Station 20 as a source of their exemplary conduct.
Adding to the accolades, Adam Slupski, the Nurse Manager at OSU East Emergency Department, lauded the team’s continuous service. “We appreciate everything that you guys do for the community we serve over here on the east side, especially that day. I think that signifies what you do for this community. You guys jumped in without a second thought, which is great, but then what you do every other day I think is amazing as well,” according to the Columbus Division of Fire. Her statement highlights not just the immediate heroism that day, but the consistent efforts Station 20 contributes to the community.
Both the Columbus Division of Fire and OSU East community express their gratitude and pride for Firefighters Bonerigo and Jenkins, recognizing the significant impact and importance of their rapid and courageous actions in the face of an emergency. Their deeds that day exemplify the dedication and bravery inherent in first responders, and the honor serves as a testament to their service.
