In the growing town of Huntersville, the first awards presentation since the fire department transitioned to full-time in 2024 was a notable event, held during the regular Town Board meeting this past Tuesday. Fire Chief Jim Dotoli recognized the extraordinary courage and commitment demonstrated by team members during two critical incidents last year, detailing the impressive efforts resulting in saving lives under intense conditions. "Their efforts exemplify the highest standards of service and dedication to our community," a statement on the town's official website said, honoring the actions of those firefighters who went above and beyond.
The first incident on August 29, 2025, at Rocky Ford Club Road involved Car 3C and Engine 3C, where Lieutenant Ray Murphy, Firefighter Paul Medieros, Engineer Brandon Johnson, and Assistant Chief Jason Dyer heroically rescued an unresponsive resident from a burning house, after which the victim personally thanked them for their life-saving actions upon his release from the hospital, and Murphy and Medieros received the Fire Chief's Medal of Valor while the entire crew got a Company Citation. The second incident occurred on October 5, 2025, on Rich Hatchett Road, demanding the response of Car 3A, Car 5A, Engine 1A, and Ladder 4A to another house fire with individuals trapped inside, all teams worked to control the inferno while extracting the patient and saving another life.
A Company Citation was awarded to Assistant Chief Shane Nantz, Battalion Chief Charles Auten Jr., Captain Chris Massey, Engineer Elijah Estep, Firefighter Corey Logan, Acting Officer Terrell Washington Jr., Engineer Andrew Sales, and Firefighter Kyle Potochar; while individual Fire Chief Medals of Valor were presented to Auten Jr., Massey, Sales, Logan, Washington Jr., and Potochar, recognizing each man for their unwavering dedication and their immediate, skillful response that upheld the highest values the Huntersville Fire Department stands for.
