Five members of the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) recently received awards for their exceptional work during a challenging rescue on the Green River.

Capt. Guy Smith received a VRFA medal of commendation and Firefighters Stewart Alway, Jordan Gustafson, Erik Peterson and Aaron Walker received meritorious unit citations for their rescue efforts during the April 9 incident, which occurred at 1:20 a.m. in the 31000 block of 104th Avenue Southeast, Auburn.

Witnesses reported seeing a truck strike a guardrail and travel 30 feet down an embankment before coming to rest against a tree. When VRFA crews arrived, they found the truck partially submerged in the Green River. The driver had freed himself, but the passenger was trapped and severely injured. Complicating the rescue was the 30 percent grade of the embankment and the fact that the passenger side of the vehicle was pinned against a tree, limiting access to the patient.

Firefighters took quick action to rescue the patient before the vehicle could be swept down the river. Within an 18-minute time frame VRFA personnel donned their lifejackets, helmets and protective gear, stabilized the vehicle using ropes and a tow strap, carried hydraulic cutting tools and other needed equipment down the steep embankment, freed the patient and safely moved him to a treatment area. The male patient was further evaluated and transported to Harborview Medical Center by King County Medic One Paramedics with life-threatening injuries.

“Captain Smith’s quick analysis of the situation and the entire crew’s efforts to accomplish the extrication of the patient in less than 18 minutes, under extraordinary circumstances, is a feat worth recognizing,” said Capt. Jon Hillebrant, a member of the awards committee. “Their efforts embody the VRFA mission of saving lives and protecting property.”