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Ladder 15 Saves Home

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized three Albuquerque Firefighters Friday who went the extra mile to save a home from being engulfed in flames. Captain Marc Boisvert, Driver David Ortega, and Firefighter Joshua Jaramillo received this week’s Friday’s Heroes award. Each week Mayor Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty.

Ladder 15 is recognized by Mayor BerryLast month, Ladder 15 crew responded to a tree fire and made the decision to remain on scene to investigate the possibility of the fire extending. In doing so they found that the tree fire had spread to a nearby home. The small fire was impossible to see from the exterior and likely would have burned the home down had the firefighter not stayed.
“These firefighters could have easily gone home,” Mayor Berry said. “They went the extra mile and saved someone’s house from being destroyed.”
Engine 29 arrived on the scene of the tree fire and assumed command. They began attacking the fire trying to keep the flames from spreading to the home.
Ladder 15, Engine 19, and Squad 2 responded to assist Engine 29. Ladder 15 was assigned to the interior of the house. Shortly after the tree fire was declared out.

Ladder 15, however, continued to check the inside of the home with a thermal imaging camera. They began pulling out part of the ceiling to make sure the fire was completely out. In doing so they discovered that the fire had spread to the attic and was threatening the entire roof support structure.
“Although these operations are typical of a ladder company, L15 acted efficiently and effectively in my opinion saving the entire structure,” Station 29 Captain Skip Tinagero said. “L15's actions saved this structure and protected the occupants’ property in the manner indicative of the highest traditions of the fire service.”