Four Eden Prairie Firefighters Recognized with Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award

MINNEAPOLIS - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota recognized four members of the Eden Prairie Fire Department as "Hometown Heroes" for their courageous rescue of an infant from a burning townhome on May 31, 2024.

Assistant Fire Chief Justin Johnson, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Worthington (then a Captain), Firefighter Joshua Privette, and Firefighter Michael Do were recognized at a ceremony in Eden Prairie on June 25, 2026.

United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, Assistant Chief Justin Johnson, Assistant Chief Matt Worthington, Firefighter Joshua Privette, Firefighter Michael Do, and Chief Scott Gerber

On May 31, 2024, Johnson, Worthington, Privette, and Do were among the first responders dispatched to a heavily involved structure fire on the 8500 block of Cardiff Lane. With conflicting reports about whether anyone remained inside, Chief Johnson directed the crew to conduct an immediate search. Entering without a hose line, the firefighters completed a primary search of the first floor before moving upstairs through high heat and low visibility. During the search, Firefighter Privette located an infant in a playpen. The crew quickly carried the child outside and transferred her to Hennepin EMS for transport to Children's Hospital. The child survived and continues to thrive today.

"These four men entered a burning home with no certainty of what they would encounter and emerged carrying a child to safety," said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. "Their actions reflect the spirit of liberty, service, and civic responsibility that Freedom 250 was created to celebrate."

The recognition was given as part of the Department of Justice's Freedom 250 initiative, a national campaign through which United States Attorneys' Offices highlight individuals whose dedication, bravery, and leadership have made a significant difference in their communities as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Freedom 250 is a nationwide initiative recognizing public servants whose actions exemplify the founding values of the United States. More information is available at freedom250.org.