Ohio Heroes Honored at 45th Annual Hall of Fame & Fire Awards Ceremony

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS awarded the fire service's highest honors earlier today during the 45^th annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards. The event took place at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in downtown Columbus.

More than 300 individuals, including state officials, first responders, family members of honorees, and the general public attended the ceremony, which takes place each year to honor the valor, dedication and exemplary service of fire service members and citizens from around the state.

"This ceremony is always one of my favorite events of the year because of how it honors and recognizes the courage and dedication of Ohio's fire service and EMS professionals," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "This year's honorees have demonstrated what it means to protect, serve and save lives in their community, and each of them serve as an inspiration to all of us."

"Each of these honorees exemplify the absolute best in their respective nomination categories," said State EMS Director Rob Wagoner. "Individuals and agencies recognized for their educational and prevention efforts today instill safe training and occupational practices in order to best protect fire service providers and their communities in the years ahead."

The following individuals were recognized at this year's ceremony:

Fire Service Valor Award

Tyler Baughman, Cody Cooper, Will Lawson, Tyler King, Jared Ryan, Nick Woolever (Springfield, Clark County)

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Tyler Baughman, Cody Cooper, Will Lawson, Tyler King, Jared Ryan, and Nick Woolever received the Fire Service Valor Award for their actions in responding to a house fire in December 2025. Despite collapsing ceilings, advancing fire, and no established hose line, this group rescued two children who were trapped inside the burning home.

Kevin Faley, Gary Reed, Matt Watson, Christopher Young, Ryan Jeric, Kyle Friebertshauser (Painesville, Lake County)

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Kevin Faley, Gary Reed, Matt Watson, Christopher Young, Ryan Jeric, and Kyle Friebertshauser received the Fire Service Valor Award for their actions in rescuing a 20-year-old woman who was trapped inside a burning home in September. Facing heavy fire, blocked entry pointed, and zero-visibility, this group worked together to save the young woman's life.

Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award

James Paulett (Richfield, Summit County)

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James Paulett received the Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award for his more than 50 years of exceptional service, leadership, and innovation in the fire service. Throughout his career, he has held every rank from trainee to chief and worked to modernize operations, strengthen response systems, and mentor generations of firefighters.

Rodger Sansom (Mogadore, Summit County)

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Rodger Sansom received the Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award for his nearly 50 years of dedicated service and leadership in the Ohio fire service and the Mogadore community. Throughout his career, he has served as a firefighter, EMT, state and county association president, and longtime secretary-treasurer of the Ohio State Firefighters' Association.

Ohio Fire Service Instructor of the Year

Michael Fearing (Concord Township, Lake County)

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Michael Fearing was recognized as the Ohio Fire Service Instructor of the Year for his decades-long commitment to advancing firefighter training and enhancing operational readiness across Lake County. As a skilled instructor, training coordinator, and technical rescue leader, he has shaped the professionalism, confidence, and capabilities of firefighters from multiple departments.

Ohio Fire Prevention Educator of the Year

Jason Wilkins (Findlay, Hancock County)

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Jason Wilkins was recognized as the Ohio Fire Prevention Educator of the Year for his outstanding dedication to fire prevention and community safety for nearly 25 years with the Findlay Fire Department. As a leader in public outreach, he has educated thousands of residents, coordinated large-scale smoke alarm installation programs, and spearheaded specialized initiatives.

Ohio Fire Officer of the Year

Anthony Hutton (Kirtland, Lake County)

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Anthony Hutton was recognized as the Ohio Fire Officer of the Year for his exceptional leadership, decades of service, and major contributions to public safety in Lake County. For 25 years, he has served as the key liaison between fire departments and the UH Lake Hospital System, creating coordinated response models that strengthened mass-casualty preparedness and improved patient outcomes.

Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement Award

William Ross (Blacklick, Franklin County)

[Watch the video here] [Download the video here]William Ross was recognized with the Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. For nearly 40 years, he has advanced fire service education and improved operational practices across Ohio. As a respected instructor, mentor, and subject matter expert, he has helped shape high-rise procedures, improve apparatus design, and teach firefighters nationwide through extensive continuing education and FDIC instruction.

Ohio Fire Department of the Year

Springfield Fire Rescue Division (Springfield, Clark County)

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The Springfield Fire Rescue Division was recognized as the Fire Department of the Year for its exceptional performance in one of the region's most demanding service areas, consistently delivering professional, reliable emergency response while investing heavily in training, readiness, and community safety. In 2025, the Department provided thousands of hours of certified instruction, expanded community risk reduction efforts, and reached thousands of residents through education and outreach. With modernized facilities, strong operational discipline, and a commitment to continual improvement, SFRD has demonstrated outstanding service and a meaningful, lasting impact on community safety.

Ohio Fire Service Citizen's Award

Brandon Myhan (Newark, Licking County)

Brandon Myhan received the Ohio Fire Service Citizen's Award after he bravely rescued three people from a burning home in Newark in August 2025. In addition to helping two children who were trapped on a porch roof, he re-entered the smoke-filled home without protective gear to save an elderly man who was trapped inside.

Kenneth Wayne Jordan (Burlington, Lawrence County)

Kennth Jordan received the Ohio Fire Service Citizen's award for his actions in rescuing a 57-year-old woman who was trapped inside a burning home in Burlington in March. Jordan first spotted the fire while working across the street. After hearing cries for help, he entered the home, located the victim and carried her to safety before emergency crews arrived.

A recording of the Hall of Fame & Fire Awards Ceremony can be found on the Ohio Channel.

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About the Division of State Fire Marshal

The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.