By Crystal McGough, Editor
Center Point – During the June 12, 2023, meeting of the Center Point Fire Board, the Center Point Fire District (CPFD) recognized the bravery and heroism of Center Point and Trussville fire crews that responded to a house fire in Grayson Valley in April 2022.
On April 23, 2022, (incident # 22-3203), CPFD responded to a structure fire at 2408 Carmel Road. Trussville Fire was requested for mutual aid, and assistance was led by Battalion Chief Hank Moore.
“This incident was a bit challenging,” stated CFPD Capt. Chris Horn in an invitation that was sent out prior to the meeting. “The first due company arrived at the scene and found the residence heavily involved with fire and an occupant entrapped. One occupant was outside, but her elderly mother was still trapped inside. Due to the advanced fire, and collapse conditions, initial crews couldn’t make entry inside. The Incident Commander, recognizing this, was expecting a fatal outcome for the trapped victim. As additional crews arrived and positive fire suppression was controlling the fire, a search crew entered and located the victim (approximately 20 minutes into the incident). They successfully removed the victim and transported her to UAB.
“At about the time the victim was removed, Trussville Fire units arrived and took over for the exhausted CP crews. They were able to locate one of the family pet cats and successfully resuscitated it. The Trussville crews took time to assist the pet and see that it was returned to the owner. They also greatly assisted with extinguishing the fire and mitigating the incident with the CP crews.”
During the Board meeting, CPFD Chief Alex Nabors played audio and video footage from the night of the incident.
“In the fire service, one thing we do very poorly is recognize each other,” Nabors said. “… None of us look for accolades; as a matter of fact, most of us shy away from accolades. We think that we are simply doing our job. While that is the case, there’s always those that shine above everybody else.”
Nabors singled out one firefighter in particular, Lieutenant Matthew Bertram, asking that he join him at the front of the room.
“Lt. Matt Bertram was given an objective and through his leadership, he quickly came up with a plan, organized a team and implemented the plan that led to the operation of moving the victim to the front door,” Nabors said. “It was through his positive decision making and overcoming adversity that he was able to make a difference in this person’s life and the life of their family.”
Nabors presented Lt. Matthew Bertram with a letter of commendation, which he said has also been added to Bertram’s file. Additionally, Nabors said Bertram’s entire crew from that night would also receive letters of commendation.
Nabors also presented Bertram with the “Life Saving Award,” a new award he said the District has been talking about implementing for years.
“It was just part of the job,” said Bertram, who was not expecting the special recognition. “A lot of things happened real fast and there wasn’t a whole lot of time to think about a lot of things. I think everything just kind of worked out. A lot of guys all worked together to have a positive outcome.”
The daughter of the entrapped victim was present at the meeting, as well. Bertram said he had not seen her or her mother since the night of the incident. Nabors recognized her and asked if there was anything she would like to say.
“I don’t know what we would have done if you guys had not gotten there,” she said. “I couldn’t figure out how to get back in to help them (her mother and cat). It’s not a really good feeling to know that you can’t do something to help someone. But then you guys came and helped save my mom and (the cat) and I will be eternally grateful for that.”
Horn said in the invitation letter that CPFD plans to award the Trussville crews who responded with an official letter of commendation for their actions, as well.
“Several things worked out for this incident to produce a positive outcome … but I think the most important thing – the most important contributing factor – was that God provided the victim with the strength and the crews with the leadership and courage and ability to get the job done in a timely matter,” Nabors said. “I don’t know that any one of us can believe that we do it all on our own. I think that we believe that there is a hand in it. That night, God worked through our crews to save a life, save a family member, and make a difference.”