JEFFERSON CITY - Representative Joe Smith, R-St. Charles County, and members of the Missouri House took time this week to honor three Missouri firefighters for their heroic efforts in rescuing a Missouri man who fell through the ice while ice fishing. Rep. Smith presented Cottleville Fire District firefighters Jim Lyons, Patrick Turner and Captain Steve Morgan with Outstanding Missourian Awards during the opening moments of legislative session on Tuesday, March 10.

 

“I want to thank my colleagues for joining with me to honor these outstanding Missourians who have displayed the qualities of true heroes. Far too often we overlook the actions of our firefighters and take all they do for granted. I am glad we had the opportunity to pay them the respect they have earned through years of service to our community and this state,” said Rep. Smith.

Morgan, Lyons and Turner responded to the emergency call on January 21 of this year when a 54-year-old man fell through the ice while ice fishing. The three firefighters bravely removed the man, who was approximately 50 feet from the shoreline, from the freezing water and turned him over to paramedics who transported him to Progress West Health Center.

All three firefighters are members of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters and were trained at a Firefighter Academy in Missouri. Combined, the three men have a total of 67 years of experience as firefighters.

"For their selfless heroism, we are eternally grateful. These three men are shining examples of what it means to be an outstanding Missourian and I hope our small token of appreciation will remind them that their service is noticed and appreciated," said Rep. Smith.

The Outstanding Missourian Award was created in 2003 as a way to honor Missouri residents who benefit their community through civic service and outstanding accomplishments