Galloway Employees to Receive Valor Awards From Atlantic County

Two public works employees will be honored by the Atlantic County Firefighters Association for their roles in making a life saving rescue. The 21st annual Valor Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 8 PM at the Atlantic County Anthony “Tony” Canale Training Center, 5033 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township.

will receive First Class Valor Awards for a September 1, 2011 rescue. The men reported smoke coming from a home on Oakbourne Avenue in Galloway before entering the home in response to cries for help. Once inside, they found the homeowner confined to a wheelchair and unable to escape. They safely removed her just minutes before the entire house was consumed by fire.

The Firefighters Association will also honor eight firefighters with 50 years of dedicated service. Additionally, the ceremony will include the unveiling of a 9-11 tribute display that features a steel beam from the World Trade Center, photos and an American flag with the name of each victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our country. The memorial was created by Atlantic County Fire Marshal Whitey Swartz.

The Valor Awards were initiated in 1991 and have been presented to 212 individuals, including police, fire and emergency services personnel as well as civilians, who have risked their own lives to save the lives of others.

For more information, please contact Whitey Swartz at (609) 407-6741.

--News release from Atlantic County