"A very warm and proud feeling:" Milwaukee firefighters honored for heroic 2014 rescue



MILWAUKEE -- They are everyday heroes getting some much needed recognition. Some Milwaukee firefighters were honored for their actions going above and beyond on Thursday, October 8th.

At the Milwaukee Fire and Police Academy, Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rolfing and Mayor Tom Barrett, handed out the awards. Among the recipients was a team of firefighters who put fear aside to save the lives of five people.

November 2014, the firefighters were called to the We Energies Valley Power Plant.

"We got there and find out there's several men trapped at the top of the smoke stack itself. They were up there, it's dark, it's cold, there's no way for them to get down except to climb down or to be lowered down," said Captain Al Jansen, Milwaukee Fire Department.

We Energies Valley Power Plant rescue, 2014



Milwaukee firefighters honored



First responders immediately took action. Some surveyed the area on the ground while others climbed close to 300 feet above. A crew climbed with equipment, battling wind, snow and sleet to bring the people down safely.

The team worked for more than six hours to finally bring everyone down.

As the group received their award, they remained humble and grateful that their hard work is being recognized.

"When you do get those awards, it's a very warm and proud feeling because you know that someone else appreciated what you did. It wasn't an ordinary day and it was something the guys were required to go above and beyond what they had to do," said Captain Jansen.

What's even more incredible? The firefighters continued to respond to calls that chilly day in November, even after the rescue.

Milwaukee firefighters honored