"We don't ask for recognition:" MFD honors two heroes who say they were simply doing their job



MILWAUKEE -- A ceremony was held outside of the central Milwaukee Fire Department firehouse in downtown Milwaukee on Wednesday, October 7th, as MFD members remembered and honored the 127 Milwaukee firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. They also honored two living heroes -- two men who, despite their heroics, humbly say they were simply doing their job.

MFD ceremony



A morning spent remembering the lives of fallen firefighters was also an opportunity to thank the firefighters who serve today.

"Serving our citizens with compassion, humility and a higher purpose," Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing said.

MFD singled out two firefighters -- Jeremy Starr and Christiaan Hoose.

Last December, Captain Hoose responded to a house fire on Milwaukee's south side. He and his crew are responsible for saving the lives of two children.

Christiaan Hoose



"Heavy fire coming from the windows of the first floor of this building. With a lot of good luck, I was able to find the two kids fairly rapidly," Captain Hoose said.

Starr's story is different. After sending a World War II veteran to the emergency room, Starr, an active-duty Marine, went to his superior with a request.

Jeremy Starr



"The American flag that he had on it, it was very tattered. It was ripped up. It was faded -- so we asked our captain who was working that day if it would be alright if we went and purchased a flag and replaced it for him," Starr said.

Starr and his crew did that for the veteran.

For their actions, Starr and Hoose will receive the Milwaukee Fire Department's meritorious service award on Thursday night, October 8th.

Starr and Hoose were nominated for the awards by colleagues.

Jeremy Starr and Christiaan House