Lt. Eddie Bell (second from right) receives the Life Saving With Valor Award from the Gloucester County Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Deptford Fire Department’s own Lieutenant Edward “Eddie” Bell, Jr. was presented the Life Saving with Valor Award by the Gloucester County Fire Chiefs’ Association at their meeting on Jan. 14, 2021.
Lt. Bell, a member of the Tacoma Fire Company within Battalion Two, was given the award for his actions on a fire call last spring, when he rescued an elderly bedridden man and trapped on the second floor of an apartment building on fire.
On May 16, 2020, Lt. Bell entered the apartment without the protection of a hand line or assistance and found the man, who was unable to walk, in a rear bedroom. He then got the man off the bed and carried him back to the balcony, where Lt. Bell administered first aid.
The man and an elderly woman also rescued from the fire were turned over to EMS for treatment.
Congratulations to Lt. Bell on this incredible honor! We thank him for his continued dedication and service to our department and community.