Lifesaving, Gallantry honored at Fire Department

Responding to an afternoon house fire in the Eastmoor Addition in July 2003, Captain Jay Montgomery of the Cambridge Fire Department climbed a picnic table, crawled through a narrow window with full gear, including an air mask, and with neither a fire hose nor a backup, pulled a woman, her son and dog to safety. Montgomery was forced back by flames before a 7-year-old boy could be rescued. He perished in the fire.

For his heroic and selfless action in the face of danger, Montgomery was presented an individual lifesaving award by the International Association of Fire Fighters. He was also presented with an Acrylic Ice Award from the Local 910. Montgomery was also nominated through the state fire marshal's office for a state-level award, and for a national award sponsored by "Firehouse" magazine.

Crew One also received a unit award from the IAFF for their gallantry during the fire (Jeffersonian, February 2004). Click here to see the article.