Several Southern Pines firefighters were recognized for their bravery, skill, and commitment to protecting our community.
On Friday, the Southern Pines Fire Department (SPFD) and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) held an awards ceremony at Station 82.
The awards were presented by Fire Chief Mike Cameron, Southern Pines Mayor Taylor Clement, and representatives Chuck Spelman and Mike Saulnier from the Sandhills Chapter of SAR.
The following firefighters were recognized for their service:
SAR Life Saving Medal – CPR Save (June 26, 2024)
The SPFD was dispatched to Bennett Street for a witnessed cardiac arrest, where an Automatic External Defibrillator was deployed. “Our team arrived ahead of EMS, where they ensured continuous resuscitation efforts until the patient could be transported to the hospital,” said SPFD on its social media page. “Thanks to their swift actions, the patient made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital just over a week later.”
Honorees:
Deputy Fire Chief Ted Horvath
Battalion Chief Trai Strowd
Captain Matt Davis
Deputy Fire Marshal Louis Blanchard
Lieutenant Eric Adams
Driver/Operator Austin Fowler
Firefighter Andrea Welsch
SAR Heroism Commendation and Medal – Swift Water Rescue (August 9, 2024)
In the early morning hours during Tropical Storm Debby, the Water Rescue Team, comprised of Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue Captain Matthews, SPFD driver and operators JonathanVeitch and Nash Neptune and Cypress Pointe firefighter Hall, deployed from Cypress Pointe and arrived at the Crain’s Creek Fire Department before proceeding to the incident scene.
Upon arrival, the team assessed the situation and determined that a strong swimmer technique was necessary to advance toward the victims. Neptune was selected as the first strong swimmer.
Understanding the inherent risks, he courageously swam forward 20 feet to the first tree, positioning himself to assist in pulling the raft and rescuers forward. With no downstream safety support, additional rescue boats, or adequate manpower at the time, Neptune continued pressing forward against the current. As the risk of being swept away increased beyond a safe threshold, the team made the difficult decision to retreat and request additional resources.
With reinforcements—including an out-of-state water rescue team, a zodiac-style power boat, and 15 additional personnel—the victims were successfully rescued after 1 hour and 45 minutes. The rescued individuals stated that their camper had overturned shortly after their evacuation, highlighting the critical timing and effectiveness of the rescue operation.
“D/O Neptune’s exceptional bravery, leadership, and composure in the face of extreme peril were instrumental in ensuring the safety of both the victims and his fellow rescuers,” said SPFD.
Honoree:
Driver/Operator Nash Neptune
SAR Life Saving Medal – CPR Save (September 7, 2024)
Fire crews responded to Southern Prime Restaurant, where a patron had collapsed. With CPR already in progress by a bystander, Squad 81 arrived, assumed patient care, and continued CPR utilizing the crew from Engine 811 for multiple rounds of CPR. Once EMS crews arrived, the patient was transported to the hospital, where they were later released with a full recovery.
Honorees:
Battalion Chief Tim Smith
Lieutenant David Velazquez
Driver/Operator Chris Farrell
Driver/Operator Jonathan Veitch
Firefighter Chris Carlton
Firefighter Brandon Haynes
Firefighter Matt Manovsky
SAR Life Saving Medal – Vehicle Extrication with Fire (December 20, 2024)
Arriving at a vehicle fire off U.S. Highway 1, firefighters found a car down an embankment with a person trapped inside. The vehicle was heavily damaged, and flames were actively entering the passenger compartment.
Southern Pines Heavy Rescue 819 was positioned for extrication, and crews from Engine 811 and Heavy Rescue 819 worked to extricate the victim using both hydraulic and battery-operated Jaws of Life equipment. Due to the positioning of the vehicle and the slope of the embankment, it was necessary to work from ladders, and in many instances, from the top of the vehicle. The heavy damage and positioning of the vehicle also limited firefighters from completely extinguishing the fire. Crews were split, one crew extricated, and the other crew kept the fire at bay while extrication was being performed.
Due to no hydrants being in this area of the highway, the Aberdeen Fire Department was requested to respond with an engine for additional firefighting water and manpower. Southern Pines Tanker 816 also responded for water supply. The SPFD and the Deputy Fire Chief closed northbound U.S. 1 and rerouted traffic due to the location of the wreck.
Once the vehicle had been removed from around the patient, he was removed and transported to the hospital for treatment.
Honorees:
Battalion Chief Scott Padgett
Captain Brandon Morris
Driver/Operator Reid Lambert
Firefighter Bradly Dick
Driver/Operator Chris Farrell
Firefighter Katie Tolla
Lieutenant Travis McGougan
Firefighter Anthony Strick
Firefighter Kameron Turner
Firefighter Matt S. Davis
Assistant Chief Martin Dowd
Firefighter Oscar Hirengen
Deputy Fire Chief Ted Horvath
Fire Chief Mike Cameron
SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal – Response to Hurricane Helene (September–October 2024)
After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, eight of SPFD firefighters deployed for a total of 21 days to assist overwhelmed fire departments. They helped clear roads, answered emergency calls, and delivered essential gear to departments that had lost nearly everything. Other local fire departments that deployed included: Carthage Fire Department, Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue, West End Fire Department, and Whispering Pines Fire Department.
The commitment to helping hurricane victims extended beyond deployments. Moore County Airport became a central donation collection site, where residents demonstrated their generosity by contributing essential supplies for those affected. Southern Pines Deputy Fire Chief Ted Horvath personally delivered two trailer loads of donated items to relief centers in McDowell County.
SPFD deployed staff reported that several fire departments had lost nearly everything due to flooding, and SPFD took immediate action to assist these fire departments. “Our team coordinated the collection and delivery of over 100 sets of firefighter turnout gear, ensuring that impacted departments could continue serving their communities,” said SPFD.
Honorees:
Driver/Operator Jonathan Veitch
Firefighter Bradly Dick
Lieutenant John Wilson
Driver/Operator Reid Lambert
Captain Logan DeBerry
Lieutenant Eric Adams
Firefighter Savannah Carroll
Firefighter Matt Manovsky
“These events represent just a small glimpse into the courage, skill, and heart our firefighters bring to every call,” said SPFD. “We are incredibly proud of these individuals and grateful for their unwavering service to the Southern Pines community.”
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Contributed article and photos/Photo collage by Abegail Murphy/Sandhills Sentinel.
