By: centraljersey.com
Florence fireman/EMT Paul Wright was given a Valor Award Jan. 6 for actions taken to rescue a motorist from a vehicle following an accident on the N.J. Turnpike on May 21, 2010 and Capt. Clarence Carter of the Bordentown City Fire Department received the Meritorious Service Award for 57 years of service.
The awards were presented at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center where the training accomplishments of more than 80 students were recognized during graduation ceremonies at the Burlington County Institute of Technology, Westampton.
Valor Awards also were presented to Mount Laurel firefighters Glen Nichols and Larry Fox for "actions taken during a lengthy extrication on the Turnpike on December 23, 2009. In addition, Unit Citations were given to crews from the Mount Laurel and Westampton Fire Department in connection with the incident.
"These ceremonies always speak volumes about the dedication of our first responders, and our volunteer community," said Freeholder Chris Brown, who oversees the county’s Department of Public Service. "Being able to pay recognition to those who have performed above and beyond just makes it all the more special."
Altogether, more than 1,200 students attended courses during the recently completed semester. Award certificates were given to those who completed courses more than 24 hours in length, including Firefighter I, Fire Inspector, Fire Service Construction Principals and Basic Emergency Medical Technician.
All four of these programs are part of the Fire Science Degree program offered at Burlington County College.