Engineer Manny Sharp of the Medford Fire Department in Oregon has been named the recipient of the 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor.
The award, which acknowledges heroic acts performed by firefighters, was presented during the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International conference in Dallas in collaboration with Motorola Solutions.
Sharp was honored for his brave actions on August 15, 2023, when he rescued three people from a burning house.
According to the IAFC, Sharp, who was off duty at the time, acted swiftly after Medford County Dispatch alerted him to the fire near his home.
On the day of the incident, Sharp was dressed casually in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops when he arrived at the scene.
After assessing the situation, he kicked in the front door of the house and entered to find two teenagers asleep in the living room.
Sharp woke them and guided them out of the house.
However, the situation escalated when the teenagers’ mother informed him that another child was still inside.
Without hesitation, Sharp re-entered the building, found the child, and wrapped them in a curtain.
He then passed the child through a broken window to safety.
Once the three individuals were safely outside, Sharp assisted in clearing the area for incoming firefighters.
He moved vehicles obstructing the scene, which allowed firefighters from Grants Pass to set up their equipment efficiently and address the fire.
“Motorola Solutions is honored to sponsor the prestigious 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor,” said Frank Galvin, vice president of Central U.S. and Canada for Motorola Solutions.
He added: “The actions taken by firefighters in protecting those they serve are noteworthy, and we are privileged to be a part of this recognition.”
The Ben Franklin Award for Valor recognizes firefighters nominated by their chief for lifesaving actions during incidents.
Manny Sharp’s off-duty efforts exemplify the bravery expected of firefighters in critical moments.
His quick thinking and determination saved three lives and allowed fire crews to effectively address the emergency.
The IAFC and Motorola Solutions continue to honor and promote the courage of firefighters across the country through this annual award.
Manny Sharp, an engineer with the Medford Fire Department in Oregon, received the 2024 Ben Franklin Award for Valor.
Presented at the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International conference in Dallas, the award recognizes exceptional heroism by firefighters.
Sharp was off duty when he rescued three individuals from a house fire in Medford on August 15, 2023.
His quick actions involved pulling two teenagers from the house and rescuing a third child by re-entering the building.
Motorola Solutions partnered with the IAFC to sponsor this prestigious award.
