Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie and Fire Chief Dave Lamb announced that the Michigan City Fire Department Unit Citation Award for July 2007 will be presented to Captain James Young, Driver Operator Mike Drubert and Firefighters Rob Watkins and Mike Jasnieski.

Chief Lamb stated that these four individuals are being recognized for their emergency response efforts as follows:

On Sunday, May 13, 2007, at 12:05 a.m., Michigan City fire units responded to a reported structure fire at 605 South Dickson Street. On arrival, they found fire coming from all front windows. LaPorte County Dispatch had informed them that an occupant who was wheelchair bound had been reported to be in the house as they had an open 911 telephone line. Michigan City Police units were on the scene prior to the arrival of the first fire unit and had made attempts to enter the structure. Engine 1 arrived and immediately began a rescue operation by placing a hand line in service and searching for the victim. Michigan City Police Department reported to have found the victim while looking through a rear bedroom window and they had broken the glass. Captain James Young then went through the window and located the victim and pulled her close to the window where Michigan City Police Department officers were able to pull the victim out. Firefighters Watkins and Jasnieski along with Driver Operator Drubert all played crucial roles in this successful rescue.

“We commend the firefighters and the police officers who responded to this incident for their quick actions that led to locating the victim,” Chief Lamb said. “We are proud of the teamwork and professionalism displayed by Engine 1’s Crew A Shift during this difficult rescue.”