2003–2004 Medal of Valor Awardees
Fire Captain Phillip Atwood, Fire Captain Patrick Martin,
Firefighter David Bradley,
Firefighter Marvin Donaldson, Firefighter Stephen Johnson, Fire Apparatus Operator Sean McKarnin
Kansas City Missouri Fire Department,
Kansas City, MO
On February 23, 2004, dispatch notified personnel of an explosion and fire at a residence in South Kansas City. Arriving fire companies encountered a residential structure fully involved in fire and personnel then came under heavy and rapid gunfire shortly after arriving on the scene. A paramedic sustained injuries from this gunfire, but was pulled to safety by team members. The firefighters then remained "pinned down" under 20-30 minutes of automatic weapon fire before a second explosion destroyed the building and the gunfire ceased.