This week, Comcast Twin Cities Region Technical Supervisor Greg Fee received the highest award presented to civilians on behalf of the Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD). Annually, Civilian Public Safety Medals are presented to citizens who demonstrate “unselfish extraordinary acts of heroism or acts of distinguished bravery.” Fee was one of only three recipients to receive the 2019 medal at a formal ceremony in downtown Minneapolis.
Fee was honored for responding to an emergency with life-saving results for several individuals.
Wrong Turn Leads to Lives Saved
On his regular work route in late July, Greg made a wrong turn in Minneapolis. That’s when he noticed smoke billowing out the window of a nearby building and people struggling to escape.
Greg, a 14-year Comcast veteran, immediately pulled over and jumped into action.
Seeing that the individuals were trying to escape through an upper floor window, he quickly pulled a ladder from his van and extended it to the opening. “I set it up as fast as I could, yelling to them to wait until it was locked in and safe,” said Fee, who also serves as an Environmental, Health and Safety lead for his team.
As a result of Greg’s efforts, several people safely escaped the fire before first responders arrived on the scene.
Members of the Minneapolis Fire Department’s senior leadership team presented Greg with his award, including Fire Chief John Fruetel, Assistant Chief of Operations Ray Cruz, and Assistant Chief of Administration Bryan Tyner. Greg also had an opportunity to share his experience first-hand with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Golden Valley Fire Chief John Crelly, and members of the local media including the StarTribune and CCX Community TV in the Twin Cities’ northwest suburbs.
Minneapolis Fire Captain Kevin Ziegler was among the first emergency responders to arrive on the scene of the fire after Greg’s heroic action and was in attendance at the ceremony.
“We’re trained to do this kind of work, it’s our job. For those, like Greg, who take it upon themselves to help others in need, they’re the real heroes,” said Ziegler.
“Selfless actions under hazardous conditions”
The medal proclamation sums up Greg’s efforts in a powerful way.
“Firefighters credit Greg Fee’s quick thinking and composed actions with preventing these trapped occupants from possibly dying of smoke inhalation. His selfless actions under hazardous conditions placed his own safety at risk and went above and beyond what is expected of the general public.”
On behalf of your Twin Cities Region colleagues, congratulations, Greg, on the well-deserved recognition. Your willingness to help fellow community members in such a dangerous and urgent situation is an inspiration to us all.
For more on Greg’s amazing story, click here.
