Local Firefighter Honored for Rescuing Victim From Burning Building

Editor's Note: Patch thanks Chris Brignola of Phoenix Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 for contributing this article and the photos.

Stephen Lawler Whitman Jr. has been awarded the Silver Medal of Valor by the Prince George’s County Fire Department.

The medal was awarded April 27 during a County Public Safety luncheon. Lawler was awarded the medal for great personal risk, judgment, and skills in assisting with the rescue of an unconscious adult male from an apartment fire in Hyattsville, MD in February 2010. To read the full story on the fire, visit .

The victim suffered severe burns and later succumbed to his injuries. The man’s 4-year-old daughter was rescued from the apartment by other fire crews and has since fully recovered. Lawler is one of four firefighters to receive a medal for actions during this fire.

Lawler is a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County. He attends college at the University of Maryland-University College and is part of Hyattsville’s live-in program. In return for volunteering his time to the Hyattsville community, he receives free living space at the fire station.

Lawler is also a volunteer firefighter at the Phoenix Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. of the Phoenixville Fire Department. He started as a “junior” firefighter at age 14. At age 18 Lawler earned his firefighter certification. Due to Lawler’s involvement with the fire department, his father decided to join as well.  Steve Whitman Sr. is a volunteer firefighter, driver and member of the board of directors.

Anyone interested in becoming involved with the fire company should stop by the station on Church Street to pick up an application or speak to a member. Weekdays and Wednesday and Friday nights are the best times to visit. You do not have to become a firefighter. Help is also needed with fire police, fundraising and administrative functions.