Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputies Austin Rumer and Michael Foote on Thursday were awarded Medals of Honor for their actions during a house fire in the early morning on Dec. 7, 2022.
The Medal of Honor is presented to members of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office who, through an extraordinary effort, attempts to or contributes to the saving of a human life. Additionally, when death of the victim seems imminent, the member’s actions significantly assist the life-saving effort.
Below is a briefing of the event that occurred early that morning.
On Dec. 7, 2022, Deputy Austin Rumer and Deputy Michael Foote received a dispatched call for a residence fire occurring in the 16000 block of East 196th Street. Upon their arrival, the structure was partially engulfed, with flames showing on the east exposure, the north exposure, and though the roof. A person nearby stated that the residence still contained two persons: an adult male and a juvenile male. Without hesitation, and without priority for their own safety, Deputies Rumer and Foote entered the residence. Working in heavy smoke, they assisted with a rapid primary search of the first floor. Deputy Rumer remained calm and collected, relaying entry team location information to responding units.
Upstairs access was located, and again Deputy Rumer and Deputy Foote swiftly moved into the heat and smoke to continue the rescue effort. An adult male was found lying on the upstairs landing and Deputy Rumer took control of him, ensuring his extrication from the structure.
Deputy Rumer returned and pushed further into the upstairs, searching for additional occupants with Deputy Foote. The team found the eastern-most room of the second floor to be completely choked with smoke and flame. Deputy Rumer moved into a safety position within the room to ensure contact with the other team member and visual/tactile contact with the room exit. After the room was declared to be clear, Deputy Rumer directed the departure with competence and a remarkable memory for the convoluted path to the exit.
On this occasion, Deputy Rumer and Deputy Foote performed beyond the call of duty, without regard for their own safety, where the outcome of the situation would have reasonably resulted in the loss of human life or serious bodily injury, in an environment of obstacles, smoke, and fire; and where there was ample opportunity for them to consider the risk of action before and during the event. Congratulations on a job well done.