| Name: | Chris Brandon |
| Gender: | Male |
| Agency: | Dolton Fire Department |
| Type of Firefighter: | |
| Rank: | Engineer |
| Type of Duty: | Firefighter rescue, Firefighting operations, Hose operations, Search and rescue operations |
| Type of Award: | Medal of Honor |
| Year of Award: | 2004 |
| Incident City: | Riverdale |
| Year of Incident: | 2003 |
| Incident Location Type: | Commercial |
| Incident Attribute: | Fires |
Engineer Chris Brandon of the Dolton Fire Department was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to rescue a fellow firefighter from a fire at a car wash in Riverdale, Illinois on January 25, 2003.
Engineer Brandon and fellow firefighter Dave DuVall were called to a fire that broke out in the office of a car wash. While trying to extinguish the flames, the two men lost water pressure. As they were about to exit the burning structure, some fiery debris fell down from the ceiling. DuVall became trapped as a result. Brandon, acting quickly, removed the debris from DuVall.
Once Brandon got DuVall out of harm’s way, he caught on fire. As he was trying to exit the office, though, he fell, losing his helmet. In the process, Brandon received second- and third-degree burns on his face and neck. He also lost part of his left ear. He was hospitalized for two days as a result of his heroic actions.
Citations:
“Dolton firefighter honored for saving partner,” The Star, July 17, 2004.
“Dolton firefighter is honored,” The Star, June 13, 2004.