Gov. Rick Scott honored Polk County firefighter Jordan Caldwell Thursday with the Florida Medal of Heroism for service and courage.
On June 14, 2013, Caldwell, 25, and his partner responded to a residential fire in Mulberry and discovered a wood framed house surrounded by dense smoke. The fire inside trapped Sherri Stewart.
Caldwell entered the burning home without the protection of a hose line. Blinded by smoke, Caldwell found the woman, pulled her to safety and resuscitated her while waiting for paramedics.
“I was just doing my job,” Caldwell told WFLA News.
“I am honored to recognize Polk County Fire Rescue Firefighter Jordan Caldwell for going above and beyond the call of duty to save the life of a fellow Floridian in Polk County,” Scott said in a ceremony. “Firefighter Caldwell’s quick thinking and bravery helped save Ms. Stewart’s life and prevented others from being injured. Florida’s first responders, like Firefighter Caldwell, put their lives on the line to keep others safe.”
The Florida “Medal of Heroism” goes to police officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians or paramedics who risk their lives and perform above and beyond the call of duty. Recipients must have engaged in risky or unsafe activities to save lives, knowing that their actions could result in “great personal harm.”
“To Jordan this was just another day at work, but that day he personified the heroic efforts of all firefighters,” said Polk County Fire Chief David Cash. “For that we thank him for his selflessness, commitment and bravery, and we are proud to stand alongside Governor Scott in presenting Jordan with a Medal of Heroism award.”
