Fire Fighter Recognized for Heroic Actions

March 24, 2008 – Victor Lewis, a member of Cleveland, OH Local 93 and a Navy reservist, is being hailed for his courageous actions while serving in Iraq with the Marines in 2005. On April 4, 2005, Lewis’ unit –based in Haditha – was ambushed while trying to locate an enemy weapons cache in nearby Haqlaniyah.

The platoon was hit with heavy machine gunfire, mortars, and pocket-propelled grenades, wounding a Marine. Lewis immediately ran 40 meters through heavy gunfire to move him to safety. Meanwhile, a second Marine was wounded and, again, Lewis made his way through the firefight and carried the Marine to safety.

His actions saved the lives of both Marines and also earned him a Bronze Star for valor. “So many things were going through my mind,” Lewis told VFW Magazine. “But my primary thought was to get to the Marines calling for my help.”

There are many similarities between Lewis’ service in Iraq and his work as a fire fighter -- first and foremost, saving lives.
Lewis is now back at work at Cleveland’s Station 22, where he says, “It’s a lot safer.”