The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission recently released its second group of Carnegie Medal awardees for 2006. Each year the Pittsburgh-based philanthropic foundation recognizes close to 100 people for their life-saving efforts.

The latest list of names consisted of 16 individuals, including two firefighters. Christopher N. White of Carrollton, Ga., and Keith Leuci of Paris, Tenn., were recognized for rescues they conducted in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

White, a volunteer with Carroll County (Ga.) Fire Rescue and EMA, was cited for his efforts during the rescue of a shark-attack victim. While vacationing at Miramar Beach, Fla., White and other beach-goers responded to screams and pulled the 14-year-old female victim from the surf, fighting off the shark in the process. The rescuers tried to revive the girl but were unsuccessful due to the extent of her injuries.

Leuci, a volunteer firefighter at the time with the Cologne (N.J.) Fire Company, rescued a passenger from a burning car in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Responding to a three-vehicle accident call, Leuci arrived at the scene and found the vehicle on fire and a passenger trying to escape the flames through the car’s window. Leuci was able to pry open the car door and get the passenger to safety before fire engulfed the vehicle.

Along with their medals, each recipient also receives a $4,000 grant. This latest announcement brings the number of individuals recognized for the award this year to 36 and to 8,997 since the award's inception in 1904. Founded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the fund has awarded $28.5 million in grants, scholarship aid, death benefits and continuing assistance.