Six members of the Kansas City (Mo.) Fire Department who displayed literal courage under fire were presented with the 2004 International Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor.

Capt. Patrick Martin, Capt. Phil Atwood, Firefighter Marvin Donaldson, Fire Apparatus Operator Sean McKarnin, Firefighter David Bradley and Firefighter Stephen Johnson were selected for their bravery and heroism. Their actions saved the life of a paramedic shot at an incident.

The IAFC and award sponsor Motorola presented the awards at the FRI opening general session after showing a dramatic video of the response, which left several bullet-ridden apparatus at the scene. On Feb. 23, the fire department, police department and Metropolitan Ambulance Service Trust were responding to the scene when they encountered gunfire coming from the west side of the street. Shortly after the shooting began, Paramedic Mary Seymour sustained two wounds to the chest and collapsed.

After gathering EMS equipment, the firefighters crossed nearly 100 feet of open space to reach Seymour. They were under almost constant automatic gunfire. Two police officers returned fire in a successful attempt to distract the shooter. The firefighters controlled Seymour's bleeding and administered oxygen, then carried her across the open area to an ambulance.

Chief Richard “Smokey” Dyer accepted the award on behalf of the department. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the award, which is presented to a firefighter for life-saving efforts above and beyond the call of duty.