“Medal of Valor” Commendation Bar

The Medal of Valor is awarded to a Firefighter for performance above and beyond the call of duty at extreme personal risk and having been instrumental in rescuing and saving another person’s life.

Saved a Life – That is exactly what Chief Willie Jones of the Blue Hills Fire Department did on December 31, 2022.

As noted at his Commendation ceremony on Monday, January 30, 2023, Chief Willie Jones leads the Blue Hills Fire Department with 8 “I’s”:

  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Innovation
  • Insight
  • Interest
  • Inspiration
  • Intensity
  • Information

On December 31, 2022 at 12:44 p.m., Blue Hills Fire Department received a Mutual Aide alarm with assistance from Bloomfield Center Fire District and Windsor Fire Department; for a structure fire at 6 Patton Road, Bloomfield, CT. Chief Jones responded directly to the scene being the first responder on scene. Chief Jones took Fire Command upon arrival. After conducting his size up and confirming a working fire, Chief Jones received information from neighbors that an elderly woman was still inside the building on the second floor. Chief Jones entered the interior structure that involved flames and smoky conditions, found the elderly woman on the second floor and rescued her to safer conditions outside.

Engine 3 was the first Engine to arrive on scene, Chief Jones guided Engine 3 and then pulled 200 feet of inch and 3-quarter Attack line from Engine 3, flaked the line across the grass to the rear of the structure, towards the kitchen. Once Chief Jones was in place with the line, he gave signal to the Pump Operator to send water and extinguished the fire. Chief Jones conducted this Courageous Act prior to other arriving Firefighters. Councilor Suzette DeBetham Brown gave a special Courage Recognition award to Chief Willie Jones. Chief Willie Jones was pinned by Deputy Robert Shuler.

On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Staff and Volunteers, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNSELFISH COURAGE, BRAVERY, STRENTH, SERVICE AND INTEGRITY. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!