Wayne County firefighters honored at banquet

Heroism is defined by extraordinary actions in the face of danger, and at its core, it embodies the spirit of selflessness and courage.

Two awards were recently presented at the Wayne County Fire-Rescue Association Banquet held at The Connection Conference and Event Center: the Valor Award and the Firefighter of the Year. These awards recognize firefighters whose dedication and bravery have saved lives and inspired others.

Being a firefighter is an inherently dangerous profession. Some are thrust into circumstances requiring them to put their lives on the line to protect and save those in peril.

When Jordon Miller of the Wooster Division of Fire answered a call on Nov. 24 of last year, he didn’t know he would save a life, extinguish a fire and receive the Valor Award for his efforts that night.

As Miller was performing fire suppression at a fully engulfed residence, an occupant emerged from a basement stairwell and told him his girlfriend was still in the basement. Knowing her life was on the line, Miller assessed the situation, donned his self-contained breathing apparatus and headed to the cellar in low visibility, where he found the victim confused and disoriented.

Miller then put the victim on his shoulder and carried her upstairs and safely outside to await medical treatment.

“We train on stuff like this every day,” Miller said. “Instinct kicked in. Anyone on my shift would have done the same thing I did that night.”

Apple Creek Assistant Chief Dave Compston was named the 2024 Firefighter of the Year for his service throughout 2024. A proclamation from the Wayne County Commissioners highlighted Compston’s achievements:

—Promoting fire service unity and teamwork and establishing county-wide relationships.

—Organizing an Amish Safety Day at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility that allowed approximately 300 Amish school children to experience a day of fire safety.

—Earning numerous certifications and credentials like Firefighter II, EMT-B, Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II, Live Fire Instructor, Grain Bin Rescue Instructor, VFIS Driving Instructor, Trench Rescue Operations, and Hazmat Operations.

When Compston is not on duty, he is active in 4-H, an instructor at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility, a volunteer youth baseball and softball coach, and a former Wayne County Fire Investigation Team member.

Wooster Community Hospital received the Special Recognition Award for supporting Emergency Medical Services throughout Wayne County.

“Time and time again, Wooster Community Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to EMS providers by ensuring that first responders have the resources, training and medical expertise needed to serve the community at the highest level,” Wooster Township Fire Chief Dallas Terrell said. “They have been a steadfast partner.”

According to Terrell, when a hospital is vested in the community, it strengthens the medical system and improves patient outcomes.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.