| Traditionally each year the Fire Chief with input from the Chief Officers selects a recipient for the Fire Chief's award. Chief Lentz when selecting the recipient of this award takes into account various characteristics. While this is typically not presented to a current administrative member occasionally, based on the selection criteria set forth there was no denying that this recipient was the most deserving.
In his presentation speech Chief Lentz states " I am a huge fan of recognition based on performance in the field, or overcoming obstacles that no one would ever see coming or expect, with determination and focus and/or saving the life of another." Unfortunately, in the emergency services industry this sometimes means saving your own life. These characteristics not only represent a worthy recipient of the Fire Chief's award but represent that of a real life hero.
Early on in life this years recipient served this nation honorably in the U.S Military. Following his military service as a U.S Marine he continued to serve as a member of the LPFD for nearly 5 decades of which 40 of those years was as an active firefighter. This recipient held numerous positions including firefighter, Engineer, and Chief Engineer. In the marines this recipient served in Vietnam and was on the final flight out of the American Embassy in Saigon, before going on to protect President Gerald Ford before his retirement from the Marine Corps.
In early 2024 this recipient relocated to Philadelphia where he resided for 6 months at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in the Cardiac Care unit awaiting a new heart. After that 6 month battle this recipient was blessed to receive a new heart and a new lease on life. He was welcomed home by the community and continues to be an active member of the LPFD to this day.
When we circle back to think of the preferred characteristics of this recognition " Overcoming obstacles that no one would ever see coming or expect with determination and focus" and seeing a proven track record of service for someone who has literally been to " Hell and Back" - Twice, fighting for our freedom and his own life there is only one person deserving of this award - Our Hero Ron Hoy ! |
