City firefighters honored for defusing suicide try on General Sullivan Bridge

From left, Deputy Chief Darryl Jeffers, Deputy Chief Dennis Dube, Firefighter Micah Ruel, Firefighter Josh Biron and Chief Mark Klose. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Several current and former members of the Rochester Fire Department were honored for their valor and service at a ceremony held Monday at the New Hampshire Fire and Emergency Medical Services Committee of Merit Awards Ceremony.

The incident in which their bravery and dedication shone through occurred on Nov. 3, 2017, when Dover firefighters responded to a report that an individual was at risk of jumping off of the General Sullivan Bridge.

Rochester firefighters provided additional technical rescue equipment and personnel. Rochester Firefighter Micah Ruel was lowered down the side of the bridge to reach the woman and worked together with Dover Firefighter Dave Camire to safely remove her from the bridge.

Firefighters Camire and Ruel were awarded a Class 2 Medal of Valor for their life saving actions during the rescue.

Rochester Fire Chief Mark Klose, retired Assistant Chief Mark Dupuis, Deputy Chief Dennis Dube, Captain Joe Burns and firefighters Ruel, Sam Morrill and Josh Biron received a Unit Citation for their efforts during the rescue.

"The whole team played a vital role in protecting an individual who was in a dangerous situation," Klose said. "I'm proud of the work they did that evening, and want to congratulate them all on this well deserved honor."