Clearwater Fire and Rescue Recognizes Firefighter Of The Year

Clearwater, FL December 11 - Firefighters are in the business of saving lives.  Sometimes under extreme circumstances, that can include one another. Clearwater’s Firefighter of the Year rescued an unconscious co-worker from the water during a training accident.

On June 11, 2008, Lt. Matt Daerr was participating in a personal watercraft training exercise in Tampa Bay. Firefighter/Fire Medic Jason Matthews, who was also in the exercise, was thrown from his Jet Ski after coming across the wake from a boat.  He was knocked unconscious in the water. Lt. Daerr immediately went to FM Matthew’s rescue.  He pulled FM Matthews from the water and brought him back to shore. Under the extreme circumstances of this water rescue, his action was exemplary and it is an example of the first-rate firefighting/rescue skills he possesses. His training, courage, and quick thinking saved FM Matthew’s life.

Lt. Daerr began his career with CFR on October 4, 1999.  He was promoted to Driver/Operator on December 24, 2005, and promoted to Lieutenant December 6, 2008. He is qualified to drive the engine, tiller truck, personal watercrafts, and rides on the ALS engine as a pool paramedic. Matt is also one of the recipients of this year’s Turner Award for 2008, which recognizes outstanding paramedics.

Lt. Daerr will be recognized as Clearwater Fire & Rescue’s Firefighter of the Year at a ceremony on December 11th. Other award recipients will also be recognized, Thursday, December 11, 2008, 6:00 p.m.at Clearwater Fire Training Facility.

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