The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire Department was honored by two local Chamber of Commerce organizations last week for its response to the Pentagon on September 11th.

Six members of the Airports Authority Fire Department, who were among the first on the scene at the Pentagon on September 11th, were honored with Life Saving Awards at the 20th Annual Valor Awards held by the Arlington County Chamber of Commerce on April 10th.

Fire Captain Michael Defina, Fire Captain Eugene Harris, EMS Captain Charles Howes, Firefighter Nicholas Buongiome, Firefighter Cary Henry, and Firefighter Joseph Ruffolo, earned the awards through their efforts on September 11th in responding to the Pentagon and being the second fire department on scene and the first to begin firefighting operations.

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce recognized the Fire Department for its initial response and ongoing work at the site from September 11th - September 21st. A total of 112 Airports Authority emergency personnel worked at the Pentagon as part of the emergency response force.

In addition to fire suppression, search and rescue, and triage and transport operations, Authority personnel worked with other fire and rescue personnel from the region in planning, safety, logistics, and command functions.