Five St. George police officers received the agency's highest honors for their actions during the Bella Vista apartment fire, according to a September 20 report. The officers entered smoke-filled buildings and forced doors to assist residents during the incident on June 7.
Sgt. Justin Neil, Sgt. Tyler Earle, and Officer Robert Leavitt received the Medal of Honor, which is the department's highest award. Sgt. Jaden Jex and Officer David Hamblin were awarded the Medal of Valor, which recognizes exceptional bravery performed voluntarily in the face of personal risk.
Officers arrived at the apartment complex before the first fire engine and observed flames moving through the buildings. According to the report, Earle and Neil encountered a resident who believed a man remained inside an apartment. The officers forced a locked security door and entered the smoke-filled building to search until deteriorating conditions forced them to exit.
Leavitt and Hamblin also forced apartment doors to help evacuate residents, while Jex assisted Neil and Earle with searching the second floor. Five of the officers were among eight St. George officers who required treatment for smoke inhalation following the response.
The recognition follows earlier coverage of the June 7 fire, which included a second-floor ladder rescue and the evacuation of residents by fire crews from St. George and neighboring communities.
