Lt. Randy Schmelz of the Arlington Fire Department will receive the International Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor in on Friday, August 23 in Kansas City, Missouri. This award is given specifically to recognize the spirit of service, courage and heroism that is a tradition among the fire service.

Presented annually to a deserving firefighter by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Motorola Corporation, the award honors the firefighter for his or her expert training, professional service and dedication to duty displayed in the saving of a human life. The award is presented each year at Fire-Rescue International, the annual IAFC conference.

Lt. Schmelz’s crew at Fire Station 2, B shift, were involved in two separate rescues of children trapped in a burning structure in May and again in December 2001. During these rescue efforts, Lt. Schmelz put himself in considerable danger, resulting in being injured in one of the rescues, along with several other firefighters.

There will be a Recognition BBQ, hosted by Motorola, at Fire Station #2 in Arlington, on Thursday, September 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bob Bondurant, a local Motorola representative, and his cooking team will provide the meal to Lt. Schmelz, his family, special guests and City of Arlington dignitaries.