Firefighters awarded for rescuing woman from NC cell tower

GASTONIA, N.C. (WJZY) — Two Gastonia firefighters were awarded recently for their efforts saving a woman who had climbed a cell tower. 

At the Feb. 20 Gastonia City Council meeting, Michael Chafin and Capt. Barron Summey received Medal of Valor awards for their heroic response. 

On the evening of Jan. 14, city officials say the two braved temperatures below 40 degrees to save the life of a woman who had ascended a cellphone tower in the Gaston County town of Ranlo.  

Ranlo police officers located the resident inside the fencing of the communications tower on Burlington Avenue. During the call, the woman reportedly began to climb the tower. As she climbed higher, Ranlo Police requested Ranlo Fire to help.  

Ranlo Fire arrived at the scene and determined the need for additional resources for safety. Among those were the Gastonia Fire Department. 

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Ranlo officials determined the person ascended roughly 175 feet above the ground and 75 feet beyond the limits of Gastonia’s ladder truck.  

At that time, Chafin and Summey ascended the tower and successfully brought the person off the tower utilizing rope rescue techniques. 

“We are very proud to recognize these two gentlemen for an extraordinary rescue,” said Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch. “Their dedication to their work and bravery during this extraordinary circumstance is a testament to our mission as we proudly serve our community.”