Four members of Gordon County Fire Rescue were honored Tuesday night with the department’s highest recognition, the Medal of Valor, for their heroic actions during a house fire rescue in Plainville.
The awards were presented during a meeting of the Gordon County Board of Commissioners in recognition of the firefighters’ efforts to save an elderly woman trapped inside a burning home on May 31.
According to Gordon County Fire Rescue Chief Heath Derryberry, firefighters responded to what was the county’s 25th structure fire of 2026 at a residence on Highway 53 near the Floyd County line. Upon arrival, crews were informed that a victim might still be inside the home.
Battalion Chief Bo Nicholson, Lt. Zack Crow, Sgt. Jake Nicholson and Probationary Firefighter Kevin Commancho entered the structure and located an elderly woman lying on the floor. Chief Derryberry said the residence was approximately 70 percent involved in fire when the rescue was made.
The firefighters successfully removed the woman from the burning home and immediately began lifesaving measures outside the structure.
The victim was later transported by LifeForce air ambulance to a specialized burn unit for treatment. She remains in critical condition.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, county leaders recognized the four firefighters for their courage and dedication to protecting the community under extremely dangerous conditions.
The Medal of Valor is the highest honor awarded by Gordon County Fire Rescue and is reserved for acts of extraordinary bravery performed in the line of duty.
Pictured during the presentation were Commissioners Chad Steward, Kevin Cunningham, Randy Abernathy, Bud Owens and Kurt Sutherland, along with Chief Heath Derryberry and the four Medal of Valor recipients.