The Tacoma Fire Department recognized five firefighters with the medal of valor award in a ceremony Wednesday. The medal of valor, which is the department’s highest award, is given to firefighters who demonstrate a conspicuous act of bravery and heroism in an extremely hazardous situation and above and beyond the call of duty, and place themselves in imminent danger that probably would have resulted in great bodily injury or death. The awards were given related to a tragic 2009 house fire incident, where crews rescued two occupants out a bedroom window and one occupant — who later died — down a narrow stairway with intense fire threatening their escape route. The medal of valor award recipients include Battalion Chief Ben Flesher, who has 28 years of service; Lieutenant Alex Wilsie, who has 15 years of service; Lieutenant Casey Novak, who has nine years of service; Lieutenant Richard Turley, who has 12 years of service; and Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Purdy, who has five years of service.