Duncan Honors Firefighters for Bravery; Appeals for Aid for Displaced Family

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Pete Piringer, 240-777-2400

For Immediate Release: March 6, 2001

Duncan Honors Firefighters for Bravery;
Appeals for Aid for Displaced Family

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and Fire Administrator Gordon Aoyagi today honored Fire Rescue Captain Vincent Bello, Masterfirefighter Monte Fitch, and Firefighter Rescuer Sam Villani, for their heroic efforts on February 1 when they resuced an infant trapped by fire in the basement of a house in Wheaton. Also honored was Masterfirefighter Michele Ruth who, over the phone, assisted a husband in delivering his child. There to thank the firefighters were the parents, Gloria Alba Ventura and Oscar Villanueva and other family members, of Ingrid Villanueva, the four-month old girl who was rescued.

"I want to commend these firefighters for their exceptional bravery," said Duncan. "Everyday on the job, our public safety workers routinely display the type of heroism and dedication shown by Mr. Villani, Mr. Bello, Mr. Fitch and Ms. Ruth. We are very fortunate to have such courageous and devoted members of our Fire Service."

When a fire started in the basement of a home on the 11000 block of Bluhill Road, Villani, Bello, and Fitch responded from Fire Station 21 in Kensington. Family members told the firefighters that a baby was trapped inside in her crib. Villani headed directly into the basement and, although the smoke was so thick that he could not see, he heard the infant cough, found the crib, and quickly handed the infant out a basement window to a waiting firefighter.

As Villani dropped to the floor to search for the exit out of the basement, Fitch entered the basement and helped guide Villani back out through the thick smoke and heat. Villani suffered second-degree burns to his back, but Fitch's quick actions prevented more serious injuries from occurring.

"What an incredible first rescue for Mr. Villani, who has only been a professional County firefighter for about a year," said Montgomery County Fire Administrator Gordon Aoyagi. "The actions of all the firefighters honored today reflect the professionalism of our entire fire-fighting force. I'm thankful that we were called in time to save the baby's life."

Meanwhile, a family member who tried to reenter the burning house to save the infant was quickly overcome by the smoke and heat. Bello crawled through the smoke, found the man, and dragged him outside.

Also recognized at the ceremony was Michele Ruth. On February 10, Ruth took a 911 emergency call at the Fire and Rescue Emergency Communications Center requesting an ambulance for a woman who was in labor with her second child. When it quickly became apparent that delivery was imminent, Ruth helped the father safely deliver the baby.

Prior to becoming a professional firefighter for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service last year, the 26-year-old Villani was a volunteer firefighter for the County and in Ocean City. He also taught health at a Washington D.C. elementary school.

Bello is a 26-year, highly decorated veteran of the Fire and Rescue Service. Fitch has been a firefighter for ten years and is a trained paramedic. Ruth is a Registered Nurse who has been with the County for ten years.

Duncan appealed for aid for the Villanueva family who were displaced as a result of the fire. They need clothes for the whole family, food, including baby food and diapers. To make donations, call Pete Piringer or Bill Delaney of the Fire and Rescue Service at 240-777-2400.

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