Leeds Fire Department Life Saving Performance Recognition | May 6, 2024

City of Leeds Fire Chief Chuck Parsons recognized these firefighters at Monday night’s Council meeting for their recent life-saving performance.

“In recognition of personnel with their actions, outstanding efforts, and service for our community and fellow co-workers, Leeds Fire & Rescue would like to recognize Captain Kyle Shell, Lieutenant Demarlo Blount, Lieutenant Michael Jenkins, and Apparatus Operator Chase Armstrong, Apparatus Operator Mark Howard, Fire Medic Jared Cain, Fire Medic Tyler Paterno, Firefighter Jordan West, and Firefighter Gage Ryder in the performance of a life-saving episode that occurred on February 2024. On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Leeds Fire and Rescue received a call for services at 1605 Parnell Drive for an unresponsive male. Upon arriving, Captain Shell found a male patient, his father, pulseless outside the residence. Captain Shell initiated life-saving CPR on his own father until crews could arrive with more assistance.

Lieutenant Blount and Lieutenant Jenkins, A. O. Armstrong, A. O. Howard, Fire Medic Cain, Fire Medic Paterno, Firefighter West, Firefighter Gage arrived shortly thereafter and worked with valiant efforts in resuscitation efforts and administered life-saving care with Captain Shell’s father.

The high-quality patient care displayed by the responding crews resulted in Mr. Jerry Shell surviving a cardiac arrest. He was released from the hospital on April 13, 2024, with little to no deficiencies. The crew’s quick response, immediate actions and excellent quality care displayed resulted in saving the life of Mr. Shell.

Their actions and excellence in the performance of their duties bestowed upon them, the utmost thanks and appreciation for the community and the department from the family of Mr. Shell.”