Last May, the Houston Fire Department responded to a house fire in north Houston.
"The front of the home was totally engulfed in flames and heavy black smoke," said officials from the Houston Fire Department.
Firefighters Alan Nile and Kyle Itzen entered the burning building and found a trapped and unconscious five-year old girl, whom they both described as "100% lifeless." The firefighters exited the building and rushed the child to a medical crew, who began to revive the girl.
"She began to breathe on her own and by the time the medic unit reached the hospital she was alert and oriented," officials said.
All of the finalists for the “Firefighter of The Year” award were recognized and presented with a plaque. The event took place at Maggiano’s Little Italy in the Galleria area.
Today, the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston honored their actions with the Firefighters of the Year award, an award that has been given out for the past 37 years.
Other firefighters were also nominated, including Captain William Gunderson for rescuing a drowning woman and Fire Station 34-B for volunteering to cleanup a convenience store after it had been broken into.
"Every day over 4,000 men and women of the Houston Fire Department respond to nearly 1,000 calls," said Fire Chief Terry Garrison. "Their job is made a little easier and safer because of the community bond."