Cape Girardeau Firefighters awarded Medal of Valor after dramatic Meriwether Street rescue

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to a residential fire Dec. 20, 2025, in the 1100 block of Meriwether Street after reports that two homes were fully involved and occupants might be trapped.

While crews were en route, dispatch advised that residents could still be inside the structures. Firefighters reported seeing a large column of fire from several blocks away, and the call was upgraded to a working fire prior to arrival.

Ladder 1 was assigned to a residence at 1109 Meriwether St. During a size-up, crew members heard a civilian screaming for help from inside the structure, which was experiencing heavy smoke and fire conditions. Despite not having a protective hose line in place, the Ladder 1 interior crew — Capt. Andrew Juden and Firefighter Tobias Williams — immediately acted.

Fire officials said the crew forced entry through a window at the A/D corner and entered the structure under extreme conditions. Operating in zero visibility with significant fire involvement, Juden and Williams located an adult female and her dog. The victim was removed through the window and transferred to Ladder 1 driver-operator Jamie Hann and Engine 4 Capt. Ethan Essner, who were positioned outside to assist. Essner and Engine 4 Firefighter Cameren Walley then moved the victim to a nearby yard, where she was turned over to emergency medical services.

Officials said the actions of Ladder 1 directly resulted in the rescue of a trapped civilian who would not have survived without the immediate intervention. The department cited the incident as an example of its guiding principle to “risk a lot to save a lot.”

For their actions, which officials said exceeded normal expectations and demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism, Juden and Williams were awarded the Medal of Valor. Essner, Hann and Walley were also awarded a Unit Citation for their roles in assisting with the rescue and removal of the victim to safety.