Shelby Fire shows support as 4 honored by state for explosion response (with video)
By David Jacobs
The Shelby Fire Department was represented in Columbus as four from Richland County received the Ohio Fire Service Citizen Award for their actions following a Sept. 13, 2024, home explosion near Crestline — an incident Shelby assisted with as part of a multi-agency response led by Springfield Township.
"We went down to (Columbus) to support them and be there because we were involved with responding to the incident," Shelby Fire Capt. Sam Sauder said.
"It was a pretty neat thing to see and be a part of," Sauder said of witnessing the state’s 44th annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards on May 14 at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in downtown Columbus.
The awards from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of EMS are considered the fire service’s "high honors."
An individual was killed and two other people were hurt in the explosion on the afternoon of Sept. 13.
In Columbus on May 14, more than 200 individuals, including state officials, first responders, family members of honorees, and the general public, attended the ceremony, a state announcement said. It takes place annually to recognize the valor, dedication and exemplary service of fire service members and citizens from across Ohio.
Justin Thompson, Ford Amsbaugh, Kevin Jarvis, and Ronnie Smith of Thompson Asphalt received their awards, the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office reports.
"The four men were working when they heard a nearby explosion, followed by smoke rising above the neighborhood," the fire marshal's office detailed via news release. "They quickly jumped into action and headed toward what was left of the home, using their water truck to battle the flames."
Their actions at the Hook Road site "provided crucial extra seconds until the Springfield Township Fire Department arrived to take over fire suppression efforts," the state said.
"After the fire was partially contained, the four individuals joined firefighters in their mission to find and rescue a victim who was trapped in the debris," the release added.
WATCH VIDEO courtesy of the State Fire Marshal's Office
The Shelby Fire Department provided mutual aid on the call. Shelby firefighters later received widespread recognition for their work at the scene.
In March 2025, the Shelby Fire Department as a whole received recognition for its efforts in the regional response to the deadly house explosion and fire at the Crestline area site.
A “Certificate of Appreciation” was presented in “Recognition of the Heroes at Shelby Fire Department who assisted with the lifesaving rescue (medical recovery)” of Col. Troy A. Cramer of the Ohio Air National Guard following the house explosion.
