Menlo Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Willingham was recognized Tuesday in Atlanta at the Georgia State Capitol, receiving the Lifesaving Valor Award for his heroic actions during a house fire in May of 2025 that resulted in a life being saved.

Willingham, who has served with the Menlo Fire Department for 16 years and also pastors Menlo First Baptist Church, was dispatched to a structure fire with reports of a wheelchair-bound victim trapped inside. He was the first fully geared firefighter to arrive on scene as fire conditions rapidly worsened.

Guided by a family member to the nearest entrance, Willingham entered the smoke-filled home with zero visibility and no time to spare. Inside, he located the victim calling for help, slid him to the floor, and began dragging him toward safety.

Firefighter Joseph Eleam, a four-year veteran, entered the structure from the opposite side and assisted Willingham in moving the victim to the doorway. Lieutenant Jason Morris, who has served 13 years with the department, along with several local law enforcement officers, helped complete the rescue. The victim was safely removed in under four minutes—just moments before conditions would have made rescue impossible.

Firefighters from the Summerville Fire Department immediately began providing first aid once the victim was outside the structure.

The award was presented by the Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA) in recognition of Willingham’s courage, training, and leadership under extreme conditions—actions that directly saved a life.