PARKERSBURG, West Virginia (WTAP) – On Thursday, two first responders received the Medal of Valor for their bravery and heroism in their communities.
Governor Patrick Morrisey bestowed the West Virginia Medal of Valor on Darrell Lambert of Logan County and Donald Larsen of Wetzel County.
“West Virginia’s first responders are some of the best in the nation,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “I was honored to award the Medal of Valor to two local heroes who risked their own lives to save others.”
Darrell Lambert of Mill Creek in Logan County has been with the Lake Volunteer Fire Department for over 39 years.
Lambert was off-duty and driving down Mill Creek on February 17, 2021, when his department was dispatched for a fully involved structure fire. Lambert was close to the address and responded quickly in his personal vehicle. He arrived on the scene within two minutes of receiving the page.
After arriving, he noticed an open door on the side of the building, and a man yelled that his wife was inside. Lambert entered the house and dragged the woman out, down the driveway, to safety. He did it without any bunker gear or concern for his own safety. He got burns on his forehead, back of his neck, and ears.
Donald Larsen is currently in his 42nd year with the New Martinsville Police Department. Larsen, originally from Huntington, joined the New Martinsville Police Department in 1983 after serving honorably in the United States Army.
On January 4, 2008, then-Patrolman Larsen received a welfare check for a home in New Martinsville. When he arrived at this location to conduct this check, he noticed two people lying on the floor, motionless. Larsen entered the residence, which was filled with carbon monoxide fumes, and proceeded to remove the individuals to the outside.
He then returned to the two victims after checking to see if there were any other occupants. Larsen was taken to the emergency room and admitted due to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in his system. Larsen’s quick actions saved both lives that day.
The West Virginia Medal of Valor was established in 2020 to recognize emergency medical service personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while performing their duties.
