Rick Mueller, Milwaukee

Every firefighter trains for emergencies they pray will never happen. Unfortunately, these same individuals realize that over time, anything can and will occur. Captain Rick Mueller of the Milwaukee Fire Department knows this lesson all too well. Yet his unyielding dedication to saving lives has resulted in the rescue of several Milwaukee citizens from house fires this past year alone.

On the morning of April 21st, Captain Mueller and his crew were the first to arrive at the scene of a house fire. Despite intense heat and zero-visibility on the first floor, Captain Mueller disregarded his personal safety upon learning of a missing child.

Less than four months later, Captain Mueller found himself in a similar scene. Shortly after his work shift began, he arrived in front of another burning duplex. Distraught neighbors immediately informed him that numerous people were still inside. Relying on experience and sheer determination, Captain Mueller raced into the home where he located and rescued two people.

The city of Milwaukee is grateful to have local heroes like Captain Mueller working in the Fire Department, yet this firefighter is modest.  He attributes all of the lives he has saved to his team and thanks the Red Cross for the support they give to fire victims.