The 2017 Silent Hero Award for Heroism was presented to Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services team Lt. Nicklaus Ledford, Sgt. David Armstrong, and Firefighter Austin Fannin. This team responded to a working fire with heavy fire conditions. They were advised to prepare for a defensive mode of operation. Occupants were inside the structure – on the second story. This team slid in the window – found the unresponsive female on the floor – they were able to extricate this occupant via the ground ladder. The room was filled with smoke and fire but they had a 2nd occupant to locate. They dragged the occupant to the window and carried the victim to safety. Due to this crew’s forward thinking, innovative techniques and speed of response, they rescued two victims within minutes of the roof collapsing.