Dallas Fire-Rescue

Dallas Fire Rescue is proud to award three members from Truck 20 the Fireground Excellence Award for rescuing 3 children from a second-floor bedroom as fire quickly began to overtake their building.

On July 10, 2025, a fire erupted at 5801 Preston Oaks threatening the lives of 3 children trapped inside.

Captain Doug Grammer entered the involved unit under deteriorating conditions and located three children sheltered in a bedroom. Escape through the front door was not survivable, so Captain Grammer closed the bedroom door to slow fire progression and protect the children. Outside, Driver Engineers Royal Coleman and Richard Whittle located the children at a second‑floor window and positioned a 16‑foot ladder. Working together, Coleman and Whittle removed all three children from the structure. Less than a minute later, the bedroom filled with dense smoke, underscoring the urgency of their actions.
As conditions worsened, Firefighter Gregory Brinley performed a vent-enter-search operation and confirmed all occupants had been removed. The coordinated actions of Truck 20 and Rescue 20 directly resulted in the rescue of three civilians and prevented the loss of life. A Unit Citation was awarded to Truck 20 and Rescue 20 for their professionalism, courage, and commitment to life safety. Great job, bubbas!

🚨The second video shows the fire at back of the building that was encroaching on the children’s bedroom.

Rescue 20
DE Royal Coleman
FR Brian Austin
Truck 20
CA Doug Grammer
DE Richard Whittle
FR Gregory Brinley
FR Freddy Arteaga

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