Bulltown Road Explosion Incident Recognition

On Friday, June 10, 2022 at approximately 3:15pm in the afternoon, North Lenoir Fire & Rescue responded mutual aid with La Grange Volunteer Fire Department to 4871 Bulltown Road in La Grange, NC for a brush fire approaching a structure. Prior to arrival, the Lenoir County 911 Center advised responding personnel the structure contained fireworks.

Shortly after arrival, fireworks detonated causing several injuries and damage to fire department apparatus. Three firefighters were transported to ECU Health Trauma Center in Greenville, NC to be treated for their injuries - one by Eastcare Helicopter and two by Lenoir County Emergency Services ambulance. One La Grange Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter was critically injured and one individual was fatally wounded.

For their actions during this tragic incident, North Lenoir Fire & Rescue has issued the following recognitions to members of our department.

For performing an act of heroism at extreme imminent personal risk under adverse conditions in the course of duty, Firefighter Ackery Harrelson, Fire Chief Brian Wade, Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Ward, and Captain Billy Youssef were presented with the Medal of Valor.

The Medal of Valor is the highest recognition a living member of the fire service can be awarded. To receive the Medal of Valor, the firefighter must be a member of the department who, in the performance of duty while on a call, under hazardous conditions, in which the member is confronted with imminent personal risk, performs an act of conspicuous heroism which furthers the highest traditions of the fire service.

For performing a highly unusual act of distinction above and beyond the call of duty under adverse conditions, Captain Clay Dunn and Firefighter Brittany Heath were presented with the Distinguished Service Award.

For performing a notable act of distinction in the course of duty, Firefighter Nathan Howell and Firefighter Landon Moore were presented with the Meritorious Conduct Award.

The following members were recognized by Unit Citation for responding and rendering aid during this incident:

• Nick Bishop

• Ryan Dawson

• Ashton Dawson

• Chris Decker

• Clay Dunn

• Andrew Fair

• Franklin Floyd

• Ackery Harrelson

• Brittany Heath

• Trey Herring

• Nathan Howell

• Zack Jenkins

• Garrett Jones

• Michael Langley

• Landon Moore

• Tyler Moore

• Brian Wade

• Brandon Ward

• Lynn Wiley

• Billy Youssef