Units were dispatched to the 5500 block of Brenner Street for a reported house fire. Upon arrival, the engine reported heavy smoke conditions and a fire on the first floor of a 2 story house. It was reported that several children were trapped upstairs. The engine crew advanced a hose line under adverse conditions and positioned between the fire and the stairs to the second floor. The crew held back the flames allowing crews from Hillside – Company 6 and Seat Pleasant – Co. 8 to get up the stairs and search for the children. Three (3) children were removed from the house, all suffering from smoke inhalation. A coordinated fire attack, protection of the stairs and the quick search / removal saved the lives of the three children. On July 14, 1998 the crews from Capitol Heights, Hillside and Seat Pleasant that were involved in this incident received an Emergency Services – Unit Citation for their actions. The career and volunteer personnel from Capitol Heights receiving the unit citation included: Chief James E. McClelland, Assistant Chief John H. Weaver, Lieutenant Earl Shubert, Firefighter Rob Wallace, Firefighter Cliff Wilson and Volunteer Lieutenant William G. Lehew, Sr.
