COAL GROVE — The bravery of one of Coal Grove’s finest, showed in rescuing a blind man from a burning home last month, earned him one of the highest honors in the state of Ohio.

Coal Grove Police Chief Jason Bloomfield was honored Tuesday with the State Fire Marshal’s Award for Heroism for his actions in saving Ron Brammer from his Marion Pike home on March 17. Brammer lived in the home along with his mother.

The award is bestowed to citizens who show extraordinary unselfishness and courage in fire-related events.

It is given based on a nomination by a member of the fire service, state legislature or local government and a set of specific criteria.

Bloomfield was nominated by Coal Grove Fire Chief Gary Sherman. The award was introduced in 2001.

Surrounded by family, friends, fellow firefighters and police officers at the Coal Grove Fire Department, Bloomfield was presented with the award by Jamie Stewart, South District Code Enforcement Assistant Chief for the State Fire Marshal and State Fire Safety Inspector Mike McRoberts.

The chief, though, took yesterday’s award in stride.

“I greatly appreciate all the family and friends who attended,” a humble Bloomfield said. “I guess I was at the right place at the right time.”

Thinking they were responding to a routine call for a small kitchen fire just a few blocks away, Sherman and Bloomfield were the first to arrive at the Brammer residence only to find a majority of the home engulfed in flames.

Without breathing apparatus or adequate protection, Broomfield risked his life with a split-second decision by reaching into the blaze and rescuing Brammer who was crawling towards the front door attempting to avoid the deadly smoke.

Bloomfield was able to locate Brammer by yelling to him. When Brammer responded, Bloomfield knew he was close by.

“Once I heard him respond, I reached in with both arms and grabbed him,” Bloomfield said following the rescue.

Bloomfield also was able to assist Brammer’s mother away from the scene who was standing near the front entryway when emergency personnel arrived. Both were treated and released from King’s Daughters Medical Center.

With the award, Bloomfield is automatically put into consideration for the State Fire Marshal’s Hall of Fame Awards. Presented annually, the Hall of Fame is the highest honors the state fire division presents.