Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Department of Transportation

9/30/1970

Special Act Award (Gold)

In early June of 1970, Howard W. Anderson, a Heavy Equipment Mechanic, knowingly put his own life in extreme jeopardy while attempting to rescue a fellow employee trapped in a fire in the Marysville equipment maintenance shop of the Division of Highways. The fire followed a gasoline explosion that completely engulfed George Mote, a fellow mechanic. Mr. Anderson completely disregarded his personal safety while battling the flames which reached 30 feet high in the air, scorching the ceiling of the building, as he continued to spray fire extinguishing material onto the flames nearest Mr. Mote until the supply was exhausted and help arrived. Howard Anderson sustained second and third degree burns to his face and left hand, and later became disabled due to his injuries from the rescue attempt. Unfortunately, the co-worker did not survive the accident. Mr. Anderson exemplifies the very essence of a hero who thought of nothing more than trying to save his fellow man.