CONCORD – Nashua firefighter Bill Campbell, who was serving with the New York City fire department when the events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded, was honored along with retired NFR fire marshal Rick Wood and 14 Milford firefighters and officers at Monday’s N.H. Fire Academy’s annual Committee of Merit Awards.

The local men were among dozens of firefighters and emergency medical personnel from around the state cited for excellence either through individual or group acts. The highest and most solemn of the awards – the Paul W. Sypek Medal of Valor – was presented posthumously to Sandown firefighter Harold Frey, who collapsed and died during water rescue training in January 2011. Sandown Fire Chief Wilfred Tapley accepted the award, named in honor of the late Concord dispatcher who bequeathed funds to create the annual awards program.

Campbell, along with Manchester firefighter Greg Bolduc, were selected joint recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of their efforts to create the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, in which volunteer participants climb the equivalent of 110 stories to honor the 343 FDNY personnel killed Sept. 11.

Campbell was off-duty on Sept. 11, 2001. He was visiting family in Amherst, but according to ceremony organizer Dave Danielson, started back for New York as soon as the events began unfolding.

“He got back to his firehouse that afternoon,” Danielson said, at a time when every available firefighter and rescuer was needed.

Wood, meanwhile, was presented the Aubrey G. Robinson Fire Prevention Award, named for the state’s first fire marshal, for showing “outstanding dedication and support above and beyond normal duties” and excelling in “public education code enforcement or code development” as a fire prevention officer, according to the committee’s description.

“I’ve always believed the biggest thing (about the job) is being someone who regulates what the public needs, and what it will tolerate,” Wood said, referring to finding the delicate balance for which fire marshals and prevention officers strive.

“It’s all about making things safer for both the community and firefighters. I just found out about (being selected) on Friday; this is a big honor, I’m very appreciative,” Wood added.

In Milford, it was the epitome of a team effort by nine firefighters, three captains and a lieutenant, along with their former chief, Frank Fraitzl, that earned them one of several Unit Citation Awards on Monday night.

The rescue, launched when Mont Vernon firefighter Rick Crocker fell through the floor into the basement of a burning home on Old Wilton Road on Jan. 30, 2008, drew Milford Engines 2 and 4 and Ladder 1 on mutual aid request.

Meanwhile, Fraitzl assisted Mont Vernon chief Jay Wilson at the command post.

According to the narrative, Capt. Ken Flaherty suddenly called a “mayday” – firefighter in distress – when it was discovered Crocker had fallen through the fire-weakened floor.

“The entire thing was a huge team effort,” Capt. Jason Smedick, who’s also the department’s fire prevention officer, said at the post-ceremony reception. “We all appreciate being recognized by our peers.”

When crews’ initial efforts to grab onto Crocker, who’d managed to climb onto a table, weren’t successful, some used a hose to hold back flames while others devised a way to rescue Crocker through a basement window. Crocker was treated for burns to his hands.

“Through their quick work, these men spared a fellow firefighter serious injury – or worse,” Danielson said.

Smedick, who was handed the department spokesman role by Flaherty as Flaherty departed with family members, said the rescue was a prime example of the value of training.

“We train all the time for things just like this,” Smedick said. “And this shows that it pays off.”

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6443 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com. Also follow Shalhoup on Twitter (@Telegraph_DeanS).