Two senior firefighters of the Idaho Falls Fire Department will each receive an Idaho Medal of Honor at an upcoming ceremony for their heroic actions on Oct. 5.

Travis Adams and Jeremy F. Newman were selected for the honor based on their response to a two-vehicle collision that day on a rural roadway in Bingham County, according to Hayli Egbert, Idaho Falls Fire spokeswoman. As a result of the crash, one vehicle left the roadway and became partially submerged in a canal, trapping all four occupants inside.

At the time of the incident, Adams and Newman were off duty when they received a notification through the PulsePoint application, Egbert said. Recognizing both the location and the seriousness of the call, they immediately responded in their personal vehicles, arriving on scene prior to on-duty emergency resources.

Fully aware of the hazards posed by moving water, cold temperatures and the vehicle’s instability, they entered the frigid water without hesitation, Egbert said.

They climbed into the unstable, submerged vehicle and began the immediate rescue of the trapped occupants, Egbert said. They removed each victim separately and carried them through the canal to the bank, where they could receive medical care.

“Their actions reflect extraordinary courage, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to protecting life—on duty or off,” said Paul Radford, Idaho Falls Fire deputy chief Paul Radford. “They represent the very best of our profession and of this department.”

Adams and Newman will be formally honored at a Sept. 1 ceremony in Boise.

"The Idaho Falls Fire Department and the City of Idaho Falls are proud to have such outstanding and selfless firefighters serving our community and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition," Egbert said.