Wayne Township firefighter honored by township, State of Michigan

WAYNE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Firefighters are meant to save lives, but as Michigan Representative Aaron Miller said Monday evening, Wayne Township Assistant Fire Chief Craig Yeager went “above and beyond” that responsibility.

Several township board and community members gathered at the township hall to honor Yeager for his heroism.

The reason? Yeager pulled 31-year-old Trisha Smith from her crashed, burning vehicle in July. In the lone rescue, Yeager only had his personal vehicle, turnout gear, and a Leatherman knife which he used to cut Smith free.

“It is most appropriate to offer this expression of thanks to Assistant Chief Craig Yeager who has taken it upon himself to go above saving the life of Trisha Smith in July of 2018,” Miller said as he read a state proclamation aloud. "We all rely on people like Assistant Chief Craig Yeager for the safety of our homes, businesses, and lives of those we love."

The state’s honor was followed up by recognition from the Wayne Township Board and a standing ovation from those in attendance.

Yeager said he’d much rather help change a tire but he’s thankful Smith is home with her family.