— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Adri Sietstra Right: Mayor John Hawkins presents Firefighter Mark Ferguson a Lifesaving Commendation Monday night at the City Council meeting. Seven firefighters received the recognition.

Members of Webster City Fire Department were honored Monday night during the City Council meeting. Five men received the Lifesaving Commendation for their service during a house fire on March 8.

In addition to a certificate,Mayor John Hawkins presented each with a pin.

Those honored included Zach Williams, Phil Jessen, Don Wills, Mark Ferguson and Kenrick Weinschenk.

Webster City fire fighters Todd Madsen and Logan Frazier were also honored for their service, but were unable to attend the council meeting Monday night.

“I would just like to thank each of those members and all of our members for their dedication to our department and our community to keep them safe and for their selfless actions that took place on March 8,” said Fire Chief Charles Stansfield.

The men were honored for their service and response to a fire call that occurred on March 8. They were part of the search and removal of two victims from the fire. The search and fire teams removed two victims from a house fire and performed lifesaving procedures. One of the apartment residents, Lester Davis, perished in the fire. Tina Murray, the other resident, survived and was present at the council meeting.

“The fire fighters of Webster City continuously train for events just like the night of March 8,” said Stansfield. “It’s our hope as a department to do our best.”

Stansfield noted that the call to respond is a team effort and the department cannot accomplish anything as individuals, but as a team or family.

“It takes all of us to be successful,” said Stansfield.

Stansfield also thanked all of the family members present for their support and understanding.

“Without you, we couldn’t do it,” said Stansfield. “It’s only by your support that our department is able to meet the needs of our community.”