Rapid City (SD) Fire Department Honored with Ben Franklin Award for Valor

Orlando, FL - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI). today announced firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch and Morgan Helton and Fire Chief Jason Culberson as the recipients of the 2025 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor. Nominated for their heroic actions during a vehicle extrication and high-risk gas leak, these Rapid City Fire Department members exhibited incredible bravery and commitment to public safety.

On the night of April 9, 2024, at 10:41 PM, emergency crews were dispatched to a catastrophic scene at 420 Philadelphia Street. A vehicle traveling at an estimated 117 miles per hour in the seconds before impact had gone airborne for more than 50 feet before crashing into a three-story apartment building, breaching the structure between the second and third floors and landing directly on the building’s main gas line. The crash caused significant structural damage, a large gas leak at explosive limits, and an immediate threat to dozens of residents in the 61-unit building.

Firefighters Kyle Steen, Nick Jasnoch and Morgan Helton – collectively known as M1 – were among the very first responders on scene. Quickly recognizing the severity of the gas leak and the critical state of the vehicle's surviving occupant, M1 worked swiftly to extricate the passenger. M1 performed above and beyond the call of duty by providing crucial life-saving measures without protective gear or breathing apparatuses. The third passenger survived thanks to their efficient and selfless response. Meanwhile, fire chief Jason Culberson provided outstanding leadership throughout the incident and coordinated support with Pennington County Emergency Management and other first responders. As a result, 50 residents from the building were successfully evacuated and taken to safety away from the gas leak.

“The Ben Franklin Award for Valor, named after Benjamin Franklin, our nation’s first volunteer fire chief, is our most prestigious award, honoring firefighters who go above and beyond in the name of public safety,” said Chief Josh Waldo, president and board chair, IAFC. “We are grateful to this year’s winners. Your training, leadership and bravery are a tremendous inspiration.”

“The heroes of the Rapid City Fire Department chose to put themselves at great risk to save lives in an extraordinary display of selflessness,” said Frank Galvin, vice president, Motorola Solutions. “The challenges M1 faced are a reminder of how complex and dangerous firefighting is as a profession. One issue can quickly escalate into another, requiring first responders to be observant, adaptable and quick to act. On behalf of everyone at Motorola Solutions, thank you for your bravery and congratulations on this well deserved recognition.”

Medals of Honor were presented to firefighters Steen, Jasnoch and Helton on August 14 at a ceremony during the Fire-Rescue International conference in Orlando. Fire Chief Jason Culberson was also honored with a plaque in recognition of his outstanding leadership during the event.