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In April of 2016, Stephen Gunn (an Engineer with Peoria Fire & Medical Department) and 70 other firefighters were dispatched to a house fire near 75th Avenue and Thunderbird. A Peoria home was engulfed in flames following a home invasion that ended in arson, and firefighters received several reports from bystanders and officers that someone was trapped inside.  Stephen Gunn charged into the burning building through a window that had blown out from the heat of the fire. As Gunn crawled under the smoke, his helmet began to melt, his turnouts blackened, and his ears began to burn. Had Gunn been in the building for just 15 to 20 seconds longer, his turnout gear would have caught Fire. Gunn recovered the victim, a 73-year-old man, in less than 45 seconds and passed the victim to his captain. Stephen was treated at Arizona Burn Center for his burns but was back at work for his next shift. Gunn was awarded the Medal of Valor in Washington D.C. this year. The Medal of Valor is the highest recognition for public safety personnel.