Edited release
10/27/26
Iowa City firefighter Jacob Gilmore has been awarded the department’s Medal of Bravery for his efforts in assisting a trapped firefighter during a residential fire. Gilmore was given the award last Friday during a ceremony in Emma Harvat Hall.
Gilmore was working at Station 4 on July 23rd of this year when a crew responded to a mutual aid request from the North Liberty Fire Department for a fire inside a residence at 3686 Forest Gate Drive NE, Iowa City. While attacking the fire, a section of the second floor of the home collapsed onto an Iowa City Firefighter, trapping them under the debris. During the incident, the firefighter’s helmet was displaced, their facepiece dislodged, and they were unable to reach their radio.
Gilmore immediately pulled the firefighter from the debris despite the inherent risk the setting presented. The firefighter was escorted from the structure, evaluated at the scene by the Johnson County Ambulance Service, and taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.
In his remarks, Iowa City Fire Chief Scott Lyon credited Gilmore’s training and bravery, which allowed him to act quickly in an unpredictable and life-threatening situation.
Gilmore has been an Iowa City firefighter since February 1st. He is a veteran of the United States Navy. Prior to joining the Iowa City Fire Department, Gilmore served with the Coralville Fire Department from 2024 to 2026.