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If walking into the Winchester City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, individuals might have encountered a large Winchester Fire Department staff gathering.

It was for a good reason.

Among other items on the agenda, Lt. Ethan Brogli of the Winchester Fire Department was awarded the Winchester Fire Department’s Certificate of Commendation for actions taken on May 24, 2023.

He was presented with the award by Fire Chief Chris Whiteley.

“The Merit Commendation is awarded to those who distinguish themselves by heroism and/or special achievement”, Whiteley said. “The selfless actions of [Lt. Brogli] on May 24th, 2023, represent the highest standards of the Winchester Fire Department. Their action brings great credit upon themselves, the Winchester Fire Department, and the City of Winchester.”

On May 24th, the Winchester Fire Department responded to a house on West Lexington Avenue just before 10:00 a.m.

With light smoke being seen and believing that a resident was trapped inside, Battalion 1 forced the door open, only to encounter heavy smoke in the kitchen area and a second incipient fire from the stove area.

As defined by OSHA, an incipient fire is a recently begun fire in which poor visibility, smoke inhalation, and high temperatures have not reached a degree that requires a breathing apparatus.

Upon arriving with Ladder Company 1 – of which he is a member – Lt. Brogli entered the apartment in complete personal protective equipment and located a victim that had become overcome by smoke in a bedroom area between the bed and the wall.

“He did what every fireman is trained for”, Whiteley added. “He placed himself between the victim in harm’s way and carried him out to safety.”

While the victim was transported to Clark Regional Medical Center and treated, Lt. Brogli’s actions – which took place within 45 seconds of his arrival – “embody dedication to the mission, courage, and honor of the Winchester Fire Department”, Whiteley said.

Lt. Brogli received a standing ovation and was personally thanked by many in attendance, including City Commissioner Shannon Cox.

In other news, multiple bids were awarded for projects throughout the community.

The first was a bid for the Robert D. Campbell Junior High School Bioretention Basin to Ridgewater, LLC, for $279,993.50.

A bioretention basin, containing landscaping features, is adapted to provide on-site treatment of stormwater runoff.

Bids for the project were requested by both the City of Winchester and Palmer Engineering.

The motion passed unanimously.

A change order, perhaps best described as a written amendment to an existing contract, from Palmer Engineering, recommends reducing the contract amount of $279,993.50 by $24,376 for a total of $255,617.50.

Palmer Engineering recommends expending the $24,376 towards hiring Eco-Gro, a company that will provide three to five years of expert support and long-term maintenance.

Separately, a bid was awarded to The Allen Company of Lexington, KY, for the FY 2024 Paving Program.

Unit costs include paving of streets at $114.25 per ton, milling of streets at $63.40 per ton, hauling all milled product at $16.20 per ton, and edge key milling at $8.25 per linear foot.

Streets involved in the project include Garner Street, Winterberry Drive, Colby Ridge Boulevard, Redwing Drive – Bypass to Colby Ridge Boulevard, Holiday Road – Estes Drive to Harkins Drive, Fulton Road – Bypass to Seam East of Stamper Drive, Robb Court, East Hickman Street – Buckner Street to Elizabeth Street, Elizabeth Street, Hubbard Road, Linden Lane, Green Alley, Linden Avenue.