Hibbing Fire Captain Chris Petrack has received quite an honor from his department. On Sunday, November 25, Petrack received the Medal of Valor for his actions back on May 10, 2003. It was on that day when Petrack entered a north Hibbing home to rescue a man whose house was on fire. The Northland Fire Wire reported on the fire in it’s August 2003 edition. The man, who was later charged with arson, alledgely set the large house on fire, went into the basement, and refused to come out. Firefighter Petrack fought with the person, but was able to get him outside where Hibbing police officers came to help. For his heroic actions, Hibbing Battalion Chief Lonnie Abate nominated Petrack for the award. The presentation was held at the Hibbing Fire Department headquarters.
Chris Petrack’s actions were captured by Larry Ryan of the Hibbing Tribune and later published in The Northland Fire Wire-August 2003 edition.
Battalion Chief Lonnie Abate presents Fire Captain Chris Petrack with the Medal of Valor