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Charlotte firefighter given CFD’s Medal of Valor for actions during shooting

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Fire Department has awarded a firefighter with the department’s Medal of Valor for his actions during a shooting in Steele Creek.

According to CFD, the medal was awarded for “exhibiting exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save and protect others,” the department said in a news release.

CFD Chief Reginald Johnson gave the medal to Firefighter Michael Cunningham in a ceremony on Friday.

On Oct. 4, Charlotte Fire said Cunningham was leaving a grocery store, where he was buying lunch for his crew, when he heard shouts that someone had fired a gun in the parking lot at Berewick Town Center Drive and Steele Creek Road. It was in an area where a moving car was crashing into another car.

“There was a lady walking towards the area, and I grabbed her and pulled her aside,” Cunningham said in the news release. “Multiple people were trying to walk up to record, and I kept telling everybody, ‘Get back, get back, get back.’”

When it was safe enough, Cunningham called 911. He also told the woman he had pulled to safety to drive to a safe place. Then, he heard shouts that someone had been shot, so he went to the person who was hurt.

Cunningham provided medical aid until Engine 38 arrived and took over. The firefighter also kept bystanders safe and out of harm’s way, asking them to look out for the shooter, the fire department stated.

“I was a little shaken at first, but my instincts and training as a firefighter kicked in,” Cunningham said. “First is life safety. We get people to safety.”

CFD said Cunningham didn’t know he was getting the Medal of Valor. When he went on stage to accept the award, he thought immediately of his 1-year-old son.

“It was a proud moment to represent my family and the Charlotte Fire Department,” Cunningham said. “It was an inspiration to me to be part of something greater than myself and to be an example to my son. Hopefully, this will help mold him to follow in my footsteps.”

Chief Johnson spoke highly of Cunningham, saying in the news release that his courage showed the best of Charlotte Fire.

“Facing mortal danger, Cunningham demonstrated courage and dedication despite the risk presented to him, in order to protect others and give critical aid to a gunshot wound victim,” said Chief Reginald Johnson, “Cunningham is a firefighter who exemplifies the best of Charlotte Fire. Our department is filled with extraordinary people who risk their lives every day to protect our community.”

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the shooting was the result of a botched Facebook Marketplace transaction. Tan Nhat Tran was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

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