Three Manteca firefighters are being honored by the City Council Tuesday for aiding a passenger that suffered a medical emergency on a Jan. 20 return flight from the Midwest.

Battalion Chief Bill Canfield, Captain Jeff Dennis, and Keith Scott are being presented the Manteca Lifesaving Award during the 7 p.m. council meeting by Mayor Ben Cantu. The certificate notes “your actions have demonstrated commitment to providing the highest standard of service and dedication to the preservation of life.”

Interim Fire Chief Dave Marques said the trio had flown to the Midwest for an inspection at a manufacturing plan that is building a $655,755 fire engine the city orders.

At one point on the return flight a passenger collapsed in the aisle. The three firefighters immediately went to assist the passenger who had suffered a medical emergency. They stayed with him until he was handed off to a medical crew on the ground.

Marques said their actions exemplified the standard and commitment to service that the firefighters have established for the department.

The man’s grateful wife had a box of Omaha steaks sent to the Manteca Fire Department as a token of her appreciation.

The department is expected to take delivery of the fire engine later this year.

The engine currently assigned to the city’s fifth and newest fire station — a 2003 American La France — operates as the only frontline fire engine at that location. The engine is nearing its end of life and requires constant repair and maintenance to ensure its usefulness. With the purchase of a new fire engine, Fire Department staff will be able to rotate the unit into the fleet of aging reserve engines.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com