Firefighters Who Answered Call At Yacht Club Honored

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A week ago, one of the centerpieces of Annapolis culture was gutted by a fire.

Now as Mike Schuh reports, those who saved what they could are thanked.

The smoke and fire ruined this icon at the center of Annapolis -- the center of its sailing community and heritage.

The trophies may have melted. The irreplaceable models gone, but the club will rebuild.

In looking back on Dec. 12 -- one thing is clear.

Nearly a hundred firefighters answered the call.

R.J. Connor was first through the door.

"Your adrenaline gets going, but you have to revert to your training," said Connor, "so you make rational decisions. So you don't hurt yourself or your crew."

There were no deaths or injuries here.

In a big city, such fire, if not routine, somewhat regular.

That's not the case here.

So it's time for state, county and local leaders to thank those who ran toward the danger.

"These guys did a great job, everything textbook," said Annapolis Fire Department Chief David Stokes. "The fire went out,but nobody got hurt."

The crews are happy to be thanked, but say it's not necessary.

"That's enough gratitude for us. Most of the time is just being able to come in and perform the job," said Connor.

The yacht club is moving some of their operations away from their ruined building. They say to pay everyone who worked for the club for 30 days.