CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery County Government recognized the first responders who helped rescue 20 people from the top of a carnival ride in Erin last month during the County Commission meeting on Monday.
Mayor Wes Golden introduced the Montgomery County Fire Service firefighters who traveled to Houston County and awarded them with certificates of recognition. They included Shaun Arms, Jeremy Black, Daniel Kroll, Matthew Matuszak, Matthew Newton, Wesley O’Brien and Emily Olmos.
“On March 12, 2025, at 9:04 p.m., the Montgomery County Fire Service received a mutual aid request for a 100-foot ladder truck to assist with rescuing individuals trapped on a malfunctioning carnival ride at the Irish Festival in Houston County,” Golden said. “The swing-carousel-type ride was approximately 95 feet tall, featuring 10 swinging cars and a capacity of 20 riders.
“We live in the Volunteer State, and when a neighbor asks for help, we respond. These firefighters responded and answered that call. The incident commander and operations established a gameplan. Tower 17 was set up, and firefighters rescued 19 patrons and one employee. The last person was pulled off the ride at 12:21 a.m.,” he said.
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Golden said after the incident gained local, regional and national attention, the county had conversations with many people thanking them for their assistance and discussing how great the firefighters were. “That is why I invited them here today; I wanted to thank them for their actions and let them know personally that I appreciate their service to the citizens of Montgomery County and to Houston County.”
Golden presented each first responder a mayor’s certificate and coin.
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