On Wednesday night, April 5, 2000, two Upper Southampton Township employees were honored by Police Chief David Schultz for their heroism in rescuing a Southampton Estates resident from the deadly fire of February 27th. Patrolman James Schirmer and Fire Marshal Mark Showmaker received honorary plaques from the police chief who said, "Their quick action averted any additional loss of life." Chief Schulz commended the men for their actions "above and beyond the call of duty." Township residents were awakened early that Sunday morning as sirens blared, but at the Southampton Estates retirement village on Street Road, 58 residents were evacuating their homes. Jim Schirmer was the first on the scene. Seeing Grace Bramer standing on her balcony in need of help, Schirmer climbed up on the roof of a sport utility vehicle. He was able to bring Ms. Bramer to safety by handing her to Showmaker, who was now on a fire ladder. It was Ms. Bramer's sister, Anne Hartmann, who lost her life in the fire. Jim Schirmer accepted the award with his wife in attendance. Chief Schulz also congratulated the couple on the upcoming arrival of their child. Showmaker accepted the award, but pointed out that other rescues were taking place that morning. Return to Fire Dept. home page. Site design by DiAnn Ohama.