4 Eden Prairie Firefighters Honored for Rescuing Infant from Burning Townhome

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN — Four Eden Prairie firefighters were honored Wednesday for their rescue of an infant from a burning townhome more than two years ago.

Assistant Fire Chief Justin Johnson, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Worthington (then a captain), Firefighter Joshua Privette and Firefighter Michael Do were recognized at a ceremony in Eden Prairie on June 25, 2026, as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Freedom 250 Hometown Hero initiative.

On May 31, 2024, the four were among the first responders dispatched to a heavily involved structure fire on the 8500 block of Cardiff Lane.

With conflicting reports about whether anyone remained inside, Chief Johnson directed the crew to conduct an immediate search.

The firefighters entered without a hose line and completed a primary search of the first floor before moving upstairs through high heat and low visibility. Firefighter Privette located an infant in a playpen. The crew carried the child outside and transferred her to Hennepin EMS for transport to Children's Hospital. The child survived and continues to thrive.

"These four men entered a burning home with no certainty of what they would encounter and emerged carrying a child to safety," said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. "Their actions reflect the spirit of liberty, service, and civic responsibility that Freedom 250 was created to celebrate."

Freedom 250 is a national campaign through which U.S. Attorneys' Offices recognize individuals whose dedication, bravery and leadership have made a significant difference in their communities as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.