FORT SMITH - Four volunteer firefighters in Fort Smith credit teamwork and training - not heroism - for their rescue of a woman from a burning house in October.

However, others recognize bravery when they see it.

Deputy Fire Chief Westly Steed, Capt. Bernie Sheehan, Capt. David Porter and Senior Firefighter Karl Cox received certificates of bravery from the Town of Fort Smith on Jan. 22.

NWT Fire Marshal Bernie Van Tighem called the rescue in the early-morning hours of Oct. 20 an "act of conspicuous bravery of the highest order."

As the fire was burning above and around them, the firefighters forced their way through a wall to rescue a woman trapped by the blaze.

"They risked their lives to save another person," Van Tighem said, adding no greater sacrifice can be asked of any firefighter.

Mayor Peter Martselos has no doubts how to describe the firefighters.

"They are heroes," he said simply.

Lorna Catholique was rescued from the burning house.

Tragically, Lorna Norn, a 28-year-old mother of three from Fort Resolution, was in the section of the house where the fire was worst and died.

Despite the accolades for rescuing Catholique, the four firefighters humbly accepted the certificates of bravery.

"It's quite an honour, but we still feel, as a whole department, we did this all together," said Sheehan. "It was the department that saved the lady. We just happened to be on the inside."

The other firefighters echoed virtually the same sentiment.

"It was the whole department, not just the four of us," said Cox, 29.

Cox and Steed first heard knocking on a wall, and all four broke down the wall to rescue Catholique.

"It's nice to be recognized, but it's important to note it's not a one-man job," said Porter, 33. "It's a team coming together and doing a job."

Asked if he felt like a hero, Porter responded, "Not really."

However, he said he has a sense of pride for helping to save a person's life.

All four also credited their training for guiding them through the fire.

Sheehan, 35, remembered fire over the tops of their heads, and it was disorienting in the burning house.

However, he said he never really felt in danger.

"Our training teaches us what we can and cannot do," said Sheehan.

As for Cox, he said, "There's a risk, but we're trained to recognize what's too dangerous and what's not."

Steed, 42, said it was a bit overwhelming to help save a life. "Whatever you do in this life, you can always say you saved another," he said.

Steed said that anyone entering a burning building has to be at least a little scared. He added, "I felt safe going in there because of the guys I was going in with."

While presenting the certificates of bravery, along with Canadian Mint specialty "Bravery" dollar coins, Martselos told all Fort Smith firefighters gathered for the ceremony that the community appreciates their service and commitment.

"The most important thing is you're there when we need you," the mayor said, adding Fort Smith has one of the best fire departments in the North.

- with files from Erika Sherk