Four Wareham firefighters were honored by Governor Deval Patrick for their heroic acts of bravery during the 22nd annual "Firefighter of the Year" awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 30 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester.

Patrick, along with Public Safety Secretary Mary Elizabeth Heffernan and State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan, recognized firefighters from 32 Massachusetts communities during the ceremony.

Wareham firefighters Michael Bird and David Wahlstrom both received medals of honor for their efforts this past March when a teenager operating under the influence of alcohol crashed his pick-up truck into an Oak Street home, causing both the house and the vehicle to go up in flames. Captain Edwin Brundage and Firefighter Ralph Braley were both honored with Meritorious awards for the same incident.

Wareham Fire Chief Robert McDuffy, who nominated the four firefighters for the awards, said that night had "all the ingredients of a bad situation."

Bird and Wahlstrom received medals of honor for risking their lives by going into the basement of the burning house to save the teenage driver of the pick-up truck, who was trapped behind the steering wheel of the vehicle, which was also on fire.

"They made a split second decision to save a life," McDuffy said, adding that Bird took off his own face mask to give it to the teenager who was having trouble breathing.

Braley, who was the driver/operator of the fire engine that night, supplied continuous water flow from the truck, while Brundage held the fire hose so Bird and Wahlstrom could get to the driver, McDuffy said. The Meritorious award is given to firefighters who have done a notable act of distinction in performing their duties, he added.

"It's the highest honor for these fellas," McDuffy said. "I'm proud of their accomplishments."

McDuffy added that it's nice to see that the investment of the Wareham Fire Department's training paid off in that "high pressure" situation.

In a statement, Patrick thanked the 46 honored firefighters and their families for their sacrifices.

"These individuals deserve our recognition every day for their leadership, bravery, courage and selflessness in the face of danger," the governor said.