It was a busy Thursday night as Firefighters from around the area filled the Washington City Council meeting room as members of the department were recognized for saving a life in July. Washington City Fire Chief Chris Richer presented 5 members of the department with medals and awards for their bravery while rescuing a disabled person from a burning home on Fayette Street over the summer. The Chief says quick thinking and a fast response was key to getting the victim safely out of the burning home. Also at the evening’s meeting, council voted to approve the release of 10 properties to the Redevelopment Authority for scheduled demolition. The buildings have been deemed a nuance and a public safety issue. Addresses of some of the buildings include College Street, Fayette, Duncan and Locust. Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess says this is the start of the process and hopes the county will kick in some funding because residents are concerned about the condition of the properties adjacent to their homes. An agreement has been reached between the city, the Parking Authority and the Washington School District to split the cost of an independent appraiser for the Crossroads Parking Garage site. The group wants an outside opinion on the value of the North Franklin Street garage as they continue to try to negotiate a fair deal to sell the property to the county.