Rescue workers who saved the lives of 21 Nebraskans in 2008 were awarded for their efforts Tuesday.

The annual Phoenix Awards were held at the People's Choice Federal Credit Union, where Lincoln Fire Chief Niles Ford presented more than one hundred certificates. The awards were presented to the 911 dispatchers, firefighters and paramedics who responded to calls that resulted in saving a patient found by EMS without a pulse and not breathing, or clinically dead.

"Numerous firefighters got it this year, something we take a lot of pride in. But it's fulfilling that we know that we got to give somebody their life back," Firefighter and EMT Trent Brochers said. "It's very fulfilling. It's something you can go home with being proud, and being proud of your brothers and sisters on the job that we made a difference in somebody's life."

The awards were presented as part of the 36th annual National EMS Week, which is from May 17-23. As part of the observance, all fire stations in the City will host open houses from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23. The public can tour the facilities and equipment and receive free blood pressure and pulse oximeter checks.

Locations of the fire stations are:

Station 1 -1801 Q St.
Station 2 -1545 N. 33rd St.
Station 3 -121 S. 2nd St.
Station 4 - 5600 S. 27th St.
Station 5 - 3640 Touzalin Ave.
Station 6 - 5051 So. 48th St.
Station 7 -1340 S. Cotner Blvd.
Station 8 - 2760 S. 17th St.
Station 9 - 901 N. Cotner Blvd.
Station10 - 1440 Adams St.
Station 11 - 3401 N.W. Luke St.
Station 12 - 2201 S. 84th St.
Station 13 - 1700 S. Coddington Ave.
Station 14 - 5435 N.W. 1st St.