The firemen who helped save two men in an explosion in Spooner last March were given a medal of valor Wednesday evening.

The Washburn County sheriff honored the five firefighters who helped bring Cory LaBonte and Aaron Merchant out of the Cortec plant explosion alive. The sheriff hung the medals around their necks and praised their courage.

As you may recall, in March, the Cortec plant went up in flames after a vapor build up ended up catching fire and blowing up. The sheriff pointed out one firefighter who had to crawl under the debris inside the building to get to Aaron Merchant.

Wednesday, Aaron and his wife Susan expressed their gratitude.

"So much in life has changed and we're thankful to these guys for having life. It's a bumpy road, but it's a road," Susan said.

"I appreciate them. They are heroes tried and true, yes," Aaron said.

Aaron Merchant says he's making progress and is so thankful to the firefighters. He says he doesn't have to use a cane or walker anymore.