At the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk in Alpena on Saturday, organizers honored Michigan State Police-Alpena Post Trooper Jacob Strong with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Follow the Footsteps Award.

Bestowed in honor of New York firefighter Stephen Siller, who died while helping others on 9/11, the award recognizes someone who has shown exemplary courage.

Strong in September rescued an elderly couple from their burning home in Spruce.

In February, The Michigan State Police also awarded Strong a Citation of Bravery for his lifesaving actions.